What's the Best Cosmetic Option to Repair a Cracked Tooth?

Enjoying your favorite meal out with friends can take a turn for the worst when you experience that unnatural telltale crunch in your mouth. You've got a cracked tooth, and you need to get to your dentist right away. You wonder, however, what's the best option to repair a cracked tooth?

Depending on the severity of your chip or crack, you might have a few options, including a dental filling, crown, or porcelain veneer. Dr. Cerina Fairfax will help you determine which option will best suit your needs based on your situation.

What Is a Dental Filling?

Typically used to restore a tooth that has a cavity or tooth decay, a dental filling uses composite resin that is custom shaded to match your tooth. Composite can also be used to fix small chips or fractures in your teeth, so if your tooth has sustained a small crack, Dr. Fairfax may recommend cosmetic bonding, which can be done during one short appointment at our office.

What Is a Porcelain Veneer?

For teeth with bigger issues, a porcelain veneer may be the right option. Best described as a thin layer of porcelain designed to fit over your tooth, a dental veneer can cover or repair chipping, fractures, excessive wear, and other issues such as:

• Stains and discoloration
• Misshapen teeth
• Gaps and spacing between teeth

Veneers are customized to match your teeth, plus they're stain resistant, so they don't discolor at the rate your natural teeth do. They can be used to repair one or two teeth, or they can completely change the appearance of your entire smile.

What Is a Dental Crown?

For teeth that are damaged beyond what a filling can repair, Dr. Fairfax may recommend a dental crown. This restoration is designed to replace your entire tooth, while protecting the integrity of your root. It fits over your remaining tooth structure and is customized to give you the esthetics and function you had with your natural tooth.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Fairfax

If you've got a tooth in need of repair, give us a call today to learn more about your options for cosmetic dentistry in Fairfax!