Bonding & Contouring Offer Cosmetic Solutions

bonding and contouringCosmetic issues with our teeth can cause a lot of stress. It is easy to become self-conscious with how our smiles look; we focus on them not seeming white enough, having large gaps, or being inflicted with cracks and chips. If you do have insecurities about these particular cosmetic issues, bonding or contouring could provide a helpful solution. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX dentist describes both procedures and explains how they can help your smile.

Tooth Contouring Explained

With this procedure, your dentist carefully removes enamel from your teeth for a variety of cosmetic reasons. In particular, a dentist performs it when a tooth appears too large or is over-crowding other teeth. It can also remove jagged edges or rough spots on your enamel. If you and your dentist decide to go through with it, they perform it using either a drill or laser. Even though this might initially seem daunting, it is typically quick, painless, and doesn’t require any sort of recovery period. Contouring can fix chipped or cracked teeth, cosmetically fix the damage caused by bruxism, and it can even make it easier to clean your teeth if there are not large enough spaces between them. 

What Is Bonding?

It is essentially the opposite of contouring. Instead of removing enamel from your teeth, it consists of applying a composite resin to alter their shape. It is usually done to repair chips or discolored teeth. What’s more, is that it can also close large gaps between teeth and can change make them appear longer. If you and your dentist decide this is the best option for your needs, they will very closely match the resin to the color of your natural teeth. This is so it doesn’t stand out in your mouth and will be virtually indistinguishable. Next, they apply a liquid to your tooth to prepare it for the bonding material. Once that is done, your dentist applies the resin to your tooth and shapes it to accommodate your specific goals. From there, it is hardened with a laser or UV light. Finally, your dentist puts finishing touches on it — like additional shaping and polishing. Despite the myriad goals it can accomplish for patients, the entire procedure only lasts between thirty minutes to an hour per tooth. In addition to its simplicity, this is a relatively inexpensive service.

How To Maintain Your Teeth

Whether you have had bonding or contouring performed, taking care of your teeth afterward is easy and straightforward. You just need to treat the teeth just as you would before the procedure. You should continue brushing twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste, avoid chewing ice and other hard non-food items, and keep seeing your dentist every six months.

Contact Us To Learn More About Bonding And Contouring

If you have any questions about bonding and contouring, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with Sue Ellen Richardson, DDS in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600. We look forward to hearing from you.