Yaksuyeok Dental Clinic: What are the treatment options (resin, laminate, crown) when front teeth are extensively chipped and gapped?

Hello^^

I'm Dr. Kim Tae-young, director of Bareunyoung Dental Clinic at Yaksuyeok Dental Clinic.

The teeth most visible when we smile brightly are our front teeth.

In an era where aesthetic dentistry is gaining popularity,

laminates have become very common.

Typically, laminates are known to involve less tooth reduction than crowns and are considered better because they disturb the tooth less, but

this is half true and half false.

It is certainly true that laminates involve less tooth reduction than crowns,

but the amount of tooth reduction for laminates can also increase depending on the tooth's alignment,

and in some cases, root canal treatment may be necessary.

Furthermore, depending on the occlusal relationship, crowns may be a better option than laminates.

This is a typical case where laminates are used when front teeth are gapped.

In this case, the gap in the front teeth was due to microdontia.

There were gaps in other areas as well, but the patient only wanted to treat the most visible central part.

This case required almost no tooth reduction, so it was performed as a non-prep laminate.

While bonding is very difficult in non-prep laminate cases, the appearance after attachment

was harmoniously created with the chipped natural teeth, and the patient was very satisfied.

Nowadays, laminates are widely used in various cases because the materials have improved significantly,

but they are particularly good when teeth are too small or when the alignment is good but there are wide gaps.

‘I had resin fillings before, but they fell off, and I want to get them refilled.’

It seems that the tooth was chipped a long time ago or a gap was treated with resin due to decay.

Temporary material was initially used to fill the chipped area, resulting in poor color. After removal, photos and X-rays were taken.

Since the patient's eruption direction itself had a poor angle, in such cases,

it is actually more appropriate to perform some tooth reduction and then laminate or crown treatment.

However, since the patient initially wanted treatment on the same day, we decided to proceed with resin first and observe.

Tartar was observed inside the gums, so after a simple gum treatment and complete hemostasis, the gap was restored with resin.

Since the gums were swollen, bleeding was still observed even during the simple trimming process after hemostasis.

Due to the extensive area, there is a slight noticeable difference with resin,

but it is not easily distinguishable, and we carefully shaped it to match the tooth's angle as much as possible.

Resin

Its advantage is that it involves almost no tooth reduction and is a very useful material for conservative treatment.

Its disadvantages include the difficulty of perfectly matching the color to each patient's teeth,

discoloration at the tooth-material boundary over time,

and susceptibility to material fracture due to masticatory activity.

If you visit the clinic regularly for occlusal adjustments and maintenance,

the lifespan of the restoration will certainly be significantly extended.^^

Frequently Asked Questions

Do laminates involve less tooth reduction?

This is half true and half false. While it is true that laminates involve less tooth reduction than crowns, the amount of reduction can increase depending on the tooth's alignment or occlusal relationship, and in some cases, root canal treatment may be necessary.

Are non-prep laminates also possible?

Yes, they are possible. In cases where almost no tooth reduction is needed, non-prep laminates can be performed. Although bonding is challenging for non-prep laminates, patients are highly satisfied with the harmonious appearance created with natural teeth after attachment.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of resin treatment?

The advantage of resin is its conservative nature, as it involves almost no tooth reduction. Disadvantages include the difficulty of perfectly matching the color to each patient's teeth, discoloration over time, and susceptibility to fracture due to masticatory activity.

How should I manage resin treatment to extend its lifespan?

Regular visits to the clinic for occlusal adjustments and maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of the restoration. This helps compensate for the disadvantages of resin treatment and ensures its longevity.

What treatments can be considered when front teeth are gapped?

When front teeth are gapped, laminate or crown treatment can be considered. Especially in cases where gaps are due to microdontia, non-prep laminates are also an option, and the appropriate treatment method is chosen based on the patient's condition.