Chipping a tooth is unfortunately a common occurrence for many people.  But what do you do when you chip a tooth?  What are your options?

You have many choices when repairing a chipped tooth.  If the chip is very small, the enamel can be shaped to correct the flaw.  However, many chipped teeth need more work than enamel shaping.  Cosmetic bonding is an option that involves applying a dental bonding material, or resin, directly to the tooth.  The resin is blended to a color that matches your tooth and is hardened with a light.  Tooth bonding is most often quick, affordable, and relatively painless.

Porcelain veneers are another option.  They are constructed of a very thin sheet of porcelain that is bonded to the front of the tooth after the tooth has been shaved down.  Since the porcelain is bonded directly to the tooth, it is extremely strong and durable.  The doctor will have the veneer made to match the color and shape of your other teeth.  Due to the translucency of the porcelain veneer, it looks almost identical to your other teeth.  Porcelain veneers are more expensive than enamel shaping or cosmetic bonding, but can last years, if not decades.