What is dental bonding and contouring?
Teeth that have small flaws, like chips, cracks, or slight gaps, are often bothersome to many of our patients. In such cases, skilled dentists, Drs. Richard Caron and John Kenney offer dental bonding and contouring in our modern Tupelo, MS practice to improve these minor cosmetic flaws. A fast, effective cosmetic treatment, bonding and contouring uses composite resin (the same material used for tooth-colored fillings) to hide discoloration, reduce spaces between gapped teeth, lengthen a tooth, or even change the shape of a tooth for enhanced cosmetic appeal. If you want a simple treatment to improve your smile, schedule an appointment to learn more about dental bonding and contouring in Tupelo, MS at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.
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What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding and Contouring?
At Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, dental bonding and contouring could offer several advantages for Tupelo, MS people looking to boost the look and function of their teeth. These benefits comprise:
- Repairs little aesthetic defects, like cracks, chips, and discoloration
- Can improve an individual's self-assurance about their smile
- Improves tooth size, shape, and positioning
- Necessitates only minuscule enamel reduction, maintaining the innate tooth structure
- Presents a cost-effective alternative to more drawn-out oral treatments, such as crowns or veneers
- Increases the strength and stability of weakened or worn-out teeth
- Short and convenient treatment
- Offers outcomes that are long-lasting
Who is a candidate for bonding and contouring?
Dental bonding and contouring can treat small gaps, chips, cracks, insufficient length, discoloration, and other flaws. This type of service is an affordable cosmetic dental treatment and can often be completed in a single appointment. While dental bonding and contouring does not require tooth preparations, like crowns or veneers, it is not as strong and typically does not last as long as these types of restorations. Dental bonding and contouring is ideal for minor flaws, but if you require more extensive care, another cosmetic or restorative procedure may be considered. During your consultation, Drs. Caron and Kenney will listen to your needs and concerns and then discuss your best treatment options for improving the look of your smile.
How is bonding and contouring performed?
Bonding and contouring is generally a comfortable procedure and can usually be completed without the need for anesthesia; however, sedation methods may be reviewed at your consultation for concerns like anxiety or a strong gag reflex. As soon as you are comfortable, Drs. Caron or Kenney will apply the composite resin (matched to your enamel shade) to the specified areas of your teeth. The resin will be hardened with a special light and cured to the tooth structure. Once the composite resin is set, we will shape and smooth both the resin and your natural teeth to blend evenly and smoothly for a beautiful result.
What can I expect after bonding and contouring?
After you have had dental bonding placed, you can generally resume your normal daily activities. The bonding material can chip and stain just like natural enamel — so we advise against biting into hard objects, like ice cubes, hard candy, pens, and your fingernails. It is also best to brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible after eating or drinking dark-colored beverages, like coffee and tea. Bonded teeth should be cleaned just like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, and maintained on a routine basis through professional dental cleanings at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. With proper attention and regular care, bonding and contouring may last between 3 – 10 years. At your dental exam visits, Drs. Caron or Kenney will evaluate your dental bonding and let you know if any repairs need to be made as time goes on.
Dental Bonding and Contouring FAQ
Can dental bonding be whitened?
Possibly, but dental bonding material does not respond to teeth whitening treatments the same way your natural teeth do. If your bonded teeth become stained, your Dr. Caron or Dr. Kenney may be able help you explore options for improving their appearance.
How is dental bonding and contouring different from veneers or crowns?
Dental bonding and contouring is a more conservative and less expensive option than veneers or crowns. It is a reversible process, meaning no tooth structure is permanently removed.
Is dental bonding and contouring painful?
Both dental bonding and contouring are generally painless procedures. You probably won’t even need local anesthesia. However, if you have anxiety about dental procedures, it's best to discuss that with the team at Tupelo Smiles, as we offer various sedation dentistry techniques.
Repair your teeth Today
Cosmetic bonding and contouring with our expert team can be a great treatment option if you want to correct minor flaws in your smile without the time and expense required for other cosmetic procedures. Learn more about bonding and contouring during a consultation with Tupelo, MS dentists Drs. Caron or Kenney at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. We look forward to helping you attain and enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile.