Can I Reshape My Teeth?
September 1, 2017
If minor flaws in your teeth make you afraid to smile, you may be thinking about cosmetic dentistry options. Perhaps you have teeth that are oddly shaped because of damage? Maybe you have always had teeth that are oddly sized and mismatched. Whatever the reasons that make you feel insecure about your smile, there are options to get you the smile that you wish for. Teeth can be reshaped and resized with cosmetic options such as bonding and contouring. Bonding and contouring are both cosmetic options that are relatively more cost-effective and less time-consuming than other forms of cosmetic dentistry.
Bonding
Bonding is a composite resin, both tooth-colored and biocompatible, applied directly to the tooth. It is the same material used in tooth-colored fillings. The bonding material is painted onto the tooth, shaped, cured, and polished for a natural appearance. Bonding is a great choice for teeth that are smaller than the rest of your teeth, teeth that are discolored with intrinsic stains, small gaps, or chipped/cracked teeth. Bonding is minimally invasive, as the tooth only needs to be slightly prepared prior to the material being applied.
Contouring
Contouring is the opposite of bonding. , while bonding is the act of adding material to a tooth, contouring is the act of removing some of the teeth to gain the desired appearance. Contouring is a good option for teeth that are longer than other teeth, teeth that have an unsightly jagged shape, or teeth that have excess overlapping. Excess enamel will be removed from the tooth. The tooth will then be smoothed and polished for a natural appearance. Enamel cannot grow back, so this procedure is one that does not to be redone in the future.
Is It Enough?
Bonding or contouring are great options when the flaws are minor and on one or a few teeth. If the damage is extensive or if it is across quite a large number of teeth, porcelain veneers may be a more suitable option.
Your Dentist Can Help You Decide if Reshaping Is Enough for Your Smile
If your smile needs a touch-up, bonding and/or contouring may be for you. To learn more, schedule a cosmetic consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.