Not every smile needs a big plan. A chipped corner, a small gap, an edge that's a bit uneven: bonding and contouring sort these out in an hour, usually without anesthetic.
Bonding uses the same tooth-colored composite we use for fillings, sculpted directly onto the tooth by hand. Dr. Khan builds up a chipped corner, closes a gap, lengthens a short tooth, or masks a stubborn stain, then shapes and polishes it to match the neighbours. There's no laboratory involved, so it's done in one appointment, and in most cases nothing is drilled away.
Sometimes the fix is removing rather than adding. Contouring smooths a jagged edge, evens up two front teeth that are slightly different lengths, or softens a pointed canine. It takes minutes, removes a tiny amount of enamel, and needs no numbing. It's often combined with bonding for a balanced result.
Bonding is faster, less expensive, and reversible, which makes it the right starting point for small changes and for younger patients. Porcelain veneers are stronger, more stain-resistant, and better for larger changes or several teeth at once. A lot of patients start with bonding and move to veneers years later when they want something more durable. We'll lay out both honestly.
Typically five to eight years. Composite can chip or stain over time, and it's easily repaired or polished at a regular visit. Avoid biting nails, pens, or ice on bonded teeth.
No. Composite doesn't respond to whitening, so if you're thinking about whitening, do that first and we'll match the bonding to your new shade.
Almost never. Because little or no enamel is removed, most bonding is done without any anesthetic. Contouring is likewise painless.
Send a request and we'll be in touch within one business day to find a time that works. For anything urgent, the phone is fastest.