Do you have a chipped tooth? Maybe you cracked a tooth on a piece of hard candy. Or perhaps you have a tooth that is worn down from years of grinding. Damaged teeth can lead to bigger dental problems over time.
The good news is that help is available. At Cove Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Duling offers several ways to fix damaged teeth in Owens Cross Roads, AL. She will help you choose the right cosmetic or restorative dental treatment for your smile.
Treating Tooth Damage in Owen’s Cross Roads, AL
Do you have small tooth chips or big breaks in your tooth enamel? Cove Family Dentistry offers multiple options to restore the look and function of your smile if you have one or more damaged teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are ultra-thin shells that we bond to the front of the tooth enamel. Our dental office offers porcelain veneers, a highly reflective material that we color-match to the appearance of other teeth in the smile. Dental veneers are long-lasting restorations that offer restored function for many years to come.
However, we only recommend veneers to patients who are committed to this treatment. We need to prepare teeth for their veneers and cannot restore the appearance of natural teeth following veneer treatment. Patients will need to replace their veneers over time to maintain the appearance of their smiles.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding treatment is best for patients with minor aesthetic tooth damage. Bonding uses a biocompatible resin that we sculpt and mold onto prepared teeth. Tooth bonding treatment is also a great option for patients who want efficient care for chips, cracks, and breaks in their tooth enamel. Compared to dental veneers, tooth bonding treatment offers more affordable care.
Dental Crowns
A tooth crown acts as a cap to fully cover damaged teeth. Dental crowns add structure to worn and injured teeth to create a comfortable and functional smile. Crowns can also support fillings after root canal treatment or cap dental implants.
Like dental veneers, porcelain ceramic crowns blend in with the look of natural teeth. Unlike traditional metal crowns, porcelain ceramic crowns offer a seamless restoration. Tooth crowns are most beneficial for patients with damaged molars as they are strong enough to support the bite.
Which Treatment is Right For You?
The best treatment for your tooth damage depends on how severe the problem is and what you want your smile to look like.
Tooth bonding works well for small chips and cracks. It is fast, affordable, and usually takes one appointment. The downside is that bonding only lasts three to five years before it needs touch-ups.
Porcelain veneers are better for multiple damaged teeth or teeth that do not look the way you want. They last 10 to 15 years and resist stains well. However, veneers cost more and take two or three visits. Dr. Duling also needs to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth, so those teeth will always need a veneer or crown.
Dental crowns are the strongest option. They work best for badly damaged teeth, large cracks, or teeth that have had root canals. Crowns also last 10 to 15 years and require two visits. They cost more than bonding but are similar to veneers.
Not sure which option is right for you? Dr. Duling can help. She will examine your teeth, listen to your goals, and explain your options clearly. She will never push you into a treatment you do not want or need.
Fix Tooth Damage Today
Do you need to treat your injured or damaged teeth? Request a dental appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Duling and her dental team on our website. You can also call us at 256-534-1475. We are excited to see you at your next appointment.