The difference between contouring and bonding
Teeth contouring and composite bonding are two techniques that can transform your teeth quickly and affordably.
Our talented cosmetic dentists have improved thousands of smiles using these popular treatments – sometimes combined with Invisalign or teeth whitening for the very best result.
Teeth contouring
Contouring and bonding both reshape your teeth to create a more uniform smile, but they do this in different ways.
Teeth contouring is a straightforward treatment that contours your teeth by removing tiny amounts of enamel. It’s carried out in one appointment, it’s pain-free, and there’s no downtime.
During your treatment, your dentist will carefully polish your teeth to smooth their edges and improve their symmetry.
Contouring can help worn and uneven tooth surfaces, small chips, minor misalignments and teeth that are out of proportion.
The benefits of contouring
- It’s our most affordable cosmetic treatment
- It’s quick, safe and pain-free
- You’ll see permanent results in one appointment
- It can tackle a wide range of cosmetic concerns
The disadvantages of contouring
- It’s only suitable for minor imperfections
- Once we remove enamel, it’s gone for good
- You may not be suitable if you have thin or weak enamel
Composite bonding
Composite bonding reshapes your teeth by building them up using tooth-coloured composite – the same material we use for white fillings.
Unlike contouring, we’re not limited to subtle changes, and we can dramatically change the shape and appearance of your teeth.
Bonding can help with chips, gaps, crooked, cracked, stained and misshapen teeth.
As well as smoothing the edges of your teeth, we can cover the surface of your teeth to achieve a whiter, smoother finish. Composite veneers can be an excellent choice if you’re not ready for the commitment of porcelain veneers.
Bonding is carried out quickly and painlessly in one appointment. Your dentist will reshape your teeth using composite that matches the colour of your teeth. When you’re happy with the outcome, they’ll use a blue light to harden the composite material before giving your teeth a final polish.
Composite bonding can look incredible, and with regular maintenance, we can maintain your new smile for years to come.
The benefits of bonding
- Composite bonding looks incredibly natural
- It’s a quick procedure with no discomfort
- It’s a less invasive alternative to traditional veneers
- It doesn’t damage your natural teeth
- The results are usually reversible
The disadvantages of bonding
- The results of bonding aren’t permanent
- Bonding isn’t as strong as a veneer or crown
- Some foods and drinks can stain bonding
Which treatment is right for you?
To decide which of our many cosmetic treatments is right for you, why not visit our friendly team for a free no-obligation consultation.
We’ll examine your teeth and talk to you about your goals and any concerns you might have. We’ll then go through all your options, which might include Invisalign, fixed braces, veneers, composite bonding, teeth contouring and whitening.
Sometimes, we’ll recommend a combination of treatments to achieve the best possible outcome.
Braces and bonding are a popular combination if your teeth are misaligned and misshapen. Using Invisalign or fixed braces, we’ll move your teeth into the perfect position before completing your smile makeover with composite bonding and teeth whitening.
All our brace packages include complimentary teeth whitening and contouring.
If you’re ready to meet us for a free consultation, you can book online or contact our team who will be delighted to help.
