If something about your smile is unhealthy or if it makes you feel insecure about the appearance, you may want to correct the issue with cosmetic dentistry. Bonding and contouring can be a straightforward ways to update your smile. Cosmetic bonding uses the same material used in tooth-colored fillings, a composite resin, to permanently enhance your tooth. The bonding material is applied, sculpted, hardened, and polished to give you your desired appearance. Conversely, contouring your tooth involves removing any parts of your teeth that may cause unevenness or jagged edges. Both treatments are conservative, which mean the goal is to keep the integrity of your tooth intact.
Addressing Small Gaps
Small gaps can be filled in with bonding material. The composite resin can be applied to one or both teeth on either side of the gap to close it in to the desired size. Porcelain veneers may be a better option for gaps that are too large to close with bonding.
Intrinsic Stains
Stains on the outside of teeth, known as extrinsic stains, can usually be removed with a whitening treatment. Intrinsic stains come from inside the tooth, and they cannot be removed through whitening. To cover intrinsic discoloration, cosmetic bonding can be used to cover up the front layer of the teeth. The bonding resin can be color-matched to get to your desired shade. If you have one or a few teeth with discoloration, bonding can be a great way to blend the teeth with the rest of your smile.
Chips or Cracks
When the enamel of a tooth is chipped or cracked, it may be able to be repaired with bonding. Bonding not only restores the appearance of the damaged tooth, but it can help protect it against further breakage. The bonding material is strong enough to act like your tooth’s enamel in addition to looking natural. If the damage is significant, a crown may be necessary to restore the tooth.
Asymmetry
A jagged tooth or an unevenly shaped or sized tooth can make your smile look asymmetrical. To give your smile a more uniform look, cosmetic bonding or contouring can help the outlying teeth to better blend with the rest of your smile.
Is Bonding/Contouring Right for Your Smile?
Bonding/contouring could help address your smile’s cosmetic issues. To schedule a consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.