Teeth whitening is good for addressing stains, something that most people are self-conscious of when they smile. Other issues that may make people smile less are chipped teeth, gaps, and cracks. If you have some of these, your Houston, TX, dentist can help with a bonding or contouring treatment that will help you gain the smile you want.

Bonding? Contouring? What Are Those?

First off, bonding and contouring are minimally invasive cosmetic treatments. However, the end result of each is different. Say you have a chipped tooth. We can repair it by bonding a biocompatible resin to it. This resin is made from acrylic and quartz-like particles, and can be shaded to match the tooth color it will be attached to. After it goes on your tooth, we sculpt it to make its appearance the correct shape and size. Now, with contouring, we do not use resin. Instead, we carefully sculpt a tiny portion of a tooth’s enamel. This treatment is good for anyone who has jagged teeth, rough areas on enamel, or teeth that appear too big. 

What Is A Good Reason To Get These Treatments?

Patients who elect to have these procedures do so because it helps them with their oral health. Also, these treatments are alternatives to others that may be more extensive in their application, such as dental crowns or porcelain veneers.

Okay, You Convinced Me. How Does This Work?

We often perform these treatments in the office, and they are usually quick. You can request to have anesthesia or none at all. For those who are getting a tooth bonded, we will start by etching the top layer of your tooth. Then a conditioning gel is applied so that the resin will stick to the tooth. After matching the resin with its color and attaching it, we employ a special light to help harden it before smoothing and polishing it to give it a natural look. With contouring, we take an x-ray first. This helps us see the tooth’s pulp and its location. Once that is completed, we begin the shaping and trimming of the tooth and end by giving it a polish.  

Remember To Take Care Of Them

You may not be used to them at first, but over time your newly bonded or contoured teeth will feel natural. Bonded teeth, though, have a high risk of chipping. We suggest avoiding hard foods and chewing on things like pens or ice. And as always, brush twice a day and floss every night. That way you can help keep your smile bright and clean. 

Ready To Reshape Your Smile?

If you have chipped or cracked teeth, or a gap that you do not like, a bonding or contouring treatment may help. To find out more about our approach to family dentistry, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Chan by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at (713) 926-8896.