Erase Teeth Imperfections with Bonding and Tooth Contouring in Bethesda
You may think that your imperfect teeth will require years of orthodontic treatment or months of invasive dental treatments before you can smile with confidence. What if we told you that you could achieve the smile of your dreams in just one or two office visits with Dr. Hornstein? What if we also told you that your ideal smile can be created with minimally-invasive treatments that may not even require anesthesia? If that sounds too good to be true, then you just haven’t experienced the amazing effects of bonding and tooth contouring by Bethesda cosmetic dentist Dr. Hornstein.
Quick Fixes for a Nuber of Cosmetic Issues
Dental bonding can correct many cosmetic problems, including teeth that are widely spaced, chipped, irregularly shaped, pitted, grooved, or too small. Bonding can also cover discolorations that cannot be corrected by professional teeth whitening. Tooth contouring is used reshape teeth that are worn flat, jagged on the edges, or too pointy. Combined with cosmetic bonding, tooth contouring can also help reshape and reposition teeth that are slightly crooked or overlapping, giving you perfectly straight teeth without needing to undergo orthodontic treatment. Best of all, these minimally-invasive procedures are comfortable, fast, and do not require significant amounts of tooth reduction, helping you retain strong, healthy teeth.
Shaping Teeth to Perfection with Tooth Contouring
To determine if you are a candidate for tooth contouring, Dr. Hornstein will perform a digital X-ray to check the position and size of your tooth pulp, which is the soft, nerve-filled center of your tooth. As contouring involves the removal of small amounts of enamel, which is the hard outer layer of the tooth, Dr. Hornstein will only perform the procedure if you have a sufficient amount of tooth structure in place to avoid weakening the tooth or damaging the pulp. Next, he will mark the areas of your teeth that he is going to remove. Using a polishing tool or a dental laser, your cosmetic dentist will precisely remove small portions of the enamel, little by little, until he achieves the desired shape.
Covering Flaws and Resculpting Teeth with Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding uses a soft, putty-like substance to cover imperfections and reshape teeth for optimal cosmetic appeal. Bonding is performed with composite resin, the same material Dr. Hornstein uses for fillings. To ensure that this material adheres optimally, he will first roughen the surface of your tooth and apply a conditioning liquid. After ensuring that the composite resin is appropriately shaded to match your surrounding teeth, Dr. Hornstein will apply it to the tooth surface, smoothing and molding it until he is satisfied with the shape. He will then harden the bonding material with a laser. After your Bethesda cosmetic dentist further adjusts and shapes the tooth, he will polish the surface so that it looks as shiny and natural as your other teeth.
Benefits of Bonding and Tooth Contouring
- Quick, minimally invasive correction of multiple cosmetic dental issues
- No or minimal anesthesia required for most treatments
- Helps maintain natural tooth structure while improving appearance
- Can be combined for a comprehensive smile makeover in just a couple of visits
- Cost-effective alternative to more extensive cosmetic procedures
Tips for Preparing for Your Bonding and Contouring
- Maintain good oral hygiene before your appointment
- Discuss your smile goals clearly with Dr. Hornstein
- Avoid biting hard foods immediately after treatment to protect bonding
- Attend regular dental checkups to monitor your results
What to Expect During Bonding and Tooth Contouring Treatment in Our Bethesda Office
- Initial consultation and dental examination including digital X-rays
- Precise planning of tooth reshaping and bonding areas
- Gentle enamel removal with polishing tools or lasers for contouring
- Application and sculpting of composite resin for bonding
- Hardening and polishing for a natural, durable finish
Experience the Difference
Dentistry of Bethesda provides compassionate, personalized dental care for all members of your family, including those with special needs. Contact Bethesda dentist Dr. Spencer Hornstein today at (301) 530-2700 to schedule your consultation. We happily treat patients from Silver Spring, North Bethesda, Rockville, Chevy Chase, Potomac, and the surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bonding and Tooth Contouring
1. What cosmetic issues can dental bonding fix?
Bonding can repair chipped, cracked, discolored, misshapen, or spaced teeth and cover discolorations not fixed by whitening.
2. Is tooth contouring painful?
Tooth contouring is usually painless because only small amounts of enamel are removed, and anesthesia is rarely needed.
3. How long does bonding last?
With proper care, dental bonding can last several years, though it may require occasional touch-ups.