{"id":1978,"date":"2026-07-31T18:57:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T23:57:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mirandalacydds.com\/blog\/?p=1978"},"modified":"2026-07-31T18:57:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T23:57:23","slug":"bonding-chipped-lower-incisor-keep-failing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mirandalacydds.com\/blog\/bonding-chipped-lower-incisor-keep-failing\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does Bonding on a Chipped Lower Incisor Keep Failing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I broke a small piece off one of my lower front teeth about 11 months ago. Although the chip is small, it irritates my lip and makes me avoid smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My dentist has repaired it with bonding several times, but each repair falls off within a few days. I am 17. Can a chipped tooth ever regrow on its own, or what would be the best long-term solution? \u2013 Thanks. Carlo from NV<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carlo,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repairing a chipped lower front tooth is not always as simple as replacing the missing piece. The way the front teeth meet during biting has a major influence on whether the repair will last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Lower Incisor Repairs Sometimes Come Off?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The repaired edge can be exposed to significant biting forces every time the mouth closes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many chipped lower incisors break because they repeatedly contact the backs of the upper front teeth. When composite bonding is placed, it must be positioned to avoid heavy contact during normal function. If the restoration is left in an area that receives excessive pressure, it may eventually separate from the tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The position of the tooth can make all the difference. In the example pictured, the composite remained intact on tooth #24 but detached from tooth #25. The reason appears to be the position of tooth #25, which sits slightly farther forward than its neighbor. Because it protrudes more, it would likely contact the upper teeth first, placing greater stress on the bonded edge every time the patient bites.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Before<\/a>
Lower incisors repaired with porcelain veneers
(photo courtesy of Dr. Ian Bell of Bellevue, WA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How Can a Dentist Reduce Stress on the Repaired Tooth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Balancing the bite is an important part of treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Successful repairs often require more than replacing the missing tooth structure. They also require careful adjustment of the tooth’s position so biting forces are shared evenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This may involve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n