What Happens During Composite Bonding?

With Composite Bonding the dentist puts a resin onto the tooth. The resin is. Hardened so the tooth looks more even. Composite Bonding is especially useful when the tooth has a chip or a gap that bothers the patient.

Because the resin sits on top of the tooth the dentist has something to work with. With Composite Bonding you are not asking the tooth to become smaller just to change its appearance. That is a difference.

When Composite Bonding Makes Sense

• A small chip is bothering the tooth and adding resin can restore the edge without removing much natural tooth.

• Gaps between teeth can sometimes be disguised with Composite Bonding although the exact result depends on the size and position of the gap.

• The tooth looks a little too short. Adding Composite Bonding gives the dentist room to change its proportions.

What Is Dental Contouring?

Dental Contouring, also called tooth reshaping works in the direction. The dentist carefully removes a small amount of enamel to alter the outline of the tooth.

Dental Contouring tends to suit teeth that already have structure and just need a subtle adjustment. It is not the treatment I would choose when the tooth needs material added. There would be nothing to add.

The Main Difference

That changes what each treatment can achieve. Composite Bonding can make the tooth look wider or longer because the dentist adds resin. Dental Contouring is better, for reducing a bump or changing an uneven edge.

Some people even have both done. The dentist might reshape one area slightly. Use Composite Bonding elsewhere to create a more even appearance. The plan depends on the teeth in front of the dentist not a formula.

Which One Should You Choose?

If the tooth needs something added Composite Bonding makes sense. If there is an amount of enamel that can be safely reshaped Dental Contouring is often the cleaner approach.

Cost and maintenance also differ. Composite Bonding may need repair or replacement over time because composite can chip or wear. Dental Contouring does not have added material to maintain. The enamel removed during treatment is permanent.

So What’s the Real Choice?

Look at what the tooth needs. A little extra material? Composite Bonding. A minor excess that needs smoothing? Dental Contouring.

Personally I would rather preserve tooth structure whenever the desired result can be achieved safely.. Cosmetic dentistry is not a DIY shaping exercise and the dentist needs to check the tooth before deciding how much if any enamel should be removed.