Even the most durable dental crowns, bridges, and veneers don’t last forever. Over time, natural wear, decay, or damage can compromise their fit or appearance. Knowing when to repair a dental restoration and when to replace one is key to helping preserve your smile’s beauty, your bite’s function and integrity, and save you money in the long run.
At North Idaho Dental Group, serving Ponderay and Coeur d’Alene, ID, Dr. Paige Landers and our excellent teams help all our patients make confident, informed choices about their dental restorations.
When Repair Might Be Enough
Small chips, surface cracks, or minor staining on dental restorations can often be corrected with bonding or polishing. This is especially true for porcelain veneers. Even with a crown or bridge, if you’ve still got a snug fit and proper protection for your tooth, a simple adjustment or repair may restore comfort and appearance. In many cases, Dr. Landers can use composite material to patch or reinforce the affected area, extending the restoration’s lifespan.
When Replacement Is the Better Option
If your crown, bridge, or veneer is loose, broken, or showing signs of decay underneath, it’s usually best to replace it. Poor fit can allow bacteria to enter, leading to sensitivity, infection, or structural damage to the underlying tooth. Replacing restorations also makes sense if your bite has changed or if the restoration no longer matches your smile’s color or shape.
How North Idaho Dental Group Helps You Decide
Dr. Landers performs a thorough examination, with support from advanced digital imaging, to assess each restoration’s condition, as well as your bite and overall oral health. Then, together, you’ll review the pros and cons of repairing versus replacing, balancing function, aesthetics, cost, and longevity.
Expert Crown, Bridge, and Veneer Care in Coeur d’Alene and Ponderay, ID
If you’re unsure whether to repair or replace your dental crown, bridge, or veneer, contact Dr. Paige Landers and the skilled team at North Idaho Dental Group today. Schedule a consultation to ensure your smile’s health, beauty, and strength with precision care.