What is Dental Contouring?
Dental contouring (or tooth reshaping) is a cosmetic procedure that alters the shape of your teeth. To improve the appearance of your teeth, small pieces of enamel are removed. This simple, non-invasive process corrects minor imperfections and helps you achieve a more symmetrical smile.
Ideal Candidates
Dental contouring is great for people with small tooth flaws who want a simple fix. It’s perfect for:
- Small chips or uneven edges
- Teeth with minor shape issues
- Those who want to fix small problems without major treatments
Dental contouring isn't for everyone. If you have serious dental problems like major decay or big misalignment, you might need different treatments. Our team of dentists in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, will help decide if contouring is right for you.
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FAQs
Dental contouring can help you with some of the minor cosmetic issues, such as slightly overlapping, chipped, and/or cracked teeth etc. In contouring, small amounts of enamel can be removed to reshape a tooth. This is best for things like pointy canines, small cracks, and any teeth that don't fit in with the rest of your smile.
Dental contouring can generally be considered safe, and the procedure itself removes only a very small amount of enamel. However, people who currently have sensitive teeth should mention this to their dentist before proceeding. Dental contouring consists of altering the tooth enamel, the outer layer that provides protection, so there is a chance for sensitivity.
Dental contouring is often a fast, painless procedure, and it usually does not require numbness or anesthesia if you are comfortable and willing. Most patients feel little to no discomfort because the dentist is only removing the outermost layer of enamel. Enamel has no nerve endings, so there is more difficulty in feeling discomfort. If you have sensitive teeth or need to contour more than just a slight shape correction, then your dentist will be happy to offer you the opportunity of numbness, if desired, to keep you completely comfortable.
After dental contouring, you can expect immediate results, improving the shape, length, and overall appearance of your teeth for a better-looking smile. While dental contouring is not reversible, the enhancements will definitely give your teeth a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to your teeth in congruence with your entire smile. Dental contouring provides a way to achieve noticeable cosmetic enhancements in just one appointment, at a fast pace!!
Generally, dental contouring is one of the more inexpensive types of cosmetic dental procedures. The cost will mostly depend on how many teeth you would like contoured and how much reshaping is required on those teeth. Most dental insurance plans will not cover any cosmetic procedures, and most dentists will still offer payment plans and/or financing to make the treatment accessible and have you smiling again.
People who have thin enamel, extensive decay, or severe decay should not get dental contouring done because they risk removing more pickle, which could make teeth weaker. Patients who do not uphold proper oral health habits would be unsuitable candidates for dental contouring since it is expected that they have proper dental hygiene prior to any treatment. If you want major cosmetic changes, make sure you are treated with something other than dental contouring (e.g. veneers, crowns, etc.), since dental contouring can only treat slight changes.