what is cosmetic tooth contouring?
The reshaping of your teeth through cosmetic dentistry is a procedure that involves the removal of a very small amount of tooth structure to help achieve a more desirable smile. Chipped or fractured areas are smoothed out, overlaps decreased, and specific angles or edges can be rounded or squared. Contouring creates better alignment and can create a more feminine or masculine smile. It is sometimes done to prevent chipped areas from getting worse. On occasion dark surface staining can be lessened prior to teeth bleaching for a better result. Contouring teeth may also help correct small problems with your bite.
The teeth are sculpted with a sanding drill to remove small amounts of surface enamel gradually. Then the teeth are smoothed and polished. The procedure is quick, simple, painless, and inexpensive.
Tooth reshaping is a conservative way to improve the appearance of your smile. Since teeth can become weaker or sensitive if large amounts of enamel are removed, this procedure is limited to minor changes or combined with porcelain veneers, Durathin veneers, Lumineers, or cosmetic bonding for a terrific smile. If your teeth were uneven because you grind them, they will become uneven again until the grinding issue is resolved with a nightguard.
who is an ideal candidate for cosmetic tooth contouring?
Tooth contouring is used to cosmetically improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, overlapped, or irregularly positioned. Ideal candidates are people who are dealing with one of these issues, are free of additional oral health concerns, and are familiar with other cosmetic options.
The best way to learn if tooth contouring is a good fit for your needs is through a one-on-one consultation at our comfortable Glendale office.
what is the tooth contouring process?
During tooth recontouring, a handheld dental drill or specialized laser will be used to remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth. Once optimal contours are achieved, the teeth are polished and shined, restoring them to their most natural look.
Cosmetic tooth contouring is permanent. Barring future trauma or poor care, your teeth should maintain their new contours for life.
how safe is the cosmetic tooth contouring?
Cosmetic tooth contouring is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of the smile. However, because enamel is removed, it is possible to develop tooth sensitivity or be at heightened risk for tooth infection. This makes proper daily care and biannual professional cleanings all the more important. With proper daily care, it is entirely possible to avoid most oral health problems.
how long does the cosmetic tooth contouring process take?
Depending on the number of teeth being treated, cosmetic tooth contouring may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. In some cases, it may take more time, especially when being combined with other cosmetic services such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
During the planning phase of your procedure, we will be able to help you gauge how long treatment might take.
how should i prepare?
Please come to your appointment with freshly cleaned teeth. Outside of this, there is no preparation needed for cosmetic tooth contouring.
This painless process does not require numbing agents, anesthesia, or a recovery period. You can come to our office, undergo cosmetic tooth contouring, and resume your day without any interruptions.
what is recovery and aftercare like?
There is no recovery period with tooth contouring. You may experience heightened sensitivity for a few days. This can be treated with toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. We will provide detailed instructions on aftercare to help ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
If you struggle with anxiety or have selected to have conscious oral sedation performed before your procedure, you will need to arrange for a ride to and from our office. Sedation may require an additional recovery period as well. We can discuss this in greater detail during your initial consultation.
