Tooth reshaping removes small amounts of tooth enamel in order to change the shape, length, or surface of one or more teeth. This cosmetic dentistry technique is usually used to correct crooked, chipped, cracked, or even overlapping teeth. Sometimes this procedure is even a substitute for braces.
In tooth contouring, a dentist gently removes tooth enamel with a laser or drill. However, before this treatment can begin, the dentist must X-ray the teeth to evaluate the size and location of the pulp of each tooth to ensure that there’s enough bone between the teeth to support them. Next, they trim misshapen areas, shortening excessively long teeth or altering badly-shaped teeth to even them out for proper bite and alignment.
While these techniques can help improve or change the appearance of your smile, they aren’t the right answer for everyone. Thus, it is crucial you meet with a cosmetic dentist first to determine whether these procedures would be helpful for you. Additionally, your teeth must meet certain criteria to even be considered for these procedures. If you have any questions or are wondering if tooth contouring and/or reshaping is the right answer for you, please contact our office.
