Dental Bonding and Contouring in Chevy Chase, MD

Your teeth play a huge role in giving your smile a beautiful appearance, but they’re not likely to develop looking exactly the way you want them to in most cases. It’s normal for your teeth to grow crooked or misshapen. Even if you’re content with your smile, accidents do happen, and flaws such as damage and discoloration can negatively affect your teeth.

To achieve a better, more complete smile, patients often require additional help from a dental professional. That’s why, at Smiles of Chevy Chase, our cosmetic and restorative dentist, Dr. Markogiannakis, offers dental bonding and contouring to improve the look of your teeth. Conveniently located in the Barlow Building, our Chevy Chase dental practice welcomes patients from Silver Spring, Bethesda, and Washington, D.C. Ready to enhance your smile? Call 301-652-0656 or request an appointment online today!

Located in the heart of Chevy Chase, Smiles of Chevy Chase is a top choice for patients across the Washington, D.C. area, from the bustling streets of Dupont Circle to the historic charm of Georgetown. Our practice, led by Dr. Despina Markogiannakis, voted a Top Dentist by Washingtonian magazine in 2021 and 2023, offers a unique blend of advanced technology and personalized care. 

Situated in the Barlow Building, just minutes from the Friendship Heights Metro, our office is easily accessible for D.C. residents and professionals. Whether you’re grabbing coffee at Politics and Prose or strolling through Rock Creek Park, our state-of-the-art facility is nearby, ready to deliver exceptional dental care with sedation options like nitrous oxide and The Wand for a comfortable experience. Discover why D.C. trusts our Chevy Chase dentist for radiant smiles—schedule your consultation now.

Dental bonding and contouring are processes for repairing and restoring your teeth. During dental bonding (also called cosmetic dental bonding), Dr. Markogiannakis applies a composite resin material to your teeth, which is the same material used for tooth-colored fillings. She then sculpts the bonding resin onto your tooth to address minor damage and cosmetic flaws.

Dental contouring (also called dental reshaping or enameloplasty) is more involved since your dentist will remove small portions of your enamel to correct the size, shape, and overall appearance of your natural teeth.

Cosmetic Smile Restoration: Dental bonding and contouring can be used to seamlessly correct minor damage and cosmetic dental flaws such as:

• Chips
• Cracks
• Stains
• Small cavities
• Discoloration
• Large gaps
• Size issues
• Exposed tooth roots

Repair and Protection: Dental bonding repairs minor dental damage while also protecting your teeth against future damage.

Minimal Prep Necessary: Dental bonding and contouring don’t require the same extensive preparation as other restorative and cosmetic measures. Dental bonding and contouring are usually painless as well, so you shouldn’t need anesthesia.

Fast & Easy Treatment: Dental bonding and contouring can often be completed in one visit to our Chevy Chase dental office, and these processes range from minimally invasive to completely non-invasive.

Predictable Results: Dental bonding and contouring offer highly effective treatment for predictably satisfactory results, with very few chances for deviation.

Affordable: Smile enhancement with dental bonding and contouring is often more affordable than other restorative and cosmetic procedures, such as dental crowns.

Dental bonding and contouring are ideal for patients with minor cosmetic or structural dental issues. You may be a candidate if you have:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Stains or discoloration not responsive to whitening
• Small gaps between teeth
• Misshapen or uneven teeth
• Minor cavities or exposed tooth roots

During your consultation, Dr. Markogiannakis will evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals to determine if these procedures are right for you. Patients with severe damage or extensive misalignment may require alternative treatments like dental veneers or orthodontics. Ready to see if you qualify? Contact our Chevy Chase dentist at 301-652-0656.

Your journey to a perfect smile begins with a consultation at Smiles of Chevy Chase. During your consultation, Dr. Markogiannakis will ask you about your oral health goals, review your medical history, and suggest other restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry options that you may qualify for. Your sedation dentistry options can also be discussed with your dentist during your consultation if you experience any dental fears and anxieties or if you have a strong gag reflex. 

Once approved, the procedure is straightforward:

1. Cleaning: Your teeth are cleaned to ensure a smooth bonding surface.
2. Dental Bonding Procedure: Tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the surface of your tooth in layers, hardened with a special light, and sculpted for a natural look.
3. Dental Contouring Procedure: Small amounts of enamel are gently removed to reshape teeth.
4. Polishing: Both resin and natural teeth are polished for a seamless finish.

This process is typically completed in one visit, leaving you with a radiant smile. Schedule your appointment with our Chevy Chase cosmetic dentist today!

Dev: please, add alt text for image: dental bonding material being shaped

Caring for Your Teeth After Dental Bonding and Contouring

To maintain your results, Dr. Markogiannakis recommends:

• Avoid staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine) for 48 hours post-procedure.
• Refrain from biting hard objects like ice or pens.
• Brush after meals and use alcohol-free mouthwash.
• Visit Smiles of Chevy Chase every six months for teeth cleanings and exams.

With proper care and good oral hygiene practices, bonding can last up to 10 years, and contouring results are permanent. Book your next dental checkup to keep your smile shining.

Costs of Dental Bonding and Contouring Near Washington, DC

The cost of dental bonding and contouring varies based on the number of teeth treated and the complexity of the procedure. As a non-insurance-based practice, Smiles of Chevy Chase offers transparent pricing and flexible payment options. 

• Dental Bonding: On average, dental bonding costs between $100 and $500 per bonded tooth in the U.S. Complex cases requiring more resin or extensive sculpting may trend toward the higher end.
• Dental Contouring: Contouring is generally less expensive, averaging $50 to $200 per tooth nationally. Costs may depend on the extent of enamel reshaping needed and the precision of Dr. Markogiannakis’s artistry.

During your consultation, Dr. Markogiannakis will provide a detailed cost estimate tailored to your needs. Since these procedures are often cosmetic, they may not be covered by insurance, but our team can assist with payment plans to make treatment affordable. 

Want to explore your options? Call 301-652-0656 to discuss costs with our Chevy Chase dental team.

How long do dental bonding and dental contouring last?

Dental contouring is a permanent process that removes a small amount of enamel. Conversely, the composite resin used in dental bonding tends to last up to ten years. However, it may last even longer with the right care and attention.

If you want to preserve your bonding resin and extend its longevity, you should practice proper oral hygiene and visit Smiles of Chevy Chase at least once every six months for regular dental cleanings and dental exams. During your regular exams, if your bonding resin is wearing out, your Chevy Chase dentist can touch it up as needed.

How do I care for my teeth after dental bonding and contouring?

To properly care for your teeth after dental bonding and contouring, Dr. Markgoiannakis recommends the following:

1. Avoid consuming staining foods, drinks, and other substances (like coffee, tea, and tobacco products) for at least 48 hours after your procedure.
2. Don’t bite down on hard objects, such as ice cubes, hard candy, fingernails, and pens.
3. Brush your teeth as soon as possible after eating in the days following your procedure.
4. Practice proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash after meals.
5. Visit Smiles of Chevy Chase for regular dental cleanings and dental exams at least once every six months.

Is dental bonding and contouring covered by insurance?

Dental bonding and contouring are mostly considered cosmetic procedures, so they’re generally not covered by dental insurance. Our front office can contact your insurance company to confirm your coverage, but we encourage you to reach out to your provider beforehand to get an accurate understanding. During your consultation with Dr. Markogiannakis, she can go over an estimate of the cost and payment options we accept at Smiles of Chevy Chase.

Which is better: dental bonding and contouring or veneers?

The answer as to whether dental bonding and contouring or porcelain veneers is the better option will depend on your specific dental needs. For example, dental bonding may be better suited to a patient with cavities because it can repair the damage if it’s caught soon enough. Dental contouring can reshape your teeth faster than porcelain veneers. Your Chevy Chase dentist will let you know all of your options and inform you of their benefits during your initial consultation.

What are the disadvantages of teeth bonding?

While dental bonding is a versatile and affordable option, it has some limitations. The composite resin bonding material is not as durable as natural teeth or alternatives like porcelain veneers, so it may chip or stain over time. Bonding typically lasts up to 10 years with proper care, but it may require touch-ups or replacement sooner if exposed to heavy chewing or staining substances like coffee or tobacco. Dr. Markogiannakis at Smiles of Chevy Chase can discuss these factors during your consultation to ensure bonding meets your needs.

Your Chevy Chase dentist offers dental bonding and dental contouring as fast, affordable, and effective alternatives to other restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. Leading Greater Washington area dentist, Dr. Markgoiannakis, and the team at Smiles of Chevy Chase proudly offer this versatile service to patients near our location and in surrounding areas such as Bethesda, Somerset, and Forest Hills.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dental bonding and dental contouring, then contact our Chevy Chase dental office by dialing 301-652-0656. You can also request an appointment online, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly.