Dental bonding and reshaping are two cosmetic procedures that are often used together to achieve the ideal tooth appearance. Dental bonding involves applying a composite resin material to the teeth to rebuild or change the structure or appearance of the tooth.
This can be used to fix imperfections such as discoloration, cracks, or gaps in the teeth. Tooth reshaping is also known as enameloplasty. Enameloplasty, as a separate procedure, involves removing a small amount of enamel to change the shape of the tooth. When used in tandem with dental bonding, the composite resin can be shaped and molded until the desired goal is achieved and no enamel needs to be removed.
Dental bonding and reshaping can be used to correct a variety of aesthetic issues with a person’s smile, such as discoloration, minor chips or cracks, gaps, an exposed tooth root, and overlapping teeth. It can be used to alter the overall shape and size of the teeth as well.
Many patients want their incisors to be lengthened or shortened, as certain teeth may be abnormally small or uneven in comparison to others. Dental bonding and reshaping can be used to make certain teeth blend in with the rest or to change the appearance of all of the visible teeth altogether.
Dental bonding is a temporary cosmetic procedure that lasts for an average of 5-10 years. Bonding is done with a tooth-colored composite resin material. Composite resin can become damaged due to wear and tear over time. This material will wear away faster on teeth like the rear molars which undergo more force from chewing.
We recommend using dental bonding primarily in the teeth that are visible when you smile and don’t need to withstand significant force. To prolong the lifespan of your dental bonding, you should practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush, as hard bristles are too abrasive and can wear down the resin material.
If any of your natural enamel had an enameloplasty performed, the shaving of your enamel is permanent. However, if the shaping was done to the composite resin, this will only last as long as the bonding does. Dental bonding and reshaping are reversible. However, a genuine enameloplasty performed on the natural tooth enamel is not.
A good candidate for bonding and reshaping is someone who is unhappy with the appearance of their teeth but does not have severe damage or decay. Patients who have suffered from severe dental trauma and have significant chips or a broken tooth may not be suitable candidates.
During the consultation, Dr. Victor Tran will examine your mouth to look for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. You need to have healthy teeth and soft tissue to be eligible for dental bonding. Any tooth decay or gum disease will still be present if you undergo dental bonding and will only worsen without treatment. These problems need to be treated before any of your teeth can be bonded or reshaped.
If you’re interested in dental bonding and reshaping and are wondering if the treatment is right for you, contact us at Origin Dental. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tran today to find out if you’re eligible for this cosmetic procedure.
