Our Dental Blog

One Visit Cosmetic Care With Bonding and Contouring

January 8, 2020

Did you know that your Kansas City, MO, dentist can repair minor esthetic issues in just one visit? Dental bonding and contouring are two very different procedures that can be completed in a single visit, procedures that can improve the shape, surfaces, and color of your teeth. When should you see our team for single visit cosmetic treatments?

dentist tools and a big tooth

Tooth Bonding

The bonding process involves the use of composite resin to repair a tooth or mask cosmetic issues. The material is a unique blend of acrylic and glass compounds and contains no metal. We often use the material to create a lifelike dental filling. Treatment involves first removing any decay and then cleaning the tooth. We etch the surface and apply the composite resin, which we shade to match the color of surrounding structure. After we apply the material, we sculpt and mold it under a curing light. The final steps involve polishing the tooth for a more esthetically-pleasing appearance.

Cosmetic Contouring

Contouring takes a very different approach. We don’t add material to the tooth, instead we gently buff and sand the outer structure to correct esthetic concerns. Again, the process takes one visit and we may complete both at the same time, allowing you to leave with a more attractive smile without straining your schedule or conflicting with family events.

Restoring Your Smile’s Beauty

With bonding, we can often repair minor chips and cracks. If you have worn down a tooth due to teeth grinding, we can lengthen it. Treatment also closes gaps between the teeth and helps mask permanent teeth stains, which could occur below the enamel and may be difficult to remove with teeth whitening. With contouring, we can correct overlapping teeth, dull sharp teeth, and remove rough patches and pits and grooves in the surfaces. If a tooth appears too large, we can reshape it, and also correct other issues with the shape of the tooth. We may whiten your teeth first to ensure our repairs match your brightest possible smile. We often combine these with other treatments to help offer a smile makeover.

Are These Right for Me?

To find out if you benefit from these or any other treatment options, please schedule a consultation. With advanced technology, we can take a detailed view of your smile and gain an understanding of the factors behind your esthetic issues. From there, we will create a personalized treatment plan to help you enjoy a more attractive smile!

Do You Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

We’re here to help you enjoy your best smile with an array of cosmetic procedures, including teeth whitening, bonding and contouring, and veneers. To learn more about our cosmetic treatment options, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.