Why Does My Lower Front Tooth Bonding Keep Chipping?

Posted by AllSmiles

My lower left front tooth chipped last October. My dentist repaired the chip with bonding, but it only lasts 2-3 months before it chips. Will I need a crown instead of bonding? My dentist recommends that I focus on not biting down as hard with the tooth. That’s a weird solution, but I’m not sure what to expect. Thank you. Devon from CT

Devon,

Your lower front teeth touch the backs of your upper front teeth every time you close your mouth. That repeated contact often causes small chips. When bonding material is used to repair a chip, it can sometimes break again due to the constant pressure from biting.

Why Does Some Tooth Bonding Fail While Others Last?

Even slight differences in how teeth line up can affect whether bonding holds. If one tooth sticks out a little farther than the others, it absorbs more of the bite’s impact and is more likely to chip or lose its bonding. Teeth that share the pressure evenly are less likely to have recurring problems.

What Are the Treatment Options for a Broken Lower Tooth?

Depending on how your teeth fit together, a dentist may recommend:

• Dental bonding – A tooth-colored material applied to rebuild the chip. With the right technique, bonding can look natural and last for years.
• Porcelain veneers – Thin tooth-shaped shells placed on the front of teeth to strengthen them and improve their appearance. Veneers can balance how your teeth bite together.

Both treatments can be successful in the hands of an experienced cosmetic dentist. The best choice depends on your bite and the amount of stress your front teeth experience.

possesses strong skills in cosmetic dentistry.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. Read how they strive to give patients some of the best dental care in Chandler.