Our Dental Blog

Improving Smiles With Bonding And Contouring

January 25, 2019
bonding contouring

Cosmetic dentistry enables people in Kansas City, MO, to enjoy healthier smiles, correcting issues with the teeth’s color and shape. Using dental bonding and contouring, we help transform smiles. How do these procedures work? What should our patients expect from these unique cosmetic treatment options?

Repairing Chipped Teeth

Dental bonding enables us to transform a tooth in just one sitting. With bonding, we use composite resin, which we also use in our tooth-colored fillings to create an esthetically-pleasing solution to tooth decay. Composite resin can be shaded to blend with the smile and contains no metal, making it safe for patients of all ages and those with metal allergies. Treatment begins with the dentist removing any decay and then cleaning the tooth. We may etch the tooth’s surface to help the material adhere as it cures. We apply the material in several layers and then sculpt the tooth as the composite resin cures under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a more lifelike appearance. We use bonding to repair chipped teeth, close gaps between teeth, and even mask permanent teeth stains.

Reshaping Your Smile

We also have anther option for repairing teeth in a single visit: dental contouring. With contouring, we don’t add materials to the tooth. Instead, we gently buff away small sections of outer tooth structure. We address minor chips and issues with the tooth’s shape. We also buff away pit or grooves in the tooth structure. Contouring also helps dull overly pointed teeth. In some cases, we may perform both procedures in a single visit, helping you enjoy a beautiful smile that you’ll be eager to show off to the world.

Custom-Made Restorations

What if you have substantial damage or cosmetic issues? In some cases, bonding and contouring may not be enough. However, we have other cosmetic restorations available. In as little as two visits, we can create and place a crown or veneer. Crowns fit over the entire tooth, addressing a wide array of restorative and cosmetic issues. Veneers cover the front and sides of the teeth, addressing everything from stains and damage to the appearance of minor misalignment and gaps between teeth. Each one is made from lifelike ceramic and has the potential to last decades with proper care and attention. If you have any questions about any of our cosmetic restoration options, or if you think your smile could benefit from one of the procedures we discussed today, then please contact our team.

Do You Have Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry?

Our team can help improve the beauty of your smile in one visit with cosmetic dental care. To learn more about our approach to cosmetic dentistry, schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.