Even if a crack in a tooth does not negatively affect your dental health, the blemished enamel that results can be unsightly. Pigments from the foods and drinks that you ingest may accumulate in the crack, making it even more noticeable when you smile or talk.

Nevertheless, there are dental applications that can cover a cracked tooth, making it look as attractive as it did before the crack ever occurred. Here are a few cosmetic dental procedures that can be used to hide a dental crack. 

Veneers

A dental veneer is a slender piece of resin or dental ceramic that is shaped like the front surface of a tooth. The device is attached to a tooth to conceal imperfections. Instead of the natural tooth, the veneer is displayed when the person smiles or speaks. 

To prepare a tooth for the placement of a veneer, the dentist removes a small amount of tooth enamel from the attachment surface. The removal ensures that the veneer properly aligns with the bite line of the other teeth and does not protrude unnaturally in the mouth.

The exact dimensions of the veneer are matched to the tooth. Thus the veneer also sits flush with the gum line and preserves the interdental spaces between the treated tooth and the teeth adjacent to it, which allows for easy flossing.

Dental Bonding Material

Composite resin bonding material can also be used to treat a cracked tooth. The material is applied to the cracked area of the tooth and pressed into place. The tooth surface is roughened to help the bonding material adhere. After the material is pressed onto the tooth, the dentist applies a bright light to the material to harden it into position. 

The cured resin is then polished to give it the sheen of natural tooth enamel. The application of the bonding material is relatively simple and can be completed during a single visit. 

Dental Crowns

A porcelain, resin, or porcelain-fused-to-metal crown can also be used to conceal a cracked tooth. The crown encircles the cracked natural crown of the tooth, covering the crack and fortifying the tooth structure. 

Before the crown can be placed, the dentist reduces the size of the tooth slightly by removing a bit of tooth material. The crown, which is designed from a mold of the patient's mouth, fits precisely into place and is affixed to the underlying tooth with a permanent dental adhesive. 

If you are suffering from a cracked tooth, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.