Tooth contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that makes subtle changes to the shape, length, and surface of teeth. It can fix minor imperfections on your dental formula and improve aesthetic. Below is a detailed guide on how this medical procedure works.
Tooth Contouring in Detail
Little defects in teeth can attract unnecessary attention. A tiny chip on the incisors, a pointy canine or a slightly larger tooth will often draw attention when a person is engaging in conversations. Tooth contouring offers a solution to this in a minimally invasive procedure.
The procedure involves removing tiny amounts of enamel that cause a mismatch with the adjacent teeth. The enamel is drilled and sculpted into the desired shape. The tooth is then smoothed for a pleasing finish. This procedure is usually done on the most visible teeth: incisors and canines.
Tooth contouring can be performed to correct any cosmetic problems associated with teeth. Some of these include tooth overlaps, uneven length, and rough teeth edges. It can also be used to fix biting problems, including teeth touching irregularly during contact. The process can also be used to make the teeth shape more “masculine” or “feminine.”
The Contouring Process
The first step of the procedure involves the dentist examining and studying your teeth pattern to establish whether contouring will transform your face. They will examine whether the method will enhance your smile or correct any other problem that you might have. This step ensures the teeth not only look better after reshaping but healthier as well.
Some circumstances call for the reshaping of the root surfaces to protect the gum from infections. In such a scenario, x-ray technology is necessary to selectively reshape without injuring the inner tissues of the tooth, which have nerves and blood vessels. However, most of the procedure only involves reshaping the enamel, which has no nerves. Therefore, the procedures are painless and no local anesthetic is needed.
The contouring procedure takes less than half an hour. It is quite relaxing as the patient only feels the vibration of the machines. The tooth is then smoothed to give it a beautiful polish. The dentist uses a laser or a sanding tool to remove small amounts of the tooth’s enamel. Thin strips, like sandpaper, may also be used to reshape the tooth before smoothing.
The results can be seen immediately: a beautiful arrangement of uniform and well-sculpted pearls of teeth. For more appealing results, tooth contouring may be combined with teeth whitening. This gives a dramatic, younger, and attractive look to your teeth, which livens up your smile.
Tooth contouring may also be necessary as part of orthodontic treatment. For instance, it may be used when some extra space is required in cases where the jaw has overcrowded teeth. The dentist may file between the two front teeth to make them move further in. Similarly, patients who need Invisalign braces may need this procedure. The dentist files the teeth to create small amounts of spaces between them. This allows teeth to move into position. The process is planned with the help of a computer program that shows the dentist the exact parts of the teeth that need slenderizing. Here at Crescent Heights Dental Clinic, we have this technology to make the procedure flawless.
Sometimes, reshaped teeth can be sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. However, the sensitivity only lasts a few days.
The Benefits of Tooth Contouring
1) Boosts confidence
Like other aesthetic procedures, tooth reshaping can boost your confidence as it improves your appearance by fixing visible faults on your teeth. It is the least time-consuming option as the results can be seen immediately after the procedure. It is different from other dental procedures like braces that take months to show the desired results.
Tooth contouring addresses all the issues that may cause insecurities about a person’s smile. For instance, it improves symmetry for patients who feel they have an unbalanced smile. If the neighbouring teeth overlap, the procedure reduces the amount of enamel on the top tooth making the teeth look like they are situated appropriately.
2) No Surgery
This is a simple procedure that does not involve any form of surgery.
3) It is painless
Patients are assured comfort during the procedure as it only involves sculpting the enamel, which contains no nerves. The process is gentle and most patients do not require an anesthetic.
4) No recovery time
You can walk home and continue with your daily activities after a tooth contouring procedure. Patients don’t have to be bedridden after undergoing this procedure.
5) It is affordable
The average cost of having tooth contouring is between 65 and 400 CAD per tooth. If the contouring process is being done as a result of trauma or accident, your insurance policy may cover it.
Enamel shaping costs less than other dental procedures such as bonding and porcelain veneers. This is because contouring doesn’t require the patients to pay for any materials. They only pay for the doctor’s time, tools used, and expertise. A single porcelain veneer can cost between $900 and $2500. Contouring is, thus, a better and cheaper alternative in improving your smile.
Additionally, teeth contouring yields permanent results. Veneers, on the other hand, must be replaced every 5-10 years.
6) Removing tooth imperfections can lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
This is because the eliminated defects reduce the surface area for the build-up of plaque and tartar. Smoothed-out teeth are also more natural to clean.
The subtle changes achieved through tooth contouring can make a big difference when it comes to your appearance. If the small imperfections on your dental formula have a significant effect on your smile, then this procedure is what you need. It is quick, which makes it possible for a patient to patch up their insecurities in a single session.
The best candidates for tooth contouring are people with healthy gums and teeth, free from gum infections, tooth decay, and root canals.
There is no make up for a crooked smile. Covering your mouth every time you smile or laugh takes some fun out of it. Tooth contouring is, therefore, a process whose benefits outweigh the work involved in getting it done. Contact Crescent Heights Dental Clinic for professional assistance.