If you aren’t happy with the look of your teeth, you are not alone. Many of us wish our smile was whiter, our gaps were smaller, or that we had fewer chips and cracks. In some cases, you may wish to alter the size and shape of your individual teeth. Luckily there are procedures that can achieve this. Bonding and contouring are both services we offer that will help you attain the smile you’ve always dreamed about. In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist discusses these procedures and describes how they can help.
What Is Tooth Bonding?
It is a quick, non-invasive procedure where your dentist applies a composite resin to your tooth to alter its shape. It is typically done to fix chips or discolored teeth. It can also close large gaps between teeth and can change their shape or make them appear longer. If you and your dentist decide this is the best option for your needs, they will color match a resin to your natural teeth, so it doesn’t stand out. From there, they apply a liquid to your tooth to prepare it for the bonding material. Once that is complete, your dentist applies the resin to your tooth and shapes it to match your specific needs. Next, it is hardened with a laser or UV light. Finally, your dentist puts finishing touches on it, like additional shaping and polishing. The entire procedure only lasts between thirty minutes to an hour for a tooth. In addition to its simplicity, this is a relatively inexpensive service.
What Is Tooth Contouring?
You can think of this procedure as the opposite of bonding. Rather than adding resin to shape a tooth, contouring removes enamel to achieve the same goal. It is done when a tooth appears too large or is crowding over other teeth. It can also remove jagged edges or rough spots on your enamel. It is performed using either a drill or laser, and it is usually quick, painless, and doesn’t require any sort of recovery period. The procedure can fix chipped or cracked teeth, cosmetically fix the damage caused by persistent teeth grinding, and can even make it easier to clean your teeth if there are not sufficient gaps between them.
How Do I Take Care Of My Teeth Afterwards?
Whether you had bonding or contouring performed, caring for your teeth afterward is quite simple. You just need to treat the affected teeth as you would prior to the procedure. You should brush twice a day using a non-abrasive toothpaste, avoid chewing ice and other hard non-food items and keep seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Contact Us To Learn More About Bonding And Contouring
If you have questions about bonding and contouring, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your Greenville, TX, dentist, Dr. Smith, by calling 903-455-5750. You can also find us at Medical Arts Plaza 4818 Wellington Street, Suite 3 Greenville, TX 75402. We also serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.