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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Why Does the Bonding on My Chipped Lower Incisor Fall Off?

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I’ve had bonding on a chipped lower incisor multiple times, but the filling lasts less than a week before coming off. What can my dentist do to keep the repair in place? – Thanks. Seth from IN

Seth,

A chipped lower front tooth can be surprisingly difficult to restore successfully. Patients are often discouraged when a dental bonding or another restoration comes off, but the underlying issue is frequently related to the bite rather than the restorative material.

Why Is Your Bite So Important When Repairing a Chipped Lower Incisor?

Your bite determines how much force the repaired tooth must absorb. Every time the teeth come together, the lower incisors contact the backs of the upper front teeth. If a chipped edge is rebuilt with composite, the restoration needs protection from excessive biting pressure. Otherwise, repeated stress can weaken the bond over time.

A tooth that sticks out slightly farther than the others can receive much more force.

In the example, tooth #24 retained its composite repair, while tooth #25 lost its bonding. Tooth #25 projects slightly farther forward, making it more likely to contact the upper teeth first. That concentrated force can place the restoration at greater risk of failure.

What Is the Treatment for a Chipped Lower Incisor?

Successful treatment focuses on both the restoration and the patient’s bite. Replacing the missing tooth structure is insufficient. Long-term success depends on creating a balanced bite that spreads chewing forces across all the front teeth.

Treatment may include:

  • Adjusting the shape or position of the affected tooth.
  • Making sure the lower front teeth contact the upper teeth evenly.
  • Selecting an appropriate restorative material.
  • Carefully evaluating the bite after the repair is complete.

In this case, Dr. Bell restored both lower incisors with porcelain veneers and reshaped tooth #25 so it no longer extended farther forward than #24. The result distributed biting forces more evenly and produced a stable restoration. Similar success may also be possible with composite bonding when completed by a dentist experienced in cosmetic dentistry and occlusion.

Before and after chipped lower incisor tooth restoration with porcelain veneers

Photos courtesy of Dr. Ian Bell of Bellevue, WA

 

What If Advanced Cosmetic Treatment Is Not Available Locally?

If access to highly experienced cosmetic dentists is limited, smoothing the rough edges of the chipped tooth may be the most practical option. Although it does not replace the missing tooth structure, it can reduce irritation to the lip and improve comfort while other treatment options are considered.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

What’s the Best Treatment for a Child’s Damaged Front Tooth?

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My 10-year-old son recently fell and severely fractured his two front teeth. Most of each tooth was gone, with only small pieces remaining on the edges. The dentist rebuilt them with bonding, but the result is disappointing.

The teeth look bulky and uneven, and they’re noticeably shorter than before. I don’t want this to affect his confidence at such a young age.

Are the cosmetic dentists you recommend experienced with children? If not, could you guide me toward someone who can help us correct this? – Thanks. Naomi from TN

Naomi,

Before-and-after composite boning photos

Composite bonding

Bonding is conservative and appropriate for a child’s front tooth. The difficulty lies in making it look natural when a large portion of the tooth structure is missing.

These cases require true artistry. That’s why similar cases appear in high-level cosmetic dentistry accreditation exams.

Should You Worry About Cooperation?

If your son can remain calm and follow instructions, he should do well. Age alone does not determine success, though. Dentists who enjoy cosmetic work often treat cooperative children comfortably. The main challenge arises with very young children who cannot sit through detailed procedures.

Why Should Crowns Be Avoided in Young Front Teeth?

Crowning a 10-year-old’s front tooth creates long-term risks that outweigh convenience.

At his age:

  • The pulp is still large and vulnerable, increasing the likelihood of needing a root canal if the tooth is aggressively prepared.
  • The tooth will continue erupting, which can expose the crown margin over time and compromise aesthetics.

What Would I Suggest?

Find a highly skilled cosmetic dentist and proceed with bonding. Done correctly, it will look completely natural and preserve the health of his tooth. This approach protects both his smile today and his long-term dental health.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

My Temp Veneers for Front Teeth Have Humps at the Top

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I’m currently in the process of getting porcelain veneers replaced for my two center front teeth. It’s been a challenge for me and my dentist. I originally had bonding on these teeth, which my dentist replaced with veneers. Unfortunately, those veneers felt too bulky, making it difficult to close my mouth comfortably.

My new dentist tried bonding again, but the results looked amateurish. She suggested a new set of porcelain veneers to create a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing smile. She’s already prepped my teeth for the new veneers.

My question is, do all veneers for front teeth have a noticeable hump at the top? Most veneers have this, but I’ve noticed a smoother transition with Durathins. Right now, I’m wearing temporaries, and while they look okay, they still have that unwanted hump. I’m concerned and don’t want to move forward. – Thanks Meghan from RI

Meghan,

We understand your concerns.

It sounds like you’re having a frustrating experience with your dental veneers. It’s completely understandable to want a natural-looking, comfortable smile. A well-placed veneer should seamlessly blend with natural teeth without unsightly humps or irregularities.

A skilled cosmetic dentist should be able to create a beautiful, functional smile without compromising aesthetics. If your current dentist doesn’t meet your expectations, consider a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Porcelain veneers after photo of a woman's smile that was restored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek.

Smooth, well-formed porcelain veneers from Dr. Szarek and his ceramist

Before committing to the final veneers, your dentist must schedule a try-in appointment so you can see how they will look and feel. Skilled cosmetic dentists adjust the veneers until you are delighted with the result.

Don’t hesitate to voice your concerns and expectations to your dentist. A good dentist will listen to your feedback and work with you to achieve the smile you desire.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Szarek strives to give his patients the best dental care in Lowell.

Finding a cosmetic dentist who does good bonding work

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How can I find a cosmetic dentist that does good bonding work? I know that the dentists aren’t making the porcelain veneers themselves, but I have two acquaintances that have had porcelain veneers fall off. So I know how important the bonding is. Before I select a cosmetic dentist, I need a little advice on how to find a good one for bonding. – Sheri M.

Sheri – Your choice of a cosmetic dentist matters for both the bonding work and for the porcelain veneers themselves.

The cosmetic dentist has to plan your treatment, take quality impressions, and give details about the shade, texture, translucency, and shape of your veneers. When the veneers are returned from the lab, the cosmetic dentist will approve the work and bond the veneers to your teeth, or return the veneers to the lab for adjustments—or for them to be completely re-made. The results of an expert ceramist at a lab are very dependent on the instructions received from the cosmetic dentist. It is the expertise of both professionals that result in a beautiful smile makeover.

Additionally, if a dentist does not have excellent artistic inclination, he or she is unlikely choose a ceramist with the same inclination. An expert cosmetic dentist knows how the ceramist will affect the end result. A cosmetic dentist with an artistic eye wants you to have a beautiful smile and will choose a ceramist and lab that will produce those results.

If you need assistance finding a skilled cosmetic dentist in your area, mynewsmile.com is an excellent resource. The website is run by a retired cosmetic dentist. Names are not randomly added to mynewsmile.com. Dentists’ training and credentials are checked, and photos of their work are submitted before their names are added to the website.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Caring for composite veneers

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Hi,

I had resin veneers done on my upper teeth several years ago and now am wondering about how long they will last. I’ve been reading now about porcelain veneers and worry that the composite ones will start to deteriorate. Can they last 10 years or more? And, as they get old, will they all start to deteriorate at the same time?

Beverly in Springfield

Dear Beverly,

While composite veneers are not as strong and stain-resistant as porcelain veneers, they can last a long time if cared for properly.

First, you should use a professional grade toothpaste that is designed for people who have had cosmetic dental work done. Supersmile toothpaste is a good brand.

Next, you should be careful when you go in for a cleaning that the hygienist does not use anything abrasive polishers, such as pumice, on your teeth that could damage the veneers. Be sure you choose someone who has extensive experience with maintaining composite dental bonding work.

This blog brought to you by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Good luck!