The Difference Between Dental Bonding and Contouring

Dental Bonding Snellville, GA

Wondering whether you should choose dental bonding services or dental contouring services to repair one or more issues with your teeth? These two popular cosmetic options both work to improve the way one looks when they smile. When it comes to which option someone should choose to improve their smile, read on for in-depth information.

About general dentistry

Thinking dental bonding and/or contouring is the right cosmetic choice? Many people are now looking into their cosmetic options to repair any minor tooth flaws they have and are especially excited about the fact that many of today’s options are minimally invasive. In fact, some cosmetic services do not even require patients to undergo any type of anesthetic. Many people are also asking their general dentist if they can perform these cosmetic treatments, as some general dentists have undergone additional training to provide additional dental services.

What is dental bonding?

According to WebMD, dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person's smile. This cosmetic procedure requires a dental professional to first prepare the tooth by making it rough so that the bonding material will properly adhere to the tooth. Once the bonding has adhered, a special light is used to harden the material. The last step is making any alterations to ensure it is shaped correctly and then polishing the tooth.

Common reasons for choosing bonding to repair minor tooth issues are to repair decayed teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth, to improve the appearance of discolored teeth, to close spaces between teeth, to make teeth look longer, to change the shape of teeth, for dental fillings and to protect the root of a tooth that happens to be exposed due to gum recession. Dental bonding tends to take between 30 and 60 minutes per tooth.

What is dental contouring?

According to WebMD, contouring or reshaping the teeth (also called odontoplasty, enameloplasty, stripping or slenderizing) is a procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed to change a tooth's length, shape or surface. In order for someone to be approved to undergo a contouring procedure, they must first be examined by a dental professional, as this cosmetic option is one that can only treat teeth that have plenty of enamel or if the pulp is not too close to the tooth’s surface.

Common reasons for choosing contouring to repair minor tooth issues are fixing small tooth chips, smoothing out bulges or pits in the enamel, adjusting minor irregular tooth shapes that happen to be caused by too many teeth or uneven teeth and adjusting the length of the canine teeth. Dental contouring tends to take between 40 and 50 minutes per tooth.

Making a choice

Now that the difference between dental bonding and dental contouring is understood, those who are in need of cosmetic services to repair their minor tooth problems are able to determine which option is right for them. Keep in mind that some people will benefit from choosing both cosmetic options, as everyone will have their own personalized treatment plan made during a consultation appointment.

Are you considering dental bonding in the Snellville area? Get more information at https://www.northroadfamilydental.com.

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

Recent Posts

How Dental Bonding Can Minimize Gaps Between Teeth

If you have gapped teeth, dental bonding can be an option to restore your smile. It is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses composite resin materials to transform the teeth’s appearance. Dental bonding can correct not only small spaces between teeth but also other flaws like discoloration and minor tooth decay, cracks, or chips. It…

How Dental Bonding Can Strengthen Your Teeth

Many patients have dental bonding procedures for cosmetic reasons. However, the treatment is also sometimes used to strengthen teeth that are chipped, cracked, decayed, or have exposed roots.Dental bonding is done with a composite resin that a dentist has color-matched to the natural teeth. The dentist roughens the tooth surface and then applies a conditioning…

Dental Bonding Vs. Contouring

There 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.This procedure enhances…

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve Your Smile?

Many patients want to improve their smiles — this is where a cosmetic dentist can help. Read on to learn how cosmetic dentistry can improve the look of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the quality of the smile, while also addressing oral health and functional concerns as necessary.The primary focus of cosmetic dentistry is…

Recent Posts

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve Your Smile?

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve Your Smile?

Many patients want to improve their smiles — this is where a cosmetic dentist can help. Read on to learn how cosmetic dentistry can improve the look of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the quality of the smile, while also addressing oral health and functional concerns as necessary.The primary focus of cosmetic dentistry is…

How To Protect Your Dental Implants

How To Protect Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the options you get to choose from if you are missing one or more teeth. A growing number of people are opting for implants thanks to the convenience that comes with them and their bone tissue preserving properties. Dental implants are rods/screws that are inserted into the jawbone to serve…