I chipped one of my lower front teeth about last October. The chip isn’t large, but the rough edge keeps rubbing against my lip, and I’m self-conscious about smiling.
I’ve been back to the dentist several times for bonding, but the filling keeps coming off after only 3 or 4 days. Is there any way for the tooth to grow back naturally, or is there a treatment that would last longer? – Thanks. Luke
Luke,
A chipped lower front tooth can be surprisingly difficult to restore successfully. Patients are often discouraged when a repair comes off, but the underlying issue is frequently related to the bite rather than the restorative material.
Why Is the Bite So Important When Repairing a Chipped Lower Incisor?
The bite determines how much force the repaired tooth must absorb. Every time the teeth come together, the lower incisors contact the backs of the upper front teeth. If you rebuild a chipped edge with composite, the restoration needs protection from excessive biting pressure. Otherwise, repeated stress can weaken the bond over time.
A tooth that sticks out slightly farther than the others can receive much more force. In the example, tooth #24 retained its composite repair, while tooth #25 lost its bonding. Tooth #25 projects slightly farther forward, making it more likely to contact the upper teeth first. That concentrated force can place the restoration at greater risk of failure.
How Can the Problem Be Treated?
Successful treatment focuses on both the restoration and the patient’s bite. Replacing the missing tooth structure is often not enough. Long-term success depends on creating a balanced bite that spreads chewing forces across all the front teeth.
Treatment may include:
- Adjusting the shape or position of the affected tooth.
- Making sure the lower front teeth contact the upper teeth evenly.
- Selecting an appropriate restorative material.
- Carefully evaluating the bite after the repair is complete.
In this case, Dr. Bell restored both lower incisors with dental veneers and reshaped tooth #25 so it no longer extended farther forward than #24. The result distributed biting forces more evenly and produced a stable restoration. Similar success may also be possible with composite bonding when a dentist experienced in cosmetic dentistry and occlusion completes it.
What If Advanced Cosmetic Treatment Is Not Available Locally?
A simpler treatment may still improve comfort. If access to highly experienced cosmetic dentists is limited, smoothing the rough edges of the chipped tooth may be the most practical option. Although it does not replace the missing tooth structure, it can reduce lip irritation and improve comfort while other treatment options are considered.
Dr. James Gavrilos, an accredited cosmetic dentist from Barrington, Illinois, sponsors this post. Read about how he strives to provide some of the best dental care in Barrington.