What’s the Scoop on Cosmetic Bonding and Contouring?

Have you been interested in cosmetic dentistry for a while now, but can’t seem to track down the ideal treatment? Perhaps you’re concerned about the cost of cosmetic treatment, like porcelain veneers, or the time it will take to achieve the smile you desire. Have you heard about cosmetic bonding or contouring? What about the ways they can enhance your smile? If you’d like to get the inside scoop on how these simple treatments can drastically improve your smile, you have come to the right place.

How Bonding and Contouring Work to Create a “Wow” Smile

Cosmetic bonding is a simple process that can be completed in your dentist’s office, often in less than an hour during your initial visit. First the dentist will determine what concerns you have with your existing smile, and will then discuss with you the vision you have for your dream smile. When the two of you have a clear goal in mind, the dentist can apply a composite resin material to your teeth to help smooth out any imperfections, like jagged edges or misshapen teeth. The resin can also be used to hide any flaws like discoloration or minor gaps.

Once the material has been used to create a more uniform smile, it will be hardened using a special light and polished to blend in with your natural teeth, leaving you with an enhanced yet still authentic-looking smile. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, and relies on the dentist’s own craftsmanship to improve your smile, it is far more affordable than alternative cosmetic treatments like veneers, which must generally be ordered and then shipped to the dentist for affixing.

Like bonding, cosmetic contouring is a simple office procedure which can help to improve the look of your smile. But contouring is used to eliminate portions of the teeth that are disproportionally large or slightly overlapped. By gently filing away excess portions of the tooth, the dentist can often drastically increase the symmetry of your smile, leaving you with the confidence that comes from knowing your pearly whites are at their peak.