Would you correct a little flaw in your dazzling whites? The solution could be to see your dentist for dental contouring, commonly known as tooth reshaping.
According to Kimberly Harms, DDS, consumer advocate, and ADA spokesman, dental contouring and tooth reshaping are cosmetic dentistry operations that deal with minor dental alterations. But occasionally, even little adjustments may have a tremendous impact.
With a little tooth reshaping and dental contouring, issues or imperfections like slightly overlapping or unevenly shaped teeth, minute chips in the teeth, or overly pointed cuspids are often resolved.
Tooth Reshaping: What Is It?
A cosmetic dentistry procedure that shapes and sculpts teeth using a tooth-colored composite material. To alter the form, length, or surface of one or more teeth, a cosmetic dentistry procedure known as tooth reshaping, sometimes known as dental contouring, involves the removal of tiny portions of tooth enamel (the tooth’s outer layer). The procedure is often paired with bonding.
What’s Involved in Dental Contouring and Tooth Reshaping?
Using dental tools and abrasion methods, teeth may be reshaped. Before the shaping and contouring, dental X-rays may be obtained to make sure your teeth are healthy. Then, your dentist will use a pen to outline the parts of your teeth that need shaping. A sanding tool is used to remove or reduce flaws on the teeth’s surface skillfully, and sandpaper-like strips may be used to shape the teeth’ sides. The teeth are polished and buffed to completion.
Dental Reshaping and Contouring: Advantages and Drawbacks
Even though contouring and reshaping are conservative methods for altering the look of your teeth, it’s still crucial to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each surgery to determine if it’s the correct choice for you.
Cost. This is a low-cost approach to make your teeth seem better. Depending on the required treatment, the operation typically costs $50 to $300 per tooth. Dental contouring and tooth shaping provide the following benefits:
Painless. In tooth reshaping and dental contouring, just the superficial enamel is removed. Therefore there is often little pain and no need for anesthesia.
Enhances dental health. Your risk of tooth decay and gum disease is reduced by removing slight overlaps and other flaws where tartar and plaque may accumulate.
A potential alternative to braces. Tooth reshaping and dental contouring may sometimes be used in place of braces because they make teeth seem straighter and reduce minor overlapping.
Dental contouring and teeth shaping drawbacks include:
A subtle shift. Contrary to specific cosmetic dentistry procedures, dental contouring and tooth reshaping won’t significantly alter the appearance of your smile or make your teeth seem whiter. Compared to veneers, which fully encase the front surface of the teeth. Tooth reshaping and dental contouring only remove minor flaws. Choose veneers for a more noticeable smile makeover.
Possible tooth damage: Teeth may become sensitive following tooth reshaping and dental contouring, depending on how much enamel is removed. Additionally, if too much enamel is terminated, you risk breaking a tooth.
Are dental contouring and tooth reshaping appropriate for you?
The most outstanding candidates for tooth reshaping and dental contouring are those who need minor alterations or repairs to enhance the appearance and feel of their teeth. It’s perfect for teeth that are a bit wonky, overly pointed, or where one side protrudes more than the other. However, dental reshaping and contouring are not recommended for those with gum disease, decayed teeth, or root canals.
Dental contouring and tooth reshaping are sometimes the initial stages in more involved cosmetic dentistry procedures. Veneers, teeth whitening, and crown lengthening procedures may be carried out months or even years following tooth contouring and reshaping.
However, teeth reshaping and dental contouring may be the perfect solution for a better smile if you want to save the time and cost of significant cosmetic dentistry.
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