CHIPPED, CRACKED, CROOKÉD TEETH Chipped Tooth: It's the No. 1 type of dental injury. An accident can cause a chip. So can something much less dramatic, like chomping popcorn. Your dentist may recommend a crown if the chip is large, or bonding with a strong resin material to replace the area that chipped. If the pulp is at risk, you may need a root canal followed by a veneer or crown. Cracked Tooth: You were playing football without a mouth guard, or chewing, or maybe you don't know how it happened, but now you've got a cracked molar. Can your dentist save the footh? It depends. Most 'dentists recommend from worsening. If the tooth is sensitive to hot and cold, the problem is more complex. Try to chew on the other side until you see your dentist. If the crack is above the gum line, you may need a root canal and a crown. A deeper crack means the tooth must be pulled, though. Fillings can increase the chance of a crack. Crooked Teeth: The fix--orthodontia--isn't just for kids. And straightening crooked teeth and aligning your bite doesn't just make for a prettier smile. It can be a key part of improving overall dental health, relieving symptoms like jaw pain. Orthodontists may use braces (metal or trays), aligners, and retainers. Stained Teeth: Your teeth are like your laundry: the right approach will remove many stains. Foods, medications, tobacco, and traúma are some of the things that can discolor your teeth. You have three options for whitening them. Your dentist can use a whitening agent and a special light. Or you can bleach them at home with a plastic tray and gel from your dentist or a store. The simplest choice, whitening toothpaste and whitening rinses, will only remove surface stains. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1789437 CHIPPED, CRACKED, CROOKÉD TEETH Chipped Tooth: It's the No. 1 type of dental injury. An accident can cause a chip. So can something much less dramatic, like chomping popcorn. Your dentist may recommend a crown if the chip is large, or bonding with a strong resin material to replace the area that chipped. If the pulp is at risk, you may need a root canal followed by a veneer or crown. Cracked Tooth: You were playing football without a mouth guard, or chewing, or maybe you don't know how it happened, but now you've got a cracked molar. Can your dentist save the footh? It depends. Most 'dentists recommend from worsening. If the tooth is sensitive to hot and cold, the problem is more complex. Try to chew on the other side until you see your dentist. If the crack is above the gum line, you may need a root canal and a crown. A deeper crack means the tooth must be pulled, though. Fillings can increase the chance of a crack. Crooked Teeth: The fix--orthodontia--isn't just for kids. And straightening crooked teeth and aligning your bite doesn't just make for a prettier smile. It can be a key part of improving overall dental health, relieving symptoms like jaw pain. Orthodontists may use braces (metal or trays), aligners, and retainers. Stained Teeth: Your teeth are like your laundry: the right approach will remove many stains. Foods, medications, tobacco, and traúma are some of the things that can discolor your teeth. You have three options for whitening them. Your dentist can use a whitening agent and a special light. Or you can bleach them at home with a plastic tray and gel from your dentist or a store. The simplest choice, whitening toothpaste and whitening rinses, will only remove surface stains. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1789437