Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Bonding and Contouring

One of the most important advances in cosmetic dentistry is dental bonding and contouring. This proven technique is one of the most effective ways to correct aesthetic problems and give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile. At Cosmetic Dental Associates, Dr. Spiker Davis and Dr. Matt Guerre can correct issues such as chipped or cracked teeth, stained teeth, small gaps, or misshapen teeth to improve the overall look of your smile.

During this cosmetic dentistry procedure, our practitioners may slightly reshape the enamel to change the surface of one or more teeth. Then, a tooth-colored resin is applied and hardened with a special curing light. More layers are added and sculpted to create a realistic finish that blends seamlessly with your smile. The results you're looking for are often accomplished in just one visit.

Even though chipped or stained teeth are common, they can cause embarrassment in social situations. If you hold back because you don’t want to show off your smile, it may be time to consider cosmetic dentistry. When you are ready to reap the benefits of a confident grin, reach out to our practice in Houston, TX, to schedule a one-on-one consultation with an expert cosmetic dentist.

The benefits of dental contouring

While cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental contouring are largely aesthetic, most treatments work to improve your overall oral health as well. For example, fixing broken or gapped teeth makes it easier to clean and floss. This allows patients to avoid issues such as cavities and gum disease. Not only that, the dental bonding material may be able to protect chipped teeth from further wear and tear.

Dental bonding and contouring could be the solution you're looking for to restore your smile. Here’s what this procedure can do for you:

• Replace broken or fractured edges of teeth
• Lengthen short or misshapen teeth
• Close small gaps between teeth
• Mask stains or other discolorations

Cosmetic Dental Associates offers bonding material in a variety of shades to match your existing teeth, so no one can tell that you’ve had work done. The procedure is generally painless and does not require surgery or anesthesia. If you tend to have anxiety about visiting the dentist, Dr. Davis or Dr. Guerre will help you feel as comfortable as possible.

Dental bonding and contouring FAQs

Are there any disadvantages to dental bonding and contouring?

Over time, composite resin can absorb stains, just like your natural teeth. The more coffee or wine you drink or the more cigarettes you smoke, the more discolored your teeth may become. For this reason, some patients like to choose a non-absorbing option such as porcelain veneers or crowns. During your consultation, Dr. Davis or Dr. Guerre will let you know if this is the right procedure based on your cosmetic goals.

Is there any recovery time involved?

After this cosmetic dentistry procedure, it’s important to avoid staining food and drinks such as coffee and tea for at least 48 hours. Since this is not an extensive procedure, patients can return to their day as normal following their appointment. We recommend scheduling biannual cleanings and yearly examinations at Cosmetic Dental Associates so we can monitor your progress and polish away stains. With the right care, this treatment can be long-lasting.

How long do the results last?

Patients in Houston, TX, can expect their results to last from 3 – 10 years after treatment. Good dental hygiene can prolong the duration, so it’s essential to follow an oral care routine at home and schedule examinations and cleanings. Just like your natural teeth, bonded teeth need to be cleaned and cared for with daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. Dental bonding is easier to chip or stain than veneers, so try not to bite down on hard objects such as ice, hard candy, pens, and your fingernails, as this may cause the bonding material to chip or break. The teeth can be easily treated again in our office to prolong the results.

What does dental bonding and contouring cost?

Prices for cosmetic dentistry procedures vary based on the condition of the teeth and the number of teeth to be treated. When compared to other treatments, bonding and contouring are relatively inexpensive. Generally, patients can expect to spend between $50 – $300 per tooth. A purely aesthetic treatment may not be covered by insurance. However, if we perform the procedure to correct trauma following an accident, your dental insurance may cover some of the costs. Our friendly staff will check to determine the coverage amount before billing. At Cosmetic Dental Associates, we will work with you to make sure our services are affordable. During your consultation, we will go over your estimated costs and payment methods.

Smile improvements at Cosmetic Dental Associates

Dental bonding and tooth contouring is a fast, painless procedure that can eliminate small blemishes and imperfections in your smile. Dr. Spiker Davis and Dr. Matt Guerre are experienced in the art of cosmetic dentistry and offer only the most advanced technology for their patients. With a special focus on patient safety and comfort, our staff goes the extra mile to provide a relaxing environment to reduce anxiety. Learn more about dental bonding, dental contouring, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures by scheduling a consultation at Cosmetic Dental Associates. We encourage you to visit our modern office in Houston, TX, to see what we have to offer.