Dental Bonding vs. Contouring

Dental Bonding vs. Contouring from Prince William Dental in Gainesville, VAThere are some cases where a stained or chipped tooth can be fixed with dental bonding or contouring. While these issues can be more severe and so require a different solution, something like an uneven edge or unsightly spot can often be treated without more invasive procedures that can affect the entire mouth.

Dental bonding

This procedure enhances a tooth's appearance by adding a small amount of material to it.

Material used

Composite resin is typically the material used to fill in irregularities in a tooth. This is the same compound generally used to fill more visible cavities because it is similar in color to the natural enamel of the tooth. It can even be shaded to match the color of a tooth so the bonding is not noticeable. A treatment like this can last between five and 10 years depending on care.

Issues it can fix

More serious irregularities may not be able to be repaired by bonding. The following are some of the issues commonly fixed by this type of procedure:

  • Small gaps between teeth
  • Intense stains unable to be lifted with other whitening options
  • A tooth that appears short or uneven
  • Chipped teeth
  • As an alternative to a crown on a front tooth

This treatment can typically be completed in a single office visit and without the use of any numbing agents. It is important to keep the teeth as clean as possible after having this procedure, as the bonded area will not discolor along with the natural enamel. Regular brushing and oral hygiene is therefore important. In some cases, tooth whitening may be necessary to keep the surrounding teeth the same color as the bonding.

Dental contouring

Instead of adding material to a tooth, this procedure takes away a small amount of enamel.

Tools used

A sanding instrument is most often used to correct small imperfections on the enamel of a tooth. When the irregularity is on the side of a tooth, contouring can be accomplished using sandpaper-like strips. The issue needs to be on the surface of the tooth and not down too deep for this treatment to be a recommended option.

Smile problems it can solve

Contouring can only be performed on thick enamel. Attempting to contour thin enamel can cause chipping or cracking. A procedure like this can successfully deal with pits or rough patches, pointed or jagged edges, teeth that overlap or longer teeth that create an uneven smile.

While this treatment can be completed in a dental office, the strength of your enamel should be thoroughly checked by a dental professional before beginning the procedure. This can prevent thin enamel from being damaged unnecessarily.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bonding in Gainesville, VA.

Conclusion

Teeth with small surface imperfections may be able to be fixed with dental bonding and contouring. These relatively simple procedures involve adding material or shaving off small amounts of enamel. Many common tooth issues can be addressed quickly and easily with these treatments.

Request an appointment or call Prince William Dental at 703-662-8287 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.

Recent Posts

Can Dental Bonding Be Permanent?

Dental bonding is not a permanent solution. This is in contrast to dental veneers, which are considered a permanent solution and are used for similar reasons as dental bonding. However, dental bonding can last for several years if the teeth are cared for properly.The following discussion highlights what the dental bonding procedure involves and why…

How Dental Bonding Can Benefit Your Oral Health

Dental bonding can fix minor to moderate concerns with teeth, such as chips, cracks, worn-down enamel, and more. Read on to learn more about dental bonding and its uses. It is helpful to understand how dental bonding can benefit your oral health to determine if treatment is right for you or if another form of…

Four Things You Need To Know About Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a multi-purpose procedure that provides patients with restorative and cosmetic benefits. Improving the way a person’s smile looks helps to increase their confidence, and restoring damaged teeth protects them against a wide range of dental and general issues.Repairing teeth with dental bonding does not require the dentist to make any permanent restorations…

Recent Posts

What To Look For In A Cosmetic Dentist

What To Look For In A Cosmetic Dentist

For those looking to improve how their smile looks, choosing the right cosmetic dentist is key. Because cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized dental specialty, any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. Therefore, finding the right professional for you can be a challenge. Fortunately, knowing what qualities to look for takes much of…

How Long Dentures May Last

How Long Dentures May Last

Dentures can be the perfect solution for missing one or multiple teeth. After all, your smile says a lot about you. The first thing a new acquaintance may notice about you is your teeth, and you want that first impression to be a pleasant one. Dentures can help restore your smile, but it's important that…