Not every concern with a smile is about oral health. A tooth can be healthy, just chipped, stained, or broken. At Something To Smile About, Dr. Kevin Boulard uses dental bonding and contouring to restore and repair teeth. As a cosmetic dentist, he can use this cosmetic dental procedure to improve the smile with little to no anesthesia, and patients usually experience minimal to no pain. This technique is a quick fix that can be completed in just one visit to our Merrimack, NH office.
About dental contouring
When you have minor cosmetic flaws in your smile that you want to conceal, dental bonding and contouring can help. At Something to Smile About, Dr. Boulard can perform this cosmetic dentistry procedure with the help of composite resin, the same material he uses for tooth-colored fillings. He will apply the bonding materials to the teeth being treated. Then, a special light is used to harden the material. Next, layers of the composite resin are applied until the desired effect is achieved. This resin helps to mask gaps in the teeth and any stains or discoloration. It can also lengthen or reshape a tooth. Dental contouring is ideal for patients with minor cosmetic issues. If you need more than just a touch-up, porcelain veneers may be a better option.
What can dental bonding and contouring treat?
Dental bonding and contouring can treat many of the issues that cause smile concerns for Merrimack, NH patients, including:
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Stains or discoloration
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Chips
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Cracks
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Breaks
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Misshapen teeth
How to care for bonded and contoured teeth
Once the dental resin is applied to your teeth, avoid food and beverages that can stain, such as coffee, tea, or tobacco, for at least 48 hours following your treatment. The bonding material can chip or stain, so avoid chewing on hard objects. Also, maintaining an efficient at-home oral hygiene routine is important since teeth that are bonded and contoured must be cleaned, just like natural teeth, to keep them looking and feeling their best. You should also schedule regular dental visits, consisting of exams and cleanings, that allow you to best maintain your oral health. During a regular exam, Dr. Boulard can help you decide if your bonding or contouring should be re-done to help you maintain your smile.
Teeth bonding and contouring FAQs
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How long do my results last? Our patients in Merrimack, NH can expect their bonding and contouring results to last anywhere from three to 10 years. This will depend on their diligence to protect their teeth. Proper oral hygiene helps prolong the benefits of dental bonding and contouring. Your bonded teeth should be cared for with daily brushing and flossing.
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Are there any cons to dental bonding or contouring? Unlike other procedures, the composite resin from dental bonding can absorb stains over time, just like the natural enamel. Because of this, many patients at Something To Smile About opt for porcelain veneers or crowns to repair their smiles.
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Will bonding and contouring take more than one visit? Most often, bonding and contouring can be completed after just one visit to our Merrimack, NH office.
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What’s the difference between bonding and contouring? Contouring usually involves buffing away a portion of the enamel to reshape the tooth.
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Is contouring good for your teeth? Contouring will not damage your teeth in any way. It simply is reshaping your teeth and removing grooves or pits on the surface of the teeth for a more desired look.
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Will insurance cover my contouring? If it is deemed medically necessary and will improve your oral health, then your insurance provider may cover contouring. Our professional team can work with you to determine what your financial obligations will be before you commit to any procedure at our office.
Learn more about smile transformation with dental contouring
Bonding and contouring offer a great way to enhance how your smile looks. Find out more about the benefits of bonding and contouring during a consultation with general and cosmetic dentist Dr. Kevin Boulard at Something To Smile About. Since there are no nerves in the enamel of your tooth, this procedure is usually pain-free. Call our professional team in Merrimack, NH today to schedule an appointment to discuss a smile makeover procedure.