Dental Bonding vs. Contouring

When there are imperfections in your smile, dental bonding is one of the options that the general dentist might use to restore your teeth and hide minor cosmetic flaws. Not every dental flaw affects oral health, but failing to correct a minor chip can increase the risks of complications. The dentist can fix a minor chip or uneven edge by simply adding or subtracting from the tooth’s structure, processes known as bonding and contouring. What is the difference between the two procedures?

The need for tooth bonding and contouring

Dental bonding and contouring can treat issues like chips and cracks. They are both quick and painless procedures with minimal or no anesthesia necessary. The procedures can improve the appearance of the tooth, consequently giving the person a confidence boost.

Overview of dental bonding

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that involves using composite resin to cover decay and hide imperfections on the tooth. The color of the composite is matched to the natural tooth, making it indistinguishable from other teeth. The dentist can also use bonding to lengthen a tooth or fill gaps between the teeth.

For the procedure, the dentist will etch the enamel of the affected tooth and apply a conditioning gel. After applying the composite resin, a special UV light will be used to harden and cure the resin material to cover the tooth. After setting the composite, the dentist will buff any sharp edges and polish the tooth to make it smooth and natural-looking.

Overview of tooth contouring

Also known as reshaping, tooth contouring is more about improving the aesthetics of the tooth, but it can also improve oral health. Contouring can be done on the teeth to make cleaning and flossing easier and reduce the risk of decay. With the tooth contouring procedure, the dentist can reshape the edge of the tooth to make it look smoother, more even or shorter, therefore making the smile more symmetrical.

Simply reshaping the front teeth can produce significant improvements to the entire smile. In cases where the teeth have jagged edges or overlap or if a tooth is longer than others, dental contouring is an effective solution. Contouring involves sculpting the tooth’s enamel lightly with a dental tooth. The procedure is non-invasive and generally causes no pain. The finished product is a smooth, evenly aligned tooth.

Aftercare tips

A patient who has just undergone tooth bonding or contouring can take certain measures to prolong the result of the process. In the first two days, they must avoid any food or drink that can stain the teeth. Regular dental appointments are important to keep the teeth healthy. A daily oral hygiene routine including brushing and flossing is just as vital. Patients must avoid biting on hard foods or substances that can chip the tooth or damage the bonding material. With proper care and maintenance, dental bonding can last for several years.

Final note

If you are embarrassed due to a minor chip or cosmetic flaw on your teeth, you can visit the general dentist to discuss your options. Depending on the tooth’s condition, the dentist will recommend dental bonding or recontouring to restore your smile.

Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentalchicago.com or call Allure Dental at (312) 248-7517 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

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