What Is Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding adds material to the tooth. Your dentist uses a resin and carefully shapes it over the area that needs changing. The resin is then. Polished so it blends with your natural tooth.
So if a tooth looks too short composite bonding can build it up. If there is a chip composite bonding can recreate the missing shape. Composite bonding gives the dentist something to work with of simply taking tooth structure away.
When Bonding Makes Sense
- A small chip disappears into the shape though composite bonding area still needs normal care.
- The resin can be matched closely to your tooth, which’s useful when you do not want composite bonding to announce itself every time you smile.
What Is Tooth Reshaping?
Tooth reshaping takes an approach. Of adding material the dentist gently removes a very small amount of enamel to change the tooths outline. Tooth reshaping is also called enameloplasty or dental contouring.
Think of an uneven tooth edge. If one corner sticks out more than you would like tooth reshaping can smooth that area. The change is usually subtle because there is not an amount of enamel available to remove.
The Main Difference
That difference matters because the treatments solve problems. If a tooth needs length or volume composite bonding gives your dentist material to build with. If a small part of the tooth is uneven or slightly bulky tooth reshaping can smooth the shape by removing an enamel. Your dentist also has to consider your bite before changing the shape.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on what needs changing. If you have a chipped edge or want to make a tooth look longer composite bonding is usually the more natural fit. If the tooth is healthy and only needs a reduction in its shape tooth reshaping can be a cleaner option. There is another difference worth knowing. Tooth reshaping removes enamel permanently.
