broken teeth When faced with repairing broken or damaged teeth there are a number of options: White Fillings Fillings are most suitable for minor damage and have an expected life span of 3 - 9 years. They have the  advantage that results are immediate and there is little reduction of the tooth required. Fillings are normally inexpensive but have the disadvantage of a limited life and can chip or stain. Fillings are also linited in the number of circumstances they can be used in. Porcelain Veneers Veneers can be used to repair broken, misaligned, stained or discoloured teeth and have a longer expected life span than fillings of 4- 12 years. Veneers can change the shape and color of a tooth easily and do not stain easily.   Veneers usually only require moderate tooth reduction often without the need for local anaesthetic. They are more expensive than white fillings and are difficult to repair if they fracture, the procedure is also NOT reversable. Crowns Crows are useful when a large amount of a tooth is missing, or when white fillings or porcelain veneers are not suitable. They have an expected life span of 5 - 15 years and allow more control over the shape and color of the tooth. Crowns are the most expensive of the three options.