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Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is a quick and easy solution for minor problems such as crooked, chipped or overlapping teeth. Because it is performed in a single session to the cosmetic dentist, many patients prefer dental contouring to other more complicated procedures.

Cosmetic dentists shave small areas of the tooth's enamel away and use tooth-coloured laminate to reshape the tooth. The results can be dramatic and the rewards instant; after just one visit, patients leave feeling more confident and comfortable with their straighter, even smile.

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Contouring?

If you have any of the following issues, you may be a good candidate for tooth reshaping:

- Pitted or grooved tooth enamel
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Overlapping or crowded teeth
- Teeth of uneven lengths or sizes
- Crooked teeth that turn in or out

Your cosmetic dentist will perform a consultation examination to determine whether or not dental contouring is the best choice for you. This treatment does require that your natural teeth are healthy and strong because the laminate material needs a solid tooth to bond to. There must also be enough enamel left after the procedure to protect the teeth from chipping and breakage. If several teeth are issues for you, your cosmetic dentist may recommend contouring for some and veneers or crowns for others. These treatments can be used together to restore your smile.

Preparing for Tooth Reshaping

Your cosmetic dentist's goal is to remove only a few millimeters of your existing tooth enamel, to keep the natural tooth strong and healthy. They will use x-rays and other imagery to determine the amount of pulp in each tooth and to ensure that the jaw bone is strong enough to support it.

Many cosmetic dentists use special computer software and programs to show patients what they plan to do and how the smile will look once the work is complete. If any part of the procedure is unclear, ask your cosmetic dentist to explain it to you in detail so you are completely comfortable with the procedure.

Your cosmetic dentist may recommend other treatments before they do the tooth reshaping. For example, they may ask you to undergo laser teeth whitening prior to the treatment. This will bring all of your teeth to a beautiful white standard, making the dental contouring results even more rewarding.

Once your cosmetic dentist has planned your treatment, they will use a pencil to draw on your teeth. Once they have mapped out their plan, the fun begins!

What Can I Expect From Dental Contouring?

While many people are uncomfortable with dental work in general, dental contouring is relatively pain-free and usually does not require the use of anaesthetic. It is a great choice for those seeking instant results without recovery time.

The cosmetic dentist may use a laser or sanding drill to buff out cracks and other imperfections. They gradually remove small sections of enamel to even out the teeth. Abrasive strips are passed between the teeth to even out the spaces between teeth. A laminate material is adhered to the natural teeth is areas that need to be built out to create an even, naturally shaped tooth. Once the reshaping is complete, the teeth are smoothed and polished.

Dental contouring is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry treatment options available. The cost will depend on the amount of reshaping needed, the expertise of the dentist performing the work and the type of technology they use. An experienced cosmetic dentist is able to give you an accurate price before doing the work and should also be able to show you graphics of the work they will do and the results you can expect.

Dental Contouring Sounds Like the Perfect Solution!

Tooth reshaping is simple, painless, fast and inexpensive. The results are instantaneous. However, the treatment is not for everyone.

Those with deep cracks, decay or large chips may not be good candidates for dental contouring. Be wary of a cosmetic dentist who would perform this treatment on that type of patient. They risk removing too much enamel, which can lead to extensive damage to the tooth later on. A lack of enamel makes it easier for decay to occur and contributes to easy breakage.

Patients who grind their teeth should look at other options as well. Tooth reshaping can leave the enamel thinner and weaker, which is compounded by tooth grinding. It can also wear away the laminate material bonded to the tooth.

Dental contouring can make a dramatic difference in the quality of your smile. However, it is often just one step in a total smile makeover. If you cannot afford to have all of your procedures performed together, consider dental contouring a great first step and one that can improve your smile enough to give you your self-confidence back until the time is right for veneers, crowns or implants.

If dental contouring sounds like the simple, affordable solution for your crooked, chipped or otherwise damaged teeth, discuss it with your cosmetic dentist. Be prepared to step up your oral hygiene and care program to protect your investment and keep your smile even after the procedure.