Bonding and Contouring: Minor Smile Adjustments Make A HUGE Impact
Changing the appearance of your teeth not only enhances your smile but also can restore a more youthful look, provide greater tooth stability for eating, and give you a boost in confidence.
Not all changes, however, need to be drastic and expensive. Some of the smallest adjustments to the appearance of your teeth can make a world of difference. By choosing The Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry in Newport Beach, you can expect the highest quality dentistry to give you the smile of your dreams.
Dental bonding and dental contouring are two very common dental procedures that are minimally invasive and cost-effective. Both procedures can be performed separately or combined, can be completed in about an hour, and typically do not require anesthetic! If you are looking for a small change that can make a big impact on your appearance, dental bonding or contouring might be the best option for you.
Dr. Yazdan of Newport Beach is highly skilled when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. She uses her passion for perfecting smiles to utilize these modest techniques to achieve big changes to your appearance.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to small chips or spaces between your teeth, dental bonding may be your best option. With this procedure, Dr. Yazdan will add tooth-colored composite resin to each of the affected teeth. The composite resin is perfectly matched to your teeth using a shade guide which will result in a seamless appearance.
Correct spaces and worn-down enamel, and add volume to your teeth easily within an hour-long appointment. Dental bonding does not require any reduction to your natural tooth so, in most cases, no anesthetic is necessary.
Dental bonding can also improve the color of your teeth as well as the shape of your smile. First, you and Dr. Yazdan will choose a shade perfect for your enamel. Next, a very thin layer of composite is bonded to the portion of your teeth that is visible when you smile. The bonding is then shaped and smoothed leaving you with a polished, natural-looking glow.
Tooth Contouring/Reshaping
Enamel contouring, also known as “enameloplasty,” is basically the reshaping of a tooth. This common procedure is performed by removing a very small amount of enamel from the tooth to change the shape or length.
Tooth contouring can make small chips less noticeable and smooth any rough edges. It also can be used to create a softer appearance to “eye” teeth or give teeth a more rounded or squared appearance. Enameloplasty is often used during orthodontic treatment to help alleviate crowding and create extra room for teeth to straighten out. In most cases, no anesthetic is needed and your appointment should last about an hour.
Benefits of Bonding and Contouring
Dental bonding and tooth recontouring can create a big difference in the appearance of your smile, giving you the confidence boost you may be looking for. Removing enamel from some areas and adding to the enamel in other areas can balance your smile and improve your overall appearance. Repairing chips and worn-down teeth can restore a youthful appearance giving you the smile you deserve.
These procedures are minimally invasive and much less expensive than dramatic dental veneers or crowns. You can achieve a more attractive smile in as little as an hour as opposed to possibly needing multiple appointments. And because no anesthetic is typically needed, you can easily resume your busy day.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
As with most dental restorations, dental bonding does not last forever. Touch-ups or replacement of bonding is typically needed every few years. Certain habits such as nail biting and teeth grinding can cause bonding to loosen and come off. Smoking is not recommended with bonding because staining can occur at the composite margins.
Unlike bonding, tooth contouring is permanent. Because there is only so much enamel on your teeth, there is a limit to how much can safely be removed. Good home care and frequent dental checkups are very important after contouring has been done. Since the enamel layer of your teeth has become thinner, tooth decay can be more detrimental to your tooth.
Which is Right for You?
Contact The Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry of Newport Beach if you are interested in seeing if bonding or contouring is right for you. Because these two common procedures are often combined together, you can expect to achieve noticeable results in the appearance, shape and size of your teeth. Dr. Yazdan is highly trained in cosmetic dentistry and you can expect she will provide excellent dental care catered to your specific and unique needs. You deserve a smile you can be proud of!
About Dr. Yazdan
