Chipped, Cracked, and Worn Teeth

Welcome to our Patient Education page!

We believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well being. For your personal use, we have created a patient library covering a few educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.

Special thin laminates, called veneers, can often be used to correct discolored, worn down, cracked and chipped teeth. Veneers can also be used to close unsightly gaps between teeth. Stronger types of veneers made of porcelain, also called composite veneers, typically last longer because they are bonded to the tooth.

Another process called bonding can accomplish some of the same things, but it does not last as long. Material that looks much like the enamel on your teeth is used during a bonding procedure. The material is shaped to the tooth, and when it becomes hard it is polished.

In addition, dental contouring and reshaping can correct chipped, cracked, crooked, or even overlapping teeth. This procedure can alter the shape, length, or position of teeth.