Tooth Contouring

When you are unhappy with the shape and size of a tooth (or teeth) and feel it is affecting your appearance, consider tooth contouring. Tooth contouring, also called tooth reshaping and enameloplasty, is a simple cosmetic dental procedure that can change your teeth and improve your smile. Our dental professionals at Hamby Family Dental Center are experienced in this procedure and will gladly consult with you to determine if it is right for you.

When Tooth Contouring is Effective

If you have a tooth that is misshapen or too large, tooth contouring can be effectively used to change those aspects. It is elective and cosmetic in that it doesn’t correct cavities or other dental issues. The objective of contouring is to modify the appearance of a tooth by carefully removing some enamel without exposing the tooth to risk or damage.

Some conditions that are effectively treated by tooth contouring include:

• Small chips or cracks
• Pits or bulges in tooth enamel
• Shortening teeth that are too long or pointed
• Minor misalignments
• Uneven smile
• Improve damage from grinding (bruxism)

The Tooth Contouring Procedure

Tooth contouring is accomplished by using a drill or specialized laser to remove the outer layers of enamel from the tooth. Cosmetic dentists also use strips with an abrasive edge like sandpaper to work on the sides of the tooth. Tooth filing only occurs on the outer, enamel layer of the tooth where there are no nerves, so it is painless. Most often, there is no anesthetic needed unless the patient requests a local one. After the tooth is contoured and reshaped, the dentist will polish the teeth to smooth over and remove discoloration. The result is an attractive, glossy appearance. There is no recovery period needed.

The Benefits of Tooth Contouring

Reshaping a tooth has several key benefits in addition to improving your appearance.

• It’s a method that is more conservative than other cosmetic dentistry approaches.
• It’s painless.
• Requires only one appointment.
• It’s a quick procedure usually taking only 30 minutes to an hour.
• Recovery is immediate so you can resume normal eating and drinking afterward.
• It can help change anatomy or overhangs, which can decrease tartar build-up, therefore reducing the potential for cavities and gum disease.

Schedule with our Fuquay-Varina Dentists for Tooth Contouring

If you aren’t happy with your smile because of a tooth that is too large or has an irregular shape, tooth contouring may be the solution. You don’t have to continue being self-conscious. Contact our experienced cosmetic dentists at Hamby Family Dental Center to get started on this easy correction by completing the form below or calling 919-552-2431.