What is Dental Bonding and Contouring?
For patients who would like to treat crack, chips, stains, and other cosmetic flaws in their smile but want to avoid invasive techniques, dental bonding and contouring can be the perfect choice. Dental bonding, which is simple resin applied to the teeth, matches the patient's natural tooth color, hides subtle imperfections, as well as make teeth longer, more even, and fill in small gaps. Dental contouring, also known as tooth reshaping, carefully removes small amounts of enamel to improve the shape, length, and surface of the tooth. General dentist, Dr. Camelia Cooper offers convenient dental bonding and contouring treatments at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft in Frisco, TX.
Why is Dental Bonding and Contouring Important?
Dental bonding and contouring treatment is important because it provides an effective solution for repairing minor imperfections in teeth, such as chips, cracks, and gaps. This procedure can enhance the overall appearance of your smile by reshaping and smoothing the teeth, creating a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing look. Additionally, dental bonding and contouring can help protect exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and prevent further damage. It is a minimally invasive, cost-effective option for achieving a healthier and more attractive smile.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Bonding And Contouring?
Our Frisco, TX patients may have slight imperfections from numerous causes that go ignored and disregarded over the years. Fixing these issues at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft with dental bonding and contouring, in addition to creating a beautiful new smile, has a number of great benefits, including:
- Doesn't require invasive procedures
- Addresses tooth damage (cracks, chips, stains, etc.)
- Evens out misshapen or uneven teeth
- Fills in gaps between teeth
- Rebuilds teeth that are worn down
- Creates a more uniform shape to the teeth
- Improves bite and function
- Improves overall oral health
- Treatment is fast (often only one visit)
- Treatment is easy and pain-free
Who is a candidate for dental bonding and contouring?
Cosmetic bonding and contouring may treat gaps, chips, cracks, discoloration, tooth length, and other flaws. Bonding and contouring is a more affordable cosmetic dental treatment and can usually be done in one visit. It does not require preparations like veneers or crowns, but it is not as strong and generally does not last as many years. Dental bonding and contouring is good for small issues, but if you want more extensive improvements, a different restorative or cosmetic treatment may be a better option. At your consultation, Dr. Cooper will listen to your goals and then discuss your treatment options.
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What to Expect during dental bonding and contouring
This treatment option is fast and painless. Dr. Cooper will begin by etching the surface layer of the tooth and applying a conditioning gel which will help ensure the resin will correctly bond to the tooth. The resin itself is matched to the existing tooth color and shaped to match the teeth near it. After that, a hardening light is used to harden the resin, and then the tooth is polished to to its final shape. This procedure is usually performed at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft with little or no anesthesia.
How long is recovery after dental bonding and contouring?
Patients should expect results to last for 3 - 10 years after this treatment. Good dental hygiene can prolong the duration, so patients are encouraged to follow a good home oral care routine and visit Sweet Tooth Dental Loft for regular exams and cleanings. Since dental bonding is easier to chip or stain than dental veneers, patients should avoid staining foods and drinks, quit smoking, and avoid biting hard objects. Even after the results diminish, the teeth can often be easily re-treated in order to prolong the results.
Dental bonding and contouring FAQs
Can you whiten bonded teeth?
The resin used in dental bonding and contouring may not respond to traditional tooth whitening treatments. If you want to maintain a brighter smile, ask Sweet Tooth Dental about our recommendations. We can offer simple solutions to keep your smile bright on a long-term basis.
How do I take care of my teeth after dental bonding and contouring?
To keep your teeth looking great after bonding and contouring, you need to maintain good oral hygiene. Most patients can keep up their usual at-home care routine by flossing and brushing two times a day. You should also see Dr. Cooper for professional exams and cleanings every six months or as often as needed.
Will the shape of my teeth change after contouring?
The simple answer is yes and no. The shape of your teeth may not change much after contouring, but we can make small adjustments to improve the overall appearance of your smile. It's important to have your teeth evaluated by an expert like Dr. Cooper, who can create the right tooth shape with your cosmetic goals in mind.
Why is dental bonding preferable to other cosmetic dental procedures?
Dental bonding is a superior procedure because it is a simple, effective way to treat a variety of cosmetic flaws. It is less expensive and less time-consuming than other cosmetic treatments, like veneers or crowns. Dental bonding performed at our Frisco, TX office also keeps more enamel intact than other procedures, keeping the natural teeth strong and healthy. In addition, while dental bonding is not a solution for all-over teeth whitening, it can be effective at concealing localized stains for patients who are sensitive to other whitening treatments.
Will my teeth look fake after a dental bonding treatment?
No, they won't. Dr. Cooper will select a bonding shade that matches the natural color of your teeth and will shape and contour the final results if needed. This way, your teeth will have a naturally beautiful glow.
Is dental bonding reversible if I want other treatments later?
Yes, dental bonding is generally reversible. The procedure is minimally invasive and preserves most of your natural tooth structure. If you decide to pursue other cosmetic treatments, such as veneers or crowns, the bonded material can be removed. It's important to discuss your future goals with Dr. Cooper to ensure that your treatment plan aligns with any potential changes you may want later on.
Small Fixes, Big Improvements
Dental bonding and tooth contouring can help eliminate minor blemishes and cosmetic imperfections in your smile. Bonding and contouring is a fast, painless procedure that helps your teeth not only look better, but also improves your oral health by removing places for plaque and tartar to hide. Contact Sweet Tooth Dental Loft today and learn about how dental bonding and contouring can help you.