Will I need bonding or porcelain veneers for uneven tooth edges?

Posted by AllSmiles

I’m almost finished with braces, but my tooth edges are uneven. Can bonding fix this, or will I need porcelain veneers? Thanks, Emmie from Idaho

Emmie,

An expert cosmetic dentist can correct uneven tooth edges with cosmetic bonding, cosmetic contouring (enameloplasty), or both. What’s the difference?

Cosmetic bonding vs. Enameloplasty

Cosmetic bonding applies dental composite to your teeth to improve shape and color. Both procedures are less invasive than porcelain veneers. But enameloplasty removes some tooth enamel to improve your tooth shape. We will explain each process.

Cosmetic bonding

With composite bonding, a dentist skillful blends composite (a mixture of dental resin and glass) to match the shade and translucence of your natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist works like an artist to apply and harden composite layers to smooth out jagged edges.

Cosmetic bonding steps include:

Acid etching your tooth enamel
Applying a bonding agent
Applying a layer of cosmetic bonding
Hardening the layer with a curing light before applying the next layer
Shaping your teeth
Polishing your teeth

Enameloplasty

Enameloplasty or cosmetic contouring reshapes your tooth enamel. After reshaping your teeth, the dentist will polish them. A cosmetic dentist understands how to reshape your teeth without changing your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth meet). Your dentist may need to use composite to finish the sides of your teeth.

Enameloplasty steps include:

Removing enamel with a dental burr or sand disc
Shaping and contouring each tooth
Polishing your teeth

Schedule a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

The tip of dental forceps hold a porcelain veneer — Dental bonding or enameloplasty are less invasive than porcelain veneers

A cosmetic dentist will explain the cosmetic bonding and enameloplasty procedures and the results you can expect. You should not need porcelain veneers unless your teeth are damaged or stained beyond what teeth whitening can help. Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

Cosmetic dentist Thomas J. Goebel, DDS, of Moline, IL, sponsors this post.