- What bothers you
- Chipped and worn teeth
Chipped and worn teeth
and how we can restore them
Bokserska 54/U1, 02-690 Warszawa · Mokotów
A chipped edge is most often the result of an injury, biting something hard, overloading or a collision in the bite. Sometimes it is small damage that mainly affects how the tooth looks, and sometimes it is larger and needs a closer assessment.
Mokotów, 54 Bokserska Street, unit U1. Consultation PLN 200, bonding from PLN 1,000 per tooth.
From the smile design to the last check-up your treatment is led by one dentist, whom you choose at the consultation. Before we start work on your teeth, you will see and try on your future smile.
What patients write (in Polish)
Do dr. Mikołaja trafiłam z ogromnym bagażem — wieloletnią, bardzo silną traumą i dużym zakresem leczenia. Sam fakt, że w ogóle zdecydowałam się rozpocząć leczenie, był dla mnie ogromnym krokiem. Dziś, po kilku miesiącach, mogę powiedzieć coś, w co jeszcze rok temu naprawdę nie uwierzyłabym — chodziłam do dentysty bez strachu. Bez stresu, bez paniki, bez odkładania kolejnej wizyty w nieskończoność. To dla mnie coś znacznie większego niż samo zakończenie leczenia. Dr Mikołaj od początku wykazał się ogromną empatią, cierpliwością i zrozumieniem. Nigdy nie czułam się oceniana ani zawstydzana. Ogromnie ważne było dla mnie również podejście pani Ilony i pani Kasi — ich spokój, ciepło i życzliwość sprawiały, że czułam się bezpiecznie na każdej wizycie. Całe leczenie zostało bardzo dobrze zaplanowane i przeprowadzone w ciągu kilku miesięcy. A ja, zamiast bać się każdej kolejnej wizyty, zaczęłam przychodzić z poczuciem, że jestem w dobrych rękach. Jestem ogromnie wdzięczna całemu zespołowi.
Serdecznie polecam Pana Doktora! Jestem bardzo zadowolony z efektu plastyki dziąseł. Mój uśmiech wygląda jednolicie, a zęby teraz są dużo większe. Z całego serca polecam!
What patients write (in Polish)
Jestem bardzo zadowolona z konsultacji u Pani Doktor Anety Buczko. Pani Doktor była niezwykle profesjonalna, miła i zaangażowana. Bardzo doceniam indywidualne podejście — Powiedziała co jest prawdą, a co mitem na temat bondingu oraz pomogła mi również dobrać odpowiedni kolor, tak aby efekt był naturalny i dopasowany do mnie, a nie przesadnie jasny. Cała konsultacja przebiegła w bardzo miłej atmosferze. Zdecydowanie polecam!
Świetny specjalista. Wszystko zostało szczegółowo omówione, leczenie było skuteczne, bezbolesne i pragmatyczne.
What patients write (in Polish)
Przyszłam, ponieważ od dawna czułam się źle ze swoim uśmiechem - szczególnie ze stłuczonym górnym łukiem. Pan Doktor Daniel dokładnie przedstawił mi wszystkie możliwości. Odpowiedział na moje pytania i omówił nie tylko ogólne kwestie estetyczne, ale przede wszystkim aspekty dopasowane do mnie. Ogromna wiedza i doświadczenie. Serdecznie polecam!
Doktor przyjął mnie w gabinecie Allsmiles, który już od samego wejścia robi wrażenie nie tylko wyglądem, ale również wesołą atmosferą wśród pracowników. Wizyta rozpoczęła się punktualnie. Doktor bardzo profesjonalnie i jednocześnie zrozumiale wytłumaczył moją sytuację. Bardzo serdecznie polecam!
Where chipped and worn teeth come from
In today’s world, because of the stress that comes with it, we very often clench our teeth and grind them hard against each other. Teeth were not made by nature for such frequent and strong pressure – it ends with worn and chipped edges. Bonding not only rebuilds the edge aesthetically but also means that our own, already worn and shortened teeth are no longer ground down directly, because there is now a material (composite) that protects them and takes the bite forces.
Not every case of worn teeth needs rebuilding for health reasons. Some wear has already been adapted to by the body, and in such cases regular check-ups and observation are enough. If, however, we want to improve how the smile looks, we can plan to rebuild the worn teeth with bonding. After such a procedure we recommend protecting the teeth with a guard worn at night while you sleep.
How we can restore the teeth
A chipped edge
If the tooth is healthy and the damage does not reach the deeper tissues, we can usually rebuild the missing fragment with composite in a single appointment. We restore the shape, length and proportions of the tooth, matching the colour and surface of the restoration to the other teeth.
BondingIf the damage was caused by overloading or a collision in the bite, we also look at how the teeth meet. Depending on the situation, the answer may be a night guard, extending the composite restoration to more teeth, or correcting the shape of the opposing teeth. That way we not only rebuild the chipped fragment but also reduce the risk of it breaking again.
An uneven shape
Sometimes one tooth is narrower, shorter, slightly rotated or has an uneven edge. Bonding lets us correct such small irregularities by rebuilding the right shape and proportions of the tooth. In this way we can even out the smile line and get a harmonious result without moving the teeth.
BondingWorn teeth and veneers
We work this way when the teeth are correctly positioned and the veneer only has to add volume – for example with worn edges or gaps between the teeth. We can also use this solution when the patient is happy with the colour of their teeth and does not want to change it.
VeneersA badly damaged tooth
Prosthetics helps rebuild teeth that can no longer be repaired with an ordinary filling, and replace missing teeth. A crown can protect a badly damaged tooth, while a bridge or an implant fills the space left by a tooth that is no longer there. There is no single solution for every case. First we check how much of the tooth is left, what condition the other teeth are in and which solution will be best for you.
ProsthodonticsBefore treatment starts we set out exactly what work is planned, with its costs, so that the total cost is clear from the very beginning.
Grinding and clenching
Splints for teeth grinding
If you clench or grind your teeth, you may need a splint worn at night. Its job is to limit overloading and protect your teeth and earlier restorations.
General dentistryWhether a splint is needed and which solution is right, we decide after the examination.
Veneers for heavy grinding
With strong bruxism we propose veneers rather than bonding – porcelain takes clenching better than composite. After the restoration a night guard is added.
VeneersWhen bonding is not enough
Bonding is a very versatile method, but it will not be the best solution in every case. What matters most is that the restoration is not only aesthetic but also properly planned and stable in function. That is why before the procedure we assess not only the teeth we want to change but the whole bite, the position of the teeth and their condition, and then choose the way of preparation and the scope of the restoration individually for the specific case.
- with extensive wear – if the height of the bite has dropped, lengthening the worn edges alone may not be enough; first we establish why the teeth wore down and how to restore proper function, and only then do we plan the aesthetic restoration of the front teeth
- when the problem also involves the back teeth – they carry the forces of chewing, so stable support at the back has to be created first, and only then are the front teeth rebuilt. That way the restoration of the front teeth has the right conditions to work for a long time
- with heavy grinding or clenching – then we consider other solutions; after the restoration we recommend a night guard. The material alone does not solve the problem of overloading – its cause has to be taken into account first
- with very dark or heavily discoloured teeth – composite may need more material to get the right colour; this can limit the natural translucency of the restoration and affect its proportions. In such situations porcelain veneers may offer more scope for a light, natural and colour-stable result
- with a missing tooth – bonding will not replace a missing tooth; depending on the situation we consider an implant restoration, a bridge or another prosthetic solution. Bonding can, however, be part of a larger treatment plan if the remaining teeth also need aesthetic correction
Sometimes the best solution is bonding, sometimes veneers, and sometimes a combination of several methods. Bonding has to be not only aesthetic but also functional and durable. We do not choose a procedure because it can be done, but because in the given case it offers the best balance between aesthetics, function, durability and keeping healthy tooth tissue.
See veneersWhat it costs a restoration
The price of bonding is given per tooth, and the total cost depends on how many teeth the makeover covers. The scope may be a single tooth, a few teeth or the whole smile line – depending on what we want to change and the result we want to achieve. Before treatment starts we define the scope of work precisely and set out the total cost. That way you know what the whole makeover will cost before we begin.
| Consultation | 200 zł |
|---|---|
| Bonding – one tooth | from 1 000 zł |
| Eight teeth (premolar to premolar) | 9 500 złthe 1 500 zł smile design is included |
| Ten teeth (second premolar to second premolar) | 11 500 złthe 1 500 zł smile design is included |
The amounts given are indicative and do not constitute an offer within the meaning of Article 66 of the Polish Civil Code.
Full price listWhat the appointment looks like and how long it takes
The time depends on how many teeth are being rebuilt. One or two teeth take about an hour, four to six – about two hours, and eight to ten – about three hours. If the restoration covers both arches, we need about four hours, still in a single appointment.
If it is one or two teeth – a chipped edge, a small gap, an uneven shape – we can do the bonding in a single appointment, without a design beforehand. We match the restoration to the colour, shape and proportions of the neighbouring teeth and of the whole smile.
If the bonding is to cover several teeth and change the look of the whole smile line, we start with an individual design. At the try-in you can then see the planned result directly on your own teeth. Together we settle the final scope, colour and shape, and the restoration itself is done in one appointment. The design costs 1 500 zł and is paid in advance — the first appointment with the design is 1 700 zł including the consultation.
The first check-up with the dentist is a week or two after the procedure – we check the bite, the fit and the seal of the restoration. After that, check-ups are hygiene appointments every six months. At those visits we assess both the teeth and the restorations themselves, so that any problems can be spotted early enough.
The first 24–48 hours
For the first 24–48 hours after bonding it is worth cutting down on coffee, tea and red wine and avoiding smoking. It is a simple way to limit contact between the freshly made restoration and substances that can stain the composite. Day to day, it is also worth remembering that its colour may change over time under the influence of diet and habits.
How long bonding lasts and what it depends on
The planned life of bonding is about 5–10 years. That does not mean, however, that the whole restoration has to be replaced automatically after that time. How long it actually lasts depends, among other things, on the bite, the way the teeth are used, hygiene and the individual conditions in the mouth. In our practice we also see restorations that are still in good condition after 10 years and do not need complete replacement.
At the same time, changing the edges of the teeth changes the bite, and the body has to adapt to it. This is not uncomfortable, but sometimes the muscles keep working the way they learned on the old edges, and the new edges, exposed to the old way of eating, can chip. We treat the first year as an adaptation period, and if such a chip happens we rebuild it free of charge. We do this so the body can keep adapting to the new edges, which matters for long-term durability.
Grinding your teeth
One of the most important factors is overloading the restoration. Grinding and clenching the teeth, especially without the protection of a guard, increases the risk of cracks and chips.
Coffee, wine, cigarettes
Composite may stain over time. Coffee, tea, red wine or smoking can affect its colour. The process is slow, however, and composite usually changes colour evenly across its whole surface. So the change is gradual and often stays practically unnoticeable to the patient for a long time.
During regular hygiene appointments we can also polish the surface of the composite and bring back its smoothness and fresh look.
Hygiene and check-ups
How long bonding lasts and how it looks depends largely on daily hygiene. Thorough brushing, regular flossing and a hygiene appointment every 6 months help keep the teeth and the restorations in good condition.
At hygiene appointments we can also keep an eye on the condition of the bonding and, if needed, polish its surface, bringing back its smoothness and fresh look.
How you use your teeth
With normal use of the teeth and everyday eating, usually nothing happens to bonding. Composite is designed for the normal work of the bite.
Problems can arise when the teeth start being used as “tools” — for example to open bottles, bite nails, pencils or pens, or to bite through hard objects. Habits like these increase the risk of the restoration chipping.
What we do after some years
Bonding is not a solution for life, but with good hygiene, regular check-ups, a controlled bite and sensible use it can keep its look and function for many years. There is no single rule for how many years it should be replaced after — for some patients there is no need for many years, while for others the composite wears over time enough that replacing it is worth considering. After a while we may suggest refreshing the composite — polishing its surface again restores the shine and helps remove surface staining. We do the polishing alongside a hygiene appointment if we see a reason for it. It is a separately charged service – a bonding refresh costs 250 zł, 650 zł together with the hygiene appointment, and is available to patients whose bonding we did at our practice. It does not cover repairing chips. If a small chip appears, we can often repair just the damaged fragment, without redoing the whole restoration from scratch. For 12 months after the bonding we repair cracks and chips free of charge — on condition that hygiene appointments are done at 6 and 12 months. The cover does not extend to staining caused by diet or smoking, or to damage from grinding or clenching the teeth without the recommended guard. In those cases the repair is chargeable.
Where to read more
Each of these options is described in detail on its own page.
What patients say
The ratings of the practice and the doctors’ profiles come straight from Google and ZnanyLekarz and update automatically. We do not copy or choose reviews – you will find them where our patients left them.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to restore a chipped tooth?
From 1 000 zł per tooth. The total cost of a makeover depends on how many teeth are rebuilt. We agree the scope individually at the consultation — based on what we want to change and the result we are after.
Can everyone have bonding?
Bonding can be used in a great many situations, but it will not always be the best solution. For small corrections it often gives a very good result with minimal intervention.
With heavily worn teeth, major bite problems or severe bruxism, the conditions and the cause of the problem need careful assessment. In such cases we may suggest a different solution or combine bonding with orthodontic or prosthetic treatment.
Does a restoration hurt?
We do the procedure under local anaesthetic if it is needed, which makes it comfortable. For small restorations anaesthetic is not always necessary. The anaesthetic is included in the price of the procedure.
Does bonding damage the teeth?
Bonding is a conservative method and in many cases needs minimal or no preparation of the tooth. How much preparation is needed depends on the planned change. Sometimes composite can be built up directly on the tooth, and sometimes minimal preparation is needed to get the right shape, contacts and durability of the restoration.
Bonding itself should not increase the risk of decay if the restoration is done properly and its margins are well contoured and polished. Daily hygiene, cleaning between the teeth and regular check-ups and hygiene appointments remain key.
Bonding or veneers – which to choose?
Both solutions can give a very natural and aesthetic result, but they differ in material, in how they are made and in how they behave over time.
Bonding works especially well when we want to change the shape, length, proportions or colour of the teeth without greater intervention. A big advantage is that it can be repaired — small chips can often be filled in without redoing the whole restoration.
Porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining and wear, and their surface keeps its smoothness and shine for a long time. They also usually need less refreshing in the years that follow.
There is, however, no single solution right for everyone. The choice depends on the condition of the teeth, the bite, the scope of the planned change and the expected result. We choose the solution individually at the consultation.
Is bonding reversible?
Composite can be removed or replaced in the future, but that does not always mean a full return to the starting point. Even bonding without preparation of the tooth is permanently joined to the enamel with an adhesive system. That is why we treat bonding as a long-term aesthetic change, not a procedure that can simply be undone.
What if a veneer comes off or cracks?
If a porcelain veneer comes off and stays intact, it can usually be cemented back on — so do not throw it away, bring it to the appointment. If a veneer cracks and a new one has to be made, you pay for that one veneer, not for the whole course of treatment. Composite veneers can in many cases be repaired on the spot.
Book an appointment
Below you will find the situations patients come to us with most often. If you do not see your problem here, or do not know what to call it, simply tell us what bothers you.
Consultation 200 zł
