2 Prosthodontics Treatment Options For A Cracked Second Bicuspid
The second bicuspid tooth is located to the rear of the pointed canine tooth. A second bicuspid helps the first bicuspid in beginning the food grinding process that's finished by the rear molars for safe swallowing. If your second bicuspid becomes cracked, you can experience pain while chewing or simply holding your mouth shut. Wide smiles can also show off the cracked tooth, which can impact your self-esteem.
There are a couple of different potential treatments for a cracked second bicuspid. Contact a family dentistry clinic for more information and guidance towards the option that best suits your needs.
Resin Dental Bond
Mild to moderate cracking only on the front of the tooth is often treatable with the quick, affordable, and removable resin dental bond. The bond is made of a moldable resin that the dentist can form onto the tooth without the need for mold-making, dental shaving, or multiple appointments.
The resin is shaped across the crack and front of the tooth then hardened into place with a special tool. A finished dental bond resembles a natural tooth in coloration and can also stain like a natural tooth but not bleach clean, so you should use caution when eating staining foods or drinks.
A resin bond is a great short-term treatment option if you want a veneer or crown but can't afford one at the moment. The resin bond doesn't damage the tooth when removed so your dentist can remove the bond at any time.
Dental Veneer
Resin bonds offer limited customization since the dentist has to hand form the piece into place, so the bonds might not work well for moderate to severe cracking even if the cracks are limited to the tooth's front. The dentist will instead want to take a mold of the damaged second bicuspid to send the mold to the lab for a custom-crafted, tailored porcelain veneer that the dentist will then cement to the front of the tooth.
Before the dentist can place the veneer, the tooth's slick natural surface needs to be shaved down with a dental tool to provide some grip for the dental cement. The veneer is then pressed onto the cement for adhesion.
A porcelain veneer has the natural color and translucency of a tooth and offers more stain resistance than resin. Porcelain is typically stronger than resin, but you do still need to use caution when using the bicuspid to grind down harder foods.
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