Chipped Tooth Repair in Finchley: Your Options & Costs

For most small to mid size chips, bonding is the best option. A tooth coloured resin is shaped on to the tooth to restore its form. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth and usually does not need anaesthetic. With good care it lasts five to seven years and suits minor cosmetic flaws. A North Finchley patient had a small chip on a front tooth and we finished bonding in less than an hour, leaving them ready for a meeting that afternoon.

If the chip is larger, or you want to improve colour or shape, a porcelain veneer may be better. A veneer is a thin porcelain shell custom made to fit over the front of the tooth. It lasts longer than bonding, about ten to fifteen years, and resists staining well. The process requires two visits: one to prepare and take impressions, and a second to fit the veneer. This is a popular option for a full smile makeover along with the repair.

For a large break or a tooth weakened by decay, a dental crown is the right option. A crown covers the entire tooth, adding strength and restoring appearance. We use in‑house CAD/CAM to design a precise ceramic crown. A Muswell Hill patient fractured a molar, and a crown protected it from further damage. The result is a fully functional tooth that blends with the smile.

The bonding visit is straightforward and efficient. We match a composite shade to the tooth, lightly etch the surface, apply a conditioning liquid, then place the resin and shape it to recreate the missing part. A special light hardens the material. The whole single-tooth procedure lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, and you can eat and drink normally right after, though we suggest avoiding very hard foods for 24 hours.

There is no downtime after bonding. You can resume normal activities immediately. For the first 48 hours avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine since the resin is more prone to staining then. To keep the repair long term brush and floss regularly. Avoid biting nails or pens as these can chip the bonding. Bonding is durable but not as strong as a natural tooth, so take care. If you notice sharp edges or a chip returns, call us during office hours to arrange a quick touch-up.

To choose the right option you should ask a few questions, whether you see us or another Finchley practice. Ask which repair you recommend for your chip and why, how long the repair will last with normal care, the total cost and whether follow up is included, see before and after photos of similar repairs, whether the repaired tooth will look natural and match your other teeth, and whether your insurance covers the procedure.

The price depends on the method. Bonding is the most affordable option, typically between two hundred and four hundred pounds per tooth. Porcelain veneers start at around seven hundred pounds per tooth. A full crown for a severely damaged tooth is quoted after a full assessment. We provide a clear cost breakdown at your consultation with no hidden fees. We are private and do not offer NHS treatment, but we accept major private plans including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Let us know your provider when you book.