Cosmetic dentistry information for everyone.

Hi. I have two chipped front teeth. I had dental bonding on them, but now they chipped again, even a little further. My dentist is recommending four dental crowns. That seems like such an aggressive treatment to me for teeth that are otherwise healthy. What other options do you recommend, if any? Thanks for taking time out to answer my question.

Haley M. from Wyoming.

Haley,

I’m a little confused why your dentist is recommending four crowns instead of two. You said you only had two chipped teeth. Is there some other pertinent information I don’t have? If not, I’m questioning having this dentist do your treatment.

Assuming I have all the information I will say that I agree with you. Porcelain crowns are just too aggressive a treatment for healthy teeth. However, you’ve got the problem of dental bonding not working for you already. If you got more bonding on, chances are they wouldn’t last that long the second time around either. To me, it sounds like you are a great candidate for porcelain veneers. That will take off a very minimal amount of tooth structure, and they will last.

Let me give you a word of caution though. Make sure you go to an expert cosmetic dentist to have these done. With them being your front teeth, they will be a very visible part of your smile. You’ll want them to be as artistically done as possible.

This blog is brought to you by New Jersey Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

I had some bonding done on my two front teeth about three years ago. They are now chipped and my dentist wants to do two crowns instead. I don’t want that much of my teeth ground away. Should I just get them re-bonded?

Lissel D. in Kansas

Dear Lissel,

Though I haven’t seen your case, I would not consider crowns the next best step if all that is wrong with them is the chipping. Porcelain crowns seem like an aggressive move. You could have them re-bonded, but seeing as they’re already chipping I’m not sure that is a great option for you. My suggestion would be porcelain veneers. There is very little tooth preparation needed, just some mild shaving. You cannot tell the difference in appearance between a shaved and unshaved tooth. In addition, veneers are very strong and durable. Hope this helps your decision.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Allyson Hurley.