Let’s be honest — teeth are strong, but they’re not indestructible. A fall, a bite into something too hard, or even everyday wear can result in a chipped or broken tooth. When that happens, you’ll need to consider the right repair option.
The good news? There are plenty of solutions — six, to be exact — and which one you choose will depend on the extent of the damage. From minor cosmetic fixes to full tooth replacements, we’ll walk you through what each treatment involves and give you an idea of the cost.
1. Cosmetic Contouring – A Quick Fix for Minor Chips
If you’ve only slightly chipped a tooth and it’s purely cosmetic, your dentist might recommend contouring. This involves gently smoothing and polishing the damaged area to blend it with the rest of your tooth.
It’s usually not covered by the NHS, as it’s a cosmetic procedure. But privately, it’s relatively affordable — typically costing between £30 and £100 per tooth.
2. Dental Bonding – Simple, Effective, and Natural Looking
If you’ve got a small crack or chip, dental bonding is a simple and effective way to fix it.. A tooth-coloured resin is applied to the damaged area, then shaped and polished to look natural.
Although bonding isn’t usually offered through the NHS, private treatment is still reasonably priced. You’ll likely pay between £90 and £200, depending on how tricky the repair is and where the tooth is.
3. Veneers – For a Stronger Cosmetic Makeover
Veneers are thin coverings placed over the front of the tooth to improve its appearance. They’re best suited for front teeth with chips, cracks, or surface flaws.
There are two types:
- Composite veneers start at around £150 per tooth
- Porcelain veneers look more natural and last longer, with prices starting at around £500 per tooth.
Veneers might not be a traditional fix, but they can really help bring back your confidence in your smile.
4. Crowns – Best for More Serious Breaks
If a tooth is badly damaged, a crown is often the best solution. It covers all or part of the tooth, protecting it while still looking completely natural.
Crown types include:
- Porcelain-fused to metal
- All-ceramic
- Resin
- Metal (including gold)
If you’re going through the NHS, a dental crown is covered under Band 3 and currently costs £282.80. However, the material used may be based on medical necessity rather than appearance.
If you go private, crowns can range from £250 to over £1,000 per tooth, depending on the material and complexity.
5. Root Canal Treatment – When Damage Reaches the Nerve
If the inside of your tooth (called the pulp) gets infected or damaged, your dentist might recommend a root canal. This means removing the damaged tissue, cleaning the area, and sealing it up. In most cases, a crown is placed on top to keep the tooth strong and protected.
NHS root canal treatment is part of Band 2, costing £70.70, but that doesn’t include a crown.
Private costs vary widely — from £45 to nearly £1,000, depending on how complex the procedure is and whether a specialist is involved.
6. Tooth Removal and Replacement – When It’s the Only Option
Sometimes a tooth is just too damaged to save, and in those cases, removing it is the only way forward.
These include:
- Partial dentures
- Dental bridges
- Dental implants (the most long-lasting and natural-looking option)
Tooth removal on the NHS costs £70.70. A replacement tooth — such as a denture or bridge — could cost an additional £282.80 under Band 3.
Private tooth extractions usually cost about the same as NHS ones, though they can be a bit more depending on how complex the case is. Dental implants, however, are a bigger investment—but they also offer a more permanent solution. You could expect to pay £1,500 to £3,000 per tooth, especially if additional procedures like bone grafting or sinus lifts are needed.
Final Thoughts
No matter how bad the break, there’s almost always a way to repair or replace a damaged tooth. Whether you go through the NHS or opt for private care, there’s a solution that fits your needs and budget.
The key is to act quickly. The sooner you see a dentist, the more options you’ll have — and the better your chances of saving the tooth.
Need help with a broken tooth? Don’t wait — book a consultation today and get your smile back on track.