Dental Bonding and Contouring: The Simple Way to Fix Your Smile
When most people hear the words cosmetic dentistry, they automatically think about porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, or even dental implants. However, there are other ways to quickly enhance and improve the quality of your smile. Although you may not be as familiar with dental bonding and contouring, these easy and affordable treatments may be an appropriate fit to correct certain dental flaws such as small chips and cracks that result from injuries or accidents, heavily stained or discolored teeth, and excessive wear.
At Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX, Dr. Spiker Davis and Dr. Matt Guerre work closely with patients to determine which cosmetic dentistry procedures are best suited to provide them the aesthetic results they desire. Read on to learn more about the many benefits of dental bonding and contouring and how they can fix minor imperfections in your teeth.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a non-invasive, painless cosmetic dental technique that employs a durable, tooth-colored resin material that is applied and hardened using a special light, bonding it to the tooth. At Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX, this simple procedure begins with Dr. Davis or Dr. Guerre etching the surface of the tooth, followed by the application of a special conditioning gel. This works to ensure a strong bond. The color of the resin will be carefully selected to match existing teeth. Once applied to the teeth, the resin will be artfully shaped so that the tooth appears similar to those around it. After the hardening light performs its job, the newly bonded tooth will be polished to further enhance its shape and appearance.
What is dental contouring?
Frequently paired with dental bonding, contouring is one of the most convenient methods available for correcting poorly aligned, uneven, or chipped teeth. This painless, noninvasive procedure works to gently buff and smooth the worn edges of teeth as well as chips, pits, and other small cosmetic issues. For many Houston area patients, the front teeth are often best suited to receive a contouring treatment.
Prior to this procedure, the teeth are x-rayed to pinpoint the exact location and amount of pulp in the tooth. After this, Dr. Davis or Dr. Guerre may proceed with trimming a small amount of enamel from the teeth using a dental laser or drill. Teeth that are poorly shaped or excessively long may be altered to address bite and alignment issues. They are then smoothed and polished. At Cosmetic Dental Associates, dental contouring is performed as a complementary procedure with dental bonding and usually can be completed in about 30 minutes.
Issues that can be treated with dental bonding and contouring
Dental bonding and contouring can be effective for addressing a number of cosmetic concerns. Bonding may be used to repair teeth that suffer from severe decay, as composite resin is frequently employed to fill in cavities. The resin may also help to protect the tooth in the presence of decay or gum infection. Bonding works to repair minor chips and cracks that may cause you to feel self-conscious about your smile. Following the procedure, your teeth will look whole again, as well as healthier. The improved appearance will be immediately noticeable.
Teeth that are discolored due to coffee, tea, or red wine consumption, as well as those that have been yellowed by smoking, can be made whiter and brighter with dental bonding. It also is an excellent tool to help close gaps that exist between teeth, as well as to alter the shape of teeth so that they appear more even and symmetrical as part of a truly stunning smile. Pits and small fractures that form in the teeth also can be improved with this procedure, which usually is most effective for making small aesthetic improvements.
A crooked smile can make the mouth appear unhealthy. Dental bonding and contouring can make the smiles of Houston area men and women look more even. While dental bonding works to reshape teeth that are uneven, contouring can be particularly transformative for excessively pointy teeth, as is commonly experienced with the cuspids. In such instances, the tip of the tooth can be rounded with the help of an instrument that features a burr. The skilled dentists at Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX glide the instrument over the tooth’s surface to create smooth results.
The height of teeth that are especially long may also be reduced with contouring to help craft a more harmonious-looking smile. In some cases, removing just a few millimeters of enamel in precisely the right areas can vastly improve the appearance of the teeth. Also, the health of teeth that overlap slightly can benefit from contouring procedure. It is common for damaging plaque and tartar to build up in areas where teeth overlap. By smoothing the surface of the teeth and eliminating this condition, patients reduce their risk of experiencing decay and gum disease, while simultaneously enhancing their smile. Dr. Spiker and Dr. Guerre can expertly determine whether dental bonding or contouring - or both - will be most beneficial for you.
What results are expected?
For most Houston patients, an improved aesthetic appearance following a dental bonding and contouring procedure can be enjoyed for years to come. Because the resin used in bonding procedures is more prone to chipping and staining than dental veneers, it is important to avoid consuming dark-colored foods and beverages as well as smoking. Patients should also refrain from biting into hard objects nor use their teeth to open packages, as this could damage your bonded teeth. Proper oral hygiene habits, including daily brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups, can effectively extend your excellent results.
One of the quickest and simplest ways to restore the appearance of your teeth, dental bonding, and contouring treatments can address a host of cosmetic issues. Chips and cracks can be concealed and worn down, uneven teeth can be made to look smoother. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Spiker Davis and Dr. Matt Guerre at Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX and get the spectacular smile that you’ve always dreamed of having.