Are you unhappy with the shape of one or more of your teeth? Dental contouring may be the answer!
Dental contouring helps when the shape of your teeth isn’t uniform or proportional, which can detract from the natural appeal of your smile. Dental contouring, also known as tooth reshaping or enameloplasty, can fix minor imperfections and correct misshapen teeth to restore your smile.
To perform dental contouring, your dentist uses a combination of drills and lasers that remove small amounts of tooth enamel to give teeth their desired size, shape, and length. Next, your dentist polishes your teeth to make them look as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
Performed by a trained cosmetic dentist, dental contouring is a safe and effective procedure.
Benefits of Dental Contouring
The dental contouring is fast, usually taking about a half hour or less per tooth. And, since your enamel does not contain nerves, dental contouring is painless. Best of all, enamel never grows back, so dental contouring is a permanent solution to misshapen teeth.
As an added benefit, teeth contouring may help prevent some dental problems. Overlapping teeth can create spaces that are difficult to clean and therefore allow bacteria and plaque to accumulate, which increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist can sometimes use teeth contouring to fix overlapping teeth.
Keeping Healthy Teeth after Contouring
While removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth is safe, it does leave the enamel slightly thinner, which can make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold. You must also avoid exposing your teeth to abrasive substances, such as abrasive toothpastes. Be sure to brush gently so you do not damage the remaining enamel.
Here are a few more tips to keeping your teeth healthy after dental contouring:
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks, and limit snacks; the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar
- Consider adding calcium to your diet to keep enamel strong – be sure to consult with your doctor first
- Make sure you get enough fluoride; use fluoride toothpaste, fluoride rinses, and fluoride treatments from your dentist
- Avoid grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily
- Quit tobacco use, as both smoked and smokeless tobacco can increase your risk for tooth decay and other serious health problems
- Examine your mouth regularly, and look for chipped teeth, red or swollen gums, unusual sores or other changes in your oral cavity
- See your dentist regularly – your dentist can look for signs of gum disease, tooth decay and other dental problems
Are you a good candidate for dental contouring?
While dental contouring is safe for most patients, some people are not good candidates for the procedure. To be a good candidate, you must have healthy teeth that are free from decay. The enamel on your teeth needs to be thick enough to remain strong and provide continuing protection against tooth decay. You may not be a good candidate for teeth contouring if you already have sensitive teeth, as removing enamel could worsen sensitivity.
Let Triangle Dentistry Create a Beautiful Smile
To find out if you are a good candidate for teeth contouring, or to learn how tooth contouring can improve your smile, schedule an appointment with Triangle Dentistry.
Triangle Dentistry, located in Raleigh, NC, provides a state-of-the-art facility that offers exceptional general dental and specialty services guided by empathy of a patient’s needs and desires. Services range from dental crowns to veneers and whitening procedures. For further information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at (919) 847-6000