What is Dental Contouring, and Does It Improve My Smile?

Dental contouring is reshaping the teeth to make them look more attractive. This dental procedure is also known as enameloplasty or odontoplasty. It involves removing small portions of the enamel to improve a tooth’s shape, length, and look.

Asides from the cosmetic benefits of teeth contouring, you can use it to correct different dental conditions like crooked, chipped, or cracked teeth. 

If you want to improve your smile aesthetics by eliminating your teeth flaws, dental contouring is the perfect procedure to achieve your desired smile. Contouring your teeth can remove stains, chips and other little teeth imperfections. 

Dental conditions can manage issues such as minor overcrowding and overlapping, unusual teeth shape and size. Although these issues are minor, they can cause serious dental problems if left untreated.  

Teeth contouring is non-invasive and requires only a few hours to achieve your desired smile. Before you can undergo teeth contouring, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the treatment or not. You would also have teeth x-rays to check the size and location of the pulp inside the teeth you intend to contour. Your dentist will also check if you have healthy teeth and sufficient enamel for the contouring. If your dentist finds you suitable for teeth contouring, you would have to schedule another appointment for the procedure.

Dental contouring procedure

During dental contouring, your dentist will reshape each tooth, removing small amounts of the enamel. This improves the tooth’s size and shape. Within 30 minutes, you can have perfectly shaped and aligned teeth. Most times, patients get dental contouring and bonding. Dental bonding involves using tooth coloured resin material on a tooth. 

Your dentist will mark the tooth or teeth you want to contour with a pencil or pen to highlight the areas that need contouring. You would not get a numbing or pain medication for the procedure because your enamel contains minerals with no underlying blood vessels or nerves.  

The dentist will use a specialised tool like a sanding drill or laser to remove small portions of your enamel gradually.  If you have cracks or fractures, the dentist will smoothen them out and make your teeth edges squared or rounded. After this process, the dentist will check your teeth to know if they are perfectly aligned, then smoothen and polish areas that require it to give you an improved smile.  

Ensure you brush your teeth at least two times every day, floss and attend your regular dental cleaning and check-ups to keep your teeth and smile healthy. 

Benefits of dental contouring 

Dental contouring has many benefits. This non-invasive and simple cosmetic procedure makes it easy for people to enhance their smile. It is affordable and painless, requiring no pain medication or anaesthetics. It requires only one visit to the dentist, with the procedure lasting only a few minutes. This makes teeth contouring the perfect option for people who have a phobia of the dentist’s office. 

Since the procedure is a perfect treatment option for overlapping and crooked teeth, it helps eliminate dental issues like decay, which may cost more to treat. The result is permanent, and you do not need further dental work after dental contouring.

Like any other dental procedure, teeth contouring has a few limitations and downsides, so it is important to discuss these downsides with your dentist before undergoing the procedure.

Advantages of dental contouring 

• Painless procedure and no recovery time following treatment 
• Reduces the risk of serious dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay, which may occur from minor overlapping or overcrowding 
• Offers a permanent solution for teeth imperfections 
• Improves the teeth and smile appearance within 30 minutes

Downsides of dental contouring

• Some patients experience temporary sensitivity to cold and heat
• It is only effective for minor teeth imperfections 
• If you grind your teeth, you would likely experience the same issues after dental contouring. 

Find out a nearest dental clinic today for undergoing cosmetic teeth contouring in London at reasonable price. Prior to perform the procedure you are advised to consult with your dentist for clear information.