Last week I was at a family pool party and had an accident that chipped my tooth. The chip isn’t large, but it’s on the inside of my right center tooth, so it’s noticeable. I have questions about porcelain veneers if you have a few minutes.
If I get a veneer, can it look like my original tooth shape? Will the color match my left front tooth? How much time will it take to get the tooth repaired?
Thanks. Tanya W.
Tanya,
The results depend on the dentist who does the work. If a family dentist restores your tooth, the results might not look natural. But an expert cosmetic dentist can perfectly match a veneer to your left center tooth.
An Alternative to Porcelain Veneers
It’s not necessary to cover the entire front of your tooth with a porcelain veneer to conceal a chip
If the only damage to your right front tooth is a chip, composite bonding is the best way to conceal it. The process is less invasive than a porcelain veneer, and a cosmetic dentist will complete it while you’re sitting in the dental chair:
- Roughen the surface of your tooth where it’s chipped
- Apply dental composite that matches your tooth shade
- Shape the composite to mimic the characteristics of your teeth
- Harden the composite and further shape and polish it
In contrast, a porcelain veneer requires the following steps:
- Remove a small amount of tooth enamel to ensure the veneer fits well and looks natural
- Take impressions and photos of your teeth
- Place a temporary veneer over your tooth for you to try out
- If you approve the look and feel of the temporary, a ceramist will make the final veneer
- Send instructions, impressions, and photos to the lab and ceramist to make your porcelain
- Bond the veneer to your tooth after you’re sure it’s beautiful
In either case, choose an expert cosmetic dentist—preferably accredited—to achieve natural-looking results that help you smile with confidence again. Cosmetic dentistry is an art. Only dentists with post-graduate training and artistic ability to achieve lifelike results. And there are only a few genuine cosmetic dentists.
Lowell, MA, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.