Tooth reshaping, or contouring,
is one of few instant treatments now available in cosmetic dentistry.
Dental reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked
teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth
in just one session.
The dental contouring
procedure can even be a substitute for braces under certain
circumstances. It is also a procedure of subtle changes. A few
millimeters of reduction and a few millimeters of tooth-colored
laminate can create a beautiful smile when performed by a cosmetic
dentist, with no discomfort to you. Tooth reshaping, or dental
contouring, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position
of your teeth.
Who is a candidate
for tooth contouring and reshaping?
If you want your teeth
to appear less crowded, lack chips and fractures, have decreased
overlaps or to be without pits or grooves in the enamel, this
procedure should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist. With
a little dental contouring, you can make a huge difference in
the way you feel about your smile. Good cosmetic dentistry can
give you a smile that is the envy of others. Tooth contouring
by a cosmetic dentist does require that you have normal, healthy
teeth.
Tooth reshaping, or tooth
sculpting, is a safe and conservative way to improve your smile.
Teeth may become weaker if large amounts of enamel are removed,
tooth reshaping should be limited to minor changes or combined
with veneers or bonding for the best smile.
Dental reshaping and
contouring is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped
teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth in just one session.
This procedure is even a substitute for braces under certain
circumstances. This is also a procedure of subtle changes. A
few millimeters of reduction and a few millimeters of tooth-colored
can create a beautiful smile when performed by a cosmetic dentist,
with no discomfort to you. Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring,
is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of your
teeth.
How is tooth contouring
and reshaping accomplished?
Preparation for dental
contouring and reshaping is a team effort with your cosmetic
dentist. Some dentists in cosmetic dentistry even use computer
imaging to show you how you will look after the procedure.
Your cosmetic dentist
will take x-rays to evaluate the size and location of the pulp
of each tooth to ensure that there's enough bone between the
teeth to support them.
The cosmetic dentist
will mark your teeth with a pencil prior to performing the procedure.
This helps the cosmetic dentist in their sculpting process.
As your cosmetic dentist sculpts the tooth, imperfections are
artfully eliminating or minimized. A sanding drill or laser
may be used to remove small amounts of surface enamel gradually.
Abrasive strips are then moved back and forth between your teeth
to shape the actual sides of your teeth. Then the teeth are
smoothed and polished. Usually anesthetic is not needed. Teeth
contouring and reshaping usually takes one to three visits.
Contouring teeth may
also help correct small problems with bite. It is common for
bonding to be combined with tooth reshaping to achieve a beautiful
smile.
Types
of Tooth Contouring and Reshaping Procedures
There are actually several
ways to change the appearance of your teeth. Many times these
various procedures are combined in different ways to deliver
that smile of your dreams.
Tooth Contouring
and Reshaping
The reshaping of a your
teeth is a procedure that involves the removal of a very small
amount of tooth structure to help achieve a more desirable smile.
Chipped or fractured areas are smoothed out and specific angles
or edges can be rounded or squared. Contouring creates better
alignment and can create a more feminine or masculine smile.
It is sometimes done
to prevent chipped areas from getting worse. Tooth reshaping
is a conservative way to improve the teeth. Since teeth can
become weaker if large amounts of enamel are removed, this procedure
is limited to minor changes or combined with veneers or bonding
for a terrific smile.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are sometimes
used in conjunction with contouring. Dental veneers are very
thin pieces of specially-shaped porcelain or plastic that are
glued over the front of your teeth with little or no anesthesia
needed. They are the cure for teeth that are severely discolored,
chipped, have small holes or pits, misshapen or crooked, or
for the correction of unwanted or uneven spaces. Unlike crowns,
veneers won't require the dentist to remove much of the tooth
itself. Veneers are created from an impression taken in your
cosmetic dentist's office. Your custom veneer is then glued
directly onto your tooth.
Tooth Bonding
Basically, bonding will
cover any natural flaws applying a thin coating of a plastic
material on the front surface of your teeth. After this, your
cosmetic dentist will apply a bonding material sculpt, color
and shape it to provide a pleasing result. A high-intensity
light then hardens the plastic, and the surface is finely polished.
This procedure often accompanies contouring and teeth reshaping
procedures.
Advantages
& Disadvantages of Tooth Contouring and Reshaping Pros and Cons of a tooth contouring and reshaping
Advantages:
Your dentist can remove only a small amount of tooth enamel,
contouring your problem tooth into a more pleasing shape for
an improved smile. The tooth contouring procedure is quick,
simple, painless, and inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
There are limits. You may be at risk for tooth breakage and
decay if too much enamel is removed your teeth. If your teeth
were uneven because you grind them, they'll become uneven again
until the grinding issue is resolved. Your dental insurance
is likely to cover tooth contouring and reshaping only if it
is needed as a result of an accident.
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