What is Teeth Reshaping? Is Teeth Contouring Permanent?

Millions of people worldwide work hard to achieve a perfect smile. Some are born with beautiful smiles, while others need a dentist's assistance to attain one. Luckily, in dentistry, there is no problem that's too complex to solve. This is particularly true if you dislike the appearance of a chipped or misaligned tooth. 

A practical solution that a Cosmetic Dentist in Redwood City, CA, often recommends to patients is tooth reshaping or contouring. In this post, we share everything there is to know about this handy cosmetic procedure. 

Tooth reshaping defined 

Also known as enameloplasty, tooth reshaping is a minimally invasive and painless procedure that significantly enhances the tooth's appearance and general oral health. It entails removing a part of the enamel using a drill or laser to change the tooth's shape, length, or surface.  

Who is an ideal candidate for teeth contouring?

Basically, teeth contouring and reshaping are best for patients who need minimal repairs or adjustments to improve the feel and look of their teeth. Your Redwood City dentist may recommend it to correct teeth that:

• Are unusually long or wide
• Are irregularly shaped 
• Appear pointy
• Have small surface flaws 
• Have minor overlapping
• Have minor cracks or chips

However, dental reshaping is not ideal for people with root canals, decaying teeth, or unhealthy gums. 

Sometimes tooth reshaping is the first step toward more intricate cosmetic dentistry procedures. Procedures such as crown-lengthening, tooth whitening, and veneers can be carried out months after tooth contouring or reshaping. 

Moreover, if you wish to save the cost and time of major cosmetic dentistry work, teeth reshaping could be the ticket to an improved smile.   

How is teeth contouring done?

Before teeth contouring, a dental X-ray is taken to verify the tooth's health. As we mentioned, the procedure may not be performed if the tooth has a cavity, the pulp is too close to the surface, the enamel is too thin, etc. 

After the x-ray, the cosmetic dentist will mark the areas needing sculpting or reshaping. A fine diamond bur is used to get rid of some enamel. This helps minimize the imperfections on the tooth in question. For flaws between the teeth, a sandpaper-like strip may be employed. 

The final step of the process entails smoothing and polishing. If the contouring is performed alone without an additional procedure accompanying it, no follow-up appointment is required unless an issue develops afterward.

Why should you consider teeth reshaping and contouring?  

There are plenty of reasons why many cosmetic dental candidates prefer a teeth contouring procedure. Compared to alternatives such as dental crowns, or veneers, dental contouring is not only easy on the pocket but also less invasive and painful.

• Improves the health of the teeth – Getting rid of minor overlaps and other flaws where tartar and plaque can accumulate minimizes your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. 
• A possible alternative for braces – In some instances, tooth reshaping can be employed in place of braces as they make teeth appear somewhat straighter and reduce minor overlapping. 
• Provides instant results – Some dental cosmetic works, such as crowns or veneers, require several steps. While you might schedule an initial consultation appointment, the teeth contouring procedure will be performed in a single visit to the dentist's clinic. This offers you instant results and doesn't interfere much with your already hectic schedule. Following your teeth contouring appointment, you can resume normal activities right away.  
• Painless procedure – Since only the surface enamel is removed during a dental contouring procedure, there is usually no discomfort, and no anesthesia is needed.
• Less expensive – This is an economical option to enhance the appearance of your teeth. According to American Cosmetic Dentistry, the cost per tooth for reshaping ranges from $50 to $300. However, this figure may vary depending on your dental professional, location, and insurance cover. 

Is teeth contouring permanent?

Yes. Since enamel does not redevelop or grow back, dental contouring is only done once. The procedure is permanent and won't require repairs. That said, you must take good care of your teeth after the procedure to stop further enamel loss. 

Aftercare tips

Unlike most cosmetic dental procedures, no special aftercare tips are required when recovering from teeth contouring. It is advisable, though, to maintain the basics of dental hygiene:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Floss your teeth at least once a day
• Avoid smoking
• Keep up with routine dental checkups 

You should also reach out to your cosmetic dentist in Redwood City, CA, if your teeth feel uncomfortable or rough afterward. This might be an early sign of plaque/tartar formation or another problem with the procedure.  

Finding a tooth contouring dentist in Redwood City, CA 

When considering any cosmetic dentistry work, it's recommended to look for a Redwood City dentist specializing in that field of dentistry.

Although this procedure is invasive and painless, it still has a permanent effect. For this reason, it is important to go to a dentist who can strategically remodel every tooth. Remember that removing too much enamel may have a long-term adverse effect on the tooth's health. Thus, take time when looking for a cosmetic dentist in Redwood City, CA, to help you with your teeth reshaping needs.