by maria |
Last Updated: October 9, 2020 Things to Know About Tooth Contouring: Do you restrain your smile only because there are some minor defects in the enamel of your teeth? Thankfully, your dentist could help regain your confidence to smile freely and enhance overall appearance by a procedure called enameloplasty or tooth contouring.
If you have a minor overlapping tooth, tiny chips in teeth, or pointed cuspids then tooth contouring or reshaping—a cosmetic dentistry procedure- could rectify these minor defects in just one session. The little cosmetic changes can make a huge difference.
What Is Tooth Contouring?
Tooth contouring or reshaping is a procedure in which the dentist removes tooth enamel to rectify minor defects in shape. Since enamel is just 2.28 mm thick, the dentist uses drills and lasers to correct the shape, length, or surface of your tooth. To enhance the appearance of your teeth, the dentist might combine it with a bonding procedure to get the natural-looking shine of teeth. Since there are no nerves in the enamel, the tooth contouring procedure is painless and takes less than an hour.
What is the Procedure of Tooth Contouring?
Technically tooth contouring is an abrasion technique used by dentists to reshape teeth using advanced dental devices. Depending on the complexity of your dental structure, your dentist might ask for dental X-rays to do reshaping the job perfectly. S/he will mark areas using a pen so that minimum enamel could be sculpted. Dentists will use a sanding instrument to remove defects. Additionally, s/he might use sandpaper-like strips to contour the sides of the teeth. In the end, smoothening and polishing will be done to achieve the natural shine of the teeth.
Pros and Cons of Tooth Contouring
Tooth contouring is a traditional procedure to change the appearance of your teeth. Before you go for tooth contouring or reshaping you should weigh the pros and cons of the procedure to know the suitability of the treatment.
Advantages of Tooth Contouring:
- Dental Appearance: Removal of minor imperfection improves your overall appearance. You will have better oral health so there will be fewer chances of tooth decay and gum disease. The better dental shape will ensure higher confidence to smile freely.
- Painless Procedure: The procedure is less invasive and only surface enamel is removed, so there won’t be any pain. No anesthesia is required, so there won’t be the discomfort of delayed recovery.
- Cost: Depending on the work required cost could be anything between £40 and £200 per tooth. The cost depends on the location and the dentist’s reputation, so choose smartly to keep cost low and get better results.
- Substitute for Braces: If your defect is minor, this procedure could save you from the year-long braces treatment. However, it all depends on complexity and expectation.
Disadvantages of Tooth Contouring:
- Minor Change: If your teeth are excessively crooked or misaligned then tooth contouring will not give dramatic results. The procedure is to achieve some minor cosmetic results. If you are looking for an exceptional makeover of your smile, then you can go for veneer treatment.
- Damage Risk: Since the procedure involves enamel removal, it might cause sensitivity if not executed meticulously. You should be careful about dentist selection to avoid tooth breakage.
Tooth Contouring Suitability
Tooth contouring is best for those in need of minor adjustments or repair to enhance appearance. So, it is better to discuss your problem and expectation with the dentist and follow his advice to get the desired results. If your gum isn’t healthy or teeth decaying problems, then dental contouring or reshaping is not for you. Your orthodontist might use tooth contouring to correct shape before extensive cosmetic dentistry work. It is definitely the best possible way to improve a smile in the quickest possible time.