Don't Take Chances with Chipped Teeth

In the movies, a simple pratfall usually gets a big laugh, and a resulting chipped tooth can have the audience rolling in the aisles. But in real life, a chipped tooth due to trauma is no laughing matter. Besides possible pain and damage, a chipped tooth can cause a lot of embarrassment.

If you have a chipped tooth, you're not alone! In fact, chipped teeth are the most common dental injury today. While a chipped tooth can range in terms of size and damage, any type of dental trauma deserves immediate attention. Although a small chip will most likely not cause pain, you should contact a dentist to make sure there is no other damage to the tooth's structure. A dentist will be able to rule out accompanying cracks or internal dental problems when examining your chipped tooth.

More significant damage should definitely not be ignored! A broken tooth may result in an exposed nerve, which can cause a great deal of pain. A completely knocked-out tooth can actually be saved if you act quickly. Regardless of your dental emergency, contact your dentist right away.

 

Porcelain Veneers for an Instant Smile Makeover

How long is your dental wish list? If you're like most people, you've considered several cosmetic dentistry treatments to help whiten, straighten or reshape your teeth -- but for a total smile makeover, natural-looking dental veneers may be the fastest way to create a beautiful new smile.

Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are attached to your existing teeth to meet a variety of cosmetic goals. Your dentist can match them to your natural or desired tooth color for a uniform, authentic appearance. Porcelain veneers are also highly stain-resistant and may actually strengthen your natural teeth.

There are many reasons you and your dentist may choose porcelain veneers, but if you have any of the following dental problems, you may find them especially helpful:

•    Dull or stained teeth
•    Crowded or crooked teeth
•    A diastema (gap) between your front teeth
•    Teeth that are misshapen, too small or too big
•    Chipped or broken teeth

Rather than spending years with dental braces and multiple appointments for dental bonding, teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, your dentist can completely transform your smile with teeth veneers in only two dental visits.