Most people do not have the same teeth shape and size, which makes their smile unattractive. If you have disproportionate or badly shaped teeth that prevent you from smiling, you can undergo tooth contouring to improve your teeth shape and smile.
Tooth contouring, also known as tooth reshaping or enameloplasty, can correct minor tooth imperfections, such as cracked or chipped tooth. This cosmetic dental procedure is aimed at enhancing the smile. If you are considering tooth contouring, here are the things you should know about the procedure.
Tooth contouring procedure
During a tooth contouring procedure, the dentist will use a laser or drill to remove small portions of the enamel until you achieve your desired tooth size and shape. After the treatment, your dentist will polish the tooth to make it look natural.
Benefits of tooth contouring
Tooth contouring is a minimally invasive cosmetic dental procedure, which requires only a few minutes. This treatment has several benefits, including the following.
- It requires only one appointment
- You can get your desired result in less than an hour
- It offers a permanent solution for minor teeth imperfections
- The procedure only removes some portions of the enamel, so it does not cause pain.
Dental issues corrected by tooth contouring
It can only fix minor cosmetic teeth issues such as long teeth or slightly misshapen teeth. The enamel has a thickness of about 2.8mm, and you need to maintain this thickness to keep the teeth healthy, so your dentist can only remove only a small amount of the enamel. The procedure is best for minor crowding and position problems, minor chips along the teeth edges
How to keep the teeth healthy after a contouring procedure
Tooth contouring may make your teeth slightly thinner, which increases the risk of sensitivity to cold and heat. After a tooth reshaping procedure, it is important to brush gently and protect your teeth from abrasive substances to prevent damage to the remaining enamel.
Tips to keep your teeth healthy after teeth contouring
- Brush your teeth gently
- Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth
- Add foods containing calcium to your diet or consult your doctor for calcium supplements
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste
- Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings
Who can get tooth contouring?
To undergo tooth contouring, you need to have healthy teeth. Your general oral health would also determine whether you can get the treatment or not. You also need strong and thick enamel, so you would still have sufficient enamel to protect your teeth after treatment.
If your enamel is thin, and the procedure exposes your nerve or pulp, it could cause permanent damage to your tooth. Contouring may not be suitable for people with sensitive teeth because the procedure may make the sensitivity worse.
If you have severely cracked, misaligned or discoloured teeth, this treatment would not correct them, so you need other cosmetic treatments such as dental bonding, veneers, or braces.
If you want to correct any minor teeth imperfection quickly, book a consultation to get teeth contouring in London.
