Dental Bonding and Contouring 101

Dental Bonding

Direct composite bonding is the process that uses tooth-colored composites to fill cavities, repair chips or cracks, close gaps between teeth and buildup the worn-down edges of teeth.  Cosmetic dental bonding is an affordable alternative to porcelain veneers, but will not last as long as a veneer. Bonding will not discolor as your natural tooth enamel will, so touch-up teeth whitening may be required to keep your natural teeth the same shade as the bonded area.

Dental Contouring

If minor cosmetic dental problems make you afraid to smile, cosmetic contouring may be right for you. This procedure, also called enameloplasty or tooth reshaping, can fix minor imperfections like slightly misshapen teeth. The dentist will gently remove some of your teeth's enamel to change the shape or length. Once your teeth have been contoured, Dr. Whitney will polish them to match your natural smile.

Who is a Good Candidate for Bonding?

Dental bonding is a common procedure that’s used to treat many different dental issues. If you’ve got any of the following symptoms, you could be a good candidate for bonding:

• Decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
• Spaces between teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Short teeth that you’d like to look longer
• A dental root left exposed by receding gums  

If you want to learn more about dental bonding at Sand Springs Family Dentistry, contact our Dentist and the team today at (918) 245-5979.