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What Are Treatment Options for a Teen’s Chipped Teeth?

Posted by AllSmiles

My 14-year-old daughter’s front teeth are chipped from an accident. They are her permanent teeth, so our options are limited. At 14, she may have another growth spurt. Are veneers or bonding the only options for her chipped teeth? Thank you. Danielle

Danielle,

Thank you for your question. You are correct that veneers or bonding are the options for permanent teeth unless the tooth is severely damaged.

What Are the Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth?

For a teenager who is still growing, dental bonding is the preferred option for minor chipped teeth. When a large portion of a tooth is missing, a dentist will x-ray it for internal damage and determine whether the tooth needs a dental crown to protect it. A skilled cosmetic dentist can conceal the chips with these steps:

  • Clean the teeth
  • Roughen the surfaces
  • Etch the teeth and apply a bonding agent
  • Select and blend dental composites that match the teeth
  • Apply and shape layers of composite on each tooth
  • Harden the composite
  • Reshape and polish the composite to match the surrounding natural teeth

Cosmetic dentists can restore chipped teeth with dental bonding while patients sit in the dental chair. Bonding strengthens teeth because, according to the American Dental Association, tooth enamel and bonding fuse. The seamless bond will look completely natural.

How Long Will Dental Bonding Last?

Quality dental bonding placed by a cosmetic dentist lasts an average of five years. As the bonding wears, a dentist will eventually need to replace it. If your daughter takes care of the bonding and sees a cosmetic dentist to refresh it and remove stains.

Before and after chipped teeth photos from Rocky Hill dentist Dr. Michalski
Dr. Michalski restored this patient’s chipped teeth with dental bonding

What About Porcelain Veneers for Teenagers?

Porcelain veneers can restore chipped teeth, but dental bonding is more practical for a growing teenager whose jaw is still growing. A dentist would need to replace the veneers when the jaw and tooth are complete, and each veneer costs over $1,000.

Will Dental Insurance Pay to Repair a Chipped Tooth?

Although dental insurance will not cover the entire cost of dental bonding, it may provide some coverage. Contact your dental insurance company to ask about plan benefits.

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who treats children.

Rocky Hill, Connecticut, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post.