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Tooth Contouring & Reshaping

A chipped front tooth, some worn edges, or shallow pits or grooves in the tooth enamel are all minor issues, but they do stand in the way of having a perfect smile. If you suffer from one or more of these problems -- even to the extent of a minor fracture or overlap -- they all can be fixed using a procedure known as tooth contouring and reshaping.

Using a polishing instrument, the dentist removes small amounts of surface enamel of one or more teeth to compensate for the imperfections. Followed up with a smoothing and polishing of all the surrounding teeth, this quick, painless, and inexpensive procedure can make a big difference in your smile.

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• What Can Aesthetic Reshaping Do for You?

  The goal of tooth contouring and reshaping is to change the size or shape of the teeth so that slightly damaged or out of proportion teeth are brought back into alignment with the rest. In essence a cosmetic procedure, it is most often performed on the upper central, lateral, and canine teeth. Beyond the outward benefits, there are often oral health gains, too, as smoothing the teeth and repairing overlaps can make them easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Reshaping can also be used to correct minor problems with bite and function.

• Explanation of Procedure

  Tooth contouring and reshaping takes place generally in one visit to the dentist's office, although a follow-up visit is sometimes necessary. Often the dentist will take a "before" photograph to use as a reference. Then, using various tools, the dentist carefully polishes off small areas of the tooth surface enamel and reforms the tooth into a more attractive shape. The edges of the newly shaped tooth are smoothed and polished, completing the procedure. An "after" photograph is made at this point so the differences can be easily seen. After contouring, the teeth are more uniform in shape and size making them appears less crowded and eye-catching imperfections are gone.

  The length of the procedure is dependent on the amount of changes that are being made to the teeth, but can run from under 30 minutes to over an hour.

  Because only surface enamel is removed, there is no pain involved with the procedure, so no anaesthetic is administered.

• Post-Op Recovery / Long-Term Results

  After your teeth have been prepared and before your permanent veneers have been applied, appearance should be fairly normal. Some sensitivity may be encountered mainly with cold drinks. Using a straw can alleviate this problem.

  During this period, you should brush regularly, as your teeth will be more susceptible to staining. Regular flossing is important, too, since swollen or bleeding gums compromise bonding the veneers on permanently.

  Once your veneers are permanently placed, they will feel like a natural part of your teeth, and you can use them just as you would your regular teeth. However, veneers are not indestructible. To protect your veneers from chipping, avoid biting down into hard substances. Slice apples before eating them. Avoid bad habits like chewing on fingernails, pencils, or paperclips and clenching or grinding your teeth.

• Recovery

  You can generally eat immediately after the procedure. The removal of the small amount of enamel does not hurt the tooth nor is it replaced, so no healing is involved. Occasionally, there is minor sensitivity to hot and cold for a day or two after the procedure, but this irritation is minor and almost always disappears a short time after the procedure. Recovery for almost every patient undergoing tooth contouring or reshaping is instantaneous.

  Keep in mind that tooth contouring and reshaping is a procedure for minor imperfections. Dentists often need to combine this procedure with other work such as veneers, bleaching, crowns or other cosmetic procedures to achieve an optimum result.

  If multiple procedures are needed and expense is an issue, consider doing the procedures over time. Often contouring is a suggested first step that can make a big difference in how you feel about your smile.

• Risk & Limitations

  The risks involved in the procedure include the removal of too much enamel, subjecting the tooth to a greater chance of breakage or decay, or the reappearance of the problem if it is due to grinding of the teeth. However, seeing an experienced cosmetic dentist virtually eliminates these risks.

The information provided on surgeryBA.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her physician. Individual results may vary according to each patient's individual objectives, health, and circumstances. The information provided here stems from our professional experience with patients and from our doctor's advise.