What is Tooth Contouring?
Tooth contouring is a process used in dentistry that reshapes and smooths out any imperfections in the teeth. This process keeps leaving teeth looking naturally healthy and polished. This kind of procedure is great for repairing small chips or worn edges.
As well as some scratches or pits in the enamel, all of which can really take away from the overall look of a smile. Contouring can’t help with structural problems. It is a cosmetic treatment that gives a more pleasing alignment to slightly damaged or worn-down teeth.
The process can be used as an alternative to more invasive techniques, such as dental veneers. It is helpful to avoid costly orthodontic appliances if the problems are only minor.
How is the tooth contouring procedure carried out?
If you are booked in for a tooth contouring treatment your dentist will start by cleaning the teeth. It helps to remove food particles or bacterial build-up. Then they can begin reshaping them using specialist polishing tools.
Your dentist will start to remove tiny amounts of the surface enamel in the required areas. They must be careful not to shave away too much, as this can affect the sensitivity of the teeth. This will almost certainly have an impact on their appearance. After the teeth have been reshaped.
They need to be smoothed out as the treated sections will have a rougher texture. These can provide small crevices for bacteria to gather in, eventually causing decay. Then all of your teeth can be polished to a healthy shine, and the treatment is complete.
Don’t worry about feeling pain or discomfort during the procedure. You might experience some vibrations from the contouring instruments.
But they only work on the exterior of the tooth. The nerve endings contained at the center of the tooth are well protected. So they shouldn’t register any pain.
This whole process won’t take more than one session to complete. Because there is no need for an anesthetic. It is not a complicated operation, and there is no recovery period afterward.
If you are interested in this non-invasive procedure, book an appointment at the Dental clinic. Many clinics offer the very latest in cosmetic enhancements, at reasonable prices.
Is tooth contouring good?
As long as you only have minor alignment problems, you could definitely benefit from a session of tooth contouring. Patients with severely crooked or spaced teeth will have to look elsewhere to deal with the issue. Most dentists deny them treatment of this kind if their teeth are extremely misaligned.
It’s dangerous to just start shaving layers of enamel away. Doing so would cause irreparable damage to the structure of the teeth.
Furthermore, it probably wouldn’t make them look straight anyway. The patient would be left with broken, destroyed teeth. Rather than the beautiful, smooth smile, they were looking for.
For suitable patients, tooth contouring is very useful. Not only does it improve the appearance of the teeth; but it can also help with oral hygiene. By straightening misaligned teeth and removing overlaps or protrusions.
It makes the mouth much easier to clean and there are fewer spaces for bacteria to gather. This, in turn, helps the patient to avoid the pitfalls of dental caries (cavities) and gum disease, among other problems.
What kinds of dental problems can tooth contouring help with?
As mentioned earlier, not everyone will be a suitable candidate for this treatment. So let’s look at some of the imperfections that contouring can help with.
Small chips
Our teeth are not indestructible. It’s likely that over time they will pick up small chips, through bumps and other accidents. Problems like this are nothing to panic about, but they can make your teeth look shabby and neglected.
Uneven teeth
Sometimes teeth just grow in unevenly, and other times it is the result of some type of dental trauma. Irregular teeth do not always warrant more serious treatment, contouring can really make a difference.
Overlaps
Minor crossing of the teeth is not always noticeable, but it still leaves a small crevice. These small crevices are hard to clean and put the teeth at risk of decay. Shaving off a part of enamel won’t expose the inner pulp (nerve endings and blood vessels) to sensitivity. Because it is just a tiny section of the hard outer shell.
Pits or scratches
Inevitably, our teeth pick up scars over time, and most adults in the USA will have some superficial damage. These can be easily smoothed out using tooth contouring.
Are there any risks associated with tooth contouring?
Generally speaking, tooth contouring is a very low-risk procedure. Because there are no needles, scalpels, stitches, or other surgical equipment involved. This lends itself to a very short recovery period after the treatment.
You might experience some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and some irritation along the gum line. But these side effects should pass after a few hours, without causing too much discomfort. Eating after contouring is not usually a problem either, as it is not a surgical operation. It’s very easy to get back to normal when you leave the clinic.
The biggest risk is left in the hands of your chosen surgeon. They have to be careful not to cut away too much of the enamel, this leaves the teeth vulnerable to breakage or decay. However, you can avoid these problems by booking with a qualified, experienced dentist. He will provide you with good quality treatment in a comfortable or safe environment.
How much does tooth contouring cost?
It’s hard to say exactly, as the price can vary from place to place. But you’re probably looking at a few hundred dollars per session. This might sound like a lot, but it’s much less than you would pay for more invasive methods.
It makes sense if all you’re after is a little repair and clean-up job. You shouldn’t be paying out for expensive and unnecessary treatments.
