The human bite is nowhere near as strong as a crocodile's, but it can still exert 150 to 200 pounds per square inch (psi). That's about a fifth of the bite force of lions, tigers, and hyenas.
In any case, that kind of force gives the human teeth enough power to tear away at food, and sometimes, even objects. This, paired with the enamel that covers the teeth, makes them exceptionally hardy. Just so you know, the enamel is the hardest biological material, so it's much stronger than steel.
Unfortunately, your chompers, especially the front teeth (incisors), are also more brittle. That's why they're susceptible to damage, such as cracking, chipping, and even breaking. Being at the very front, the incisors get exposed to more hazards than your molars, which are at the back.
The great news is that there are several ways to restore damaged front teeth. We'll cover some of the best ones in this guide, so be sure to read on.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding involves the use of tooth-colored composite resin materials. Composite resin is a putty-like plastic substance that's flexible and easy to mold. They "bond" and adhere to the teeth through a curing process.
Dentists often use tooth bonding materials to fill minor cavities. In many other cases, they use it as a form of adhesive for other dental materials. For instance, they may use a small amount of composite resin to "glue" veneers or crowns to the teeth.
As a stand-alone treatment, dental bonding can restore chipped or cracked teeth. They can also fill the space in minor diastemas, the condition you likely know as "gapped teeth." You should consider getting that gap "bridged," as it can raise your risks of tooth decay.
Besides, dental bonding is the most affordable treatment for restoring front teeth. However, it only works on minor tooth flaws, so you need to see the dentist as soon as you notice these issues.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are super-thin shells often used to restore teeth with stubborn stains. They are about a millimeter thick, and most of the time, used only for front tooth restoration. They also cover just the teeth's visible or front surface.
Aside from camouflaging stains, veneers can also correct minor teeth structure flaws. Small chips and cracks are easy to correct with these shell-like materials. Your dentist may also recommend them for misshapen front teeth or minor diastemas.
Composite resin and porcelain are the two most common materials used for veneers. According to researchers, porcelain is often a better choice, as it has a 90% survival rate for up to 20 years. By contrast, composite resin's survival rate is only 87% over a span of three years.
Porcelain veneers, however, can be expensive, as their prices start at over $900 per tooth. Bioclear, a composite resin-based material, is a lower-cost alternative to veneers.
Dental Crowns
Also called "dental caps," dental crowns, like veneers, also cover the teeth. The chief difference is that crowns go over the entire teeth and not just the front surface. Dentists can also place them not only on the front teeth but also on the canines, premolars, and molars.
For many decades, crowns consisted of metal alloys as well as gold or silver. Today, porcelain and zirconia are more common, as they are more aesthetic and durable.
Dental crowns, as they cover the entire teeth, are ideal for fixing more major tooth problems. They can restore teeth with more significant damages like bigger cracks and chips. They're thicker than veneers, so they're also better at reinforcing the front teeth.
However, it's also this thickness that makes crowns more invasive. Do note that both veneers and crowns require the removal of the outer layer of the teeth. As crowns are thicker than veneers, dentists need to file down more of the teeth's outer layer.
Teeth Whitening
Did you know that two-thirds of folks in the US drink at least one cup of coffee every day?
As tasty and rejuvenating as coffee is, it's also one of the most common culprits behind teeth stains. Wine, carbonated drinks, and tea are also major contributors to teeth discoloration.
If your front teeth have turned pale yellow or even brown, consider getting them whitened. You can whiten them with at-home kits, but in-office dental whitening is more effective. Moreover, professional whitening is better in getting rid of more stubborn stains.
Teeth whitening materials consist of safe dental bleaches like hydrogen peroxide. These substances work by breaking down stains into minuscule parts. This break down makes them easier to remove, resulting in whiter, brighter teeth.
Good Old Professional Dental Cleaning
There are at least 700 species of bacteria found in the mouth, many of which are the bad kind that causes tooth decay. At the very least, they strip away the enamel of the teeth. If this happens to your front teeth, they may develop spots whiter than the rest of the teeth.
These problems are highly preventable with regular dental prophylaxis. "Dental prophylaxis" is the medical term for deep dental cleaning. It's a thorough procedure that removes not only plaque but also tartar build-up.
It's best to get dental prophylaxis at least once every six months. It's part of your routine dental checkups, in which your dentist also checks the state of your teeth and gums. All in all, deep dental cleaning helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Dazzle Everyone With Your Smile by Getting Your Front Teeth Restored
There you have it, your comprehensive guide on how to restore your front teeth. For minor to moderate stains, consider professional whitening. For more stubborn stains or physical damages, go with veneers or dental crowns.
The most important thing, however, is to see your dentist at least twice a year. This way, you can keep all your teeth (not just the incisors) healthy and strong.
Ready for more health, fitness, and lifestyle tips and tricks like this? Feel free to browse the rest of our site then!
