Improving Cosmetic Blemishes With Bonding and Contouring
May 29, 2019
Our smiles can develop a number of issues that impact their appearance, from serious discoloration to damage, such as chips and cracks. Other issues may arise naturally, such as pointed teeth. In order to correct these blemishes, often in one visit, we may prescribe dental bonding and contouring for our Kansas City, MO, patients.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
When a patient sees us for a cavity, we offer a lifelike and metal-free filling using composite resin. A mixture of glass and plastic compounds, the material can be shaded to match the color of the surrounding tooth structure and offers long-lasting restoration. We employ the same material in the bonding procedure. After we remove any decay and clean the tooth, we etch the tooth surface and prepare the bonding material. We apply the material in several layers, the etching helps keep the composite resin in place as the material cures under a light. The dentist shapes the tooth in the process and completes the procedure by polishing the tooth thoroughly, offering a more natural appearance. In a single visit, we offer a means of repairing minor chips and cracks, masking permanent teeth stains, and even closing gaps between the teeth.
Dental Contouring
Contouring takes a very different approach. Instead of adding a special material to a tooth, we gently buff away small segments of tooth structure. Reshaping the tooth with contouring means removing pits or grooves in the tooth surface, addressing overly pointed teeth, and correcting misshapen teeth. Again, the entire procedure only takes one visit to complete and we often offer it during your bonding appointment.
When Should I See the Dentist?
Both of these options have the ability to address multiple cosmetic issues, such as discoloration or misshapen teeth. However, we want to remind you that dental damage, such as chips and fractures, could expose the inner tooth structure to harmful bacteria, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and infection. Even if the damage appears very minor, your smile could still be at risk. Never ignore damage, and see us for an exam. If you sustain an injury and don’t see obvious damage, remember that often dental fractures are nearly invisible to the naked eye. If you have any questions about our approach to cosmetic dentistry, or about repairing smiles in one visit, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Smile Blemishes?
If you suffer from poor smile esthetics or chipped teeth, then we may have a solution, one that could fix things in one visit. To learn more about our cosmetic dental procedures and other treatment options, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.