Dental Bonding and Contouring in Houston, TX

Accidents happen. You may take a bad step, trip, and chip your tooth. It is also possible that a tooth can become discolored from an illness or medication. Our general and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michael Macaluso, performs bonding and contouring to improve small cosmetic flaws at his office in Houston, TX. Dental bonding can also be used to fill in spaces between teeth, to add length to a tooth, to give an instant whitening boost or shape a tooth or several teeth in one appointment. It is also often used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings.

Dental bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored composite resin, which is bonded onto the tooth or teeth, giving the procedure its name. The entire process of tooth bonding can usually be done in less than an hour and is so natural looking, no one will notice it’s there. It’s also considerably less expensive than other cosmetic dental procedures, such as porcelain veneers or crowns. For an effective treatment to enhance your smile, schedule an appointment to get more information about bonding and contouring at Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC.

Dental bonding and contouring may be a great solution if you have cracks, chips, gaps, discoloration, shortened tooth length, and other flaws. Unlike porcelain crowns and veneers, dental bonding and contouring is more affordable than other cosmetic procedures. It does not need prep work, like crowns or veneers, so it can be applied in one quick visit. You are a candidate for this technique if you only need it for superficial flaws — not to restore function to a tooth or teeth. Dental bonding and contouring are both ideal techniques to repair minor flaws, but if you want bigger improvements, a different restorative or cosmetic treatment may be better. At your consultation, Dr. Macaluso will listen to your needs and wants and then discuss your options.

Bonding and contouring is typically performed by Dr. Macaluso in a single appointment in our office. You will not need anesthesia; however, options for sedation may be reviewed with Dr. Macaluso at your consultation for concerns, like fear, anxiety, and a strong gag reflex. As soon as you're ready, he will contour the tooth for the application of the bonding material. With dental bonding, very little of the natural enamel of the tooth is removed. Layer by layer, the composite resin will be set until the desired outcome has been reached. After the composite resin is set, Dr. Macaluso will shape and smooth the tooth to refine it. The ease and minimal expense of the procedure have made bonding the most commonly performed cosmetic dental treatment today.

Once you have had bonding and contouring, it is important to not consume staining foods and drinks (such as tea, coffee, and tobacco) for at least the first two days. The bonding material can stain and chip. Do not bite hard objects, like hard candy, pens, and fingernails. It is best to clean your teeth immediately after eating. Teeth that have been bonded and contoured need to be cared for, like natural teeth, with daily flossing, brushing, and mouthwash. Dental cleanings at Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC can help to polish away stains from the bonding material. With good care, bonding and contouring may last as long as ten years. At your dental examination, Dr. Macaluso can help you determine if and when your dental bonding and contouring procedure should be performed again to refresh your smile.

Bonding and contouring is a wonderful procedure if you would like to enhance minor flaws in your teeth without the time and expense of other more invasive cosmetic procedures. Find out more about bonding and contouring at your consultation at our office in Houston, TX. Contact Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC to make your appointment and get a beautiful smile.