The shape and length of your teeth play a major role in the appearance of your smile. Other imperfections, like chips and minor misalignments, can also detract from your smile and take a toll on your self-esteem.
A cosmetic dentist can contour, or reshape, subtly imperfect teeth to improve the appearance of patients’ smiles. That’s why our dentists in Dallas, TX, Dr. Shaun Sigurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel, offer cosmetic tooth contouring at Lakewood Dental Group.
What is cosmetic tooth contouring?
Tooth contouring, also called odontoplasty, is a procedure in which our Lakewood dentists alter the size and shape of patients’ teeth. Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel can also contour minorly crowded or misaligned teeth as a low-cost alternative to orthodontic treatments.
The result is perfectly shaped teeth that fit each patient’s unique aesthetic and personality.
How is tooth contouring performed?
Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel contour teeth by removing a small amount of enamel with a drill or hard-tissue laser. They work carefully to contour teeth into a uniform shape without exposing any of the sensitive pulp and nerves within teeth.
Because our cosmetic dentists are only removing a small layer of enamel, the procedure does not require a local anesthetic. This means that patients can painlessly improve their smiles in a single, one-hour office visit.
After Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel shape patients’ teeth to their desired shape, size, and length, they then polish the teeth for a healthy, beautiful shine. Many patients also choose to pair tooth contouring with cosmetic dental bonding to further enhance their smiles.
Am I a good candidate?
Ideal candidates for cosmetic tooth reshaping are patients with healthy teeth and gums. Patients with significant dental damage, decay, or gum disease will need to address these issues before proceeding with tooth contouring.
Additionally, patients must have sufficient tooth enamel. Teeth with a thin enamel layer are likely to sustain permanent damage from tooth contouring. Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel will conduct a thorough exam to verify that patients have enough tooth enamel before reshaping their teeth.
What are the benefits of tooth reshaping?
There are several benefits of cosmetic tooth reshaping, such as:
- Shortening teeth that are too long
- Evening out chipped teeth
- Fixing minor crowding or alignment issues
- A quick, easy, and cost-effective alternative to orthodontia
Perhaps the biggest benefit of tooth contouring is permanently improving the appearance of slightly imperfect smiles. By making small changes to the shape of teeth, patients can vastly improve their smiles, which boosts their self-esteem and confidence.
How do I care for my teeth after cosmetic contouring?
Because our Lakewood dentists remove a small amount of tooth enamel, it’s important for patients to protect the enamel that they have left. Therefore, Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel recommend:
- Limiting sugary foods and drinks
- Brushing twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste
- Flossing once a day
- Scheduling regular dental cleanings and checkups at our Lakewood dental office
Ask us about cosmetic tooth contouring today!
Are you ready to talk to a Lakewood dentist about improving your smile with cosmetic tooth contouring? If so, then call Lakewood Dental Group today! A comprehensive consultation will tell you if this treatment is right for you. New and existing patients can schedule an appointment online, or they may call our Dallas dental office at (214) 827-1885.
