Tooth Reshaping
Tooth Reshaping provided by Jason Larsen, DDS
and Jean Larsen, DDS
in Murphy, TX at Parkside Dental
 Tooth reshaping goes by several names, including odontoplasty, dental contouring or enameloplasty, cosmetic contouring, stripping, recontouring, and slenderizing. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is used to correct cracked, misaligned, uneven, chipped, or crooked teeth. Tooth reshaping is painless, taking just a short time to complete the entire procedure. The process entails removing a little bit of your tooth enamel and later using bonding resin to achieve an almost perfect shape, bearing in mind the width and length of your other teeth. As a cosmetic dentistry invention, tooth reshaping is done purely to enhance the appearance of your smile. Our dentist at Parkside Dental can painlessly and effectively alter cracked, chipped, or overlapping teeth.
Tooth Reshaping Candidates
Anyone with minor and subtle imperfections on the teeth is a candidate for tooth reshaping. If tooth shaping is not enough to correct these dental issues, our dentist might suggest other options, such as using braces or Invisalign aligners. You are not a candidate for tooth reshaping if you have decayed teeth, unhealthy gums, or infected pulp. You must have any underlying issues resolved first.
Tooth Contouring Benefits
Improves Appearance
By reshaping your teeth, our dentist is simply removing some of your tooth enamel. The result is a perked-up look enhanced by perfectly shaped teeth and a faultless smile.
Fixes Teeth
Tooth reshaping fixes your dental imperfections. If you have any cracks or chips in your teeth, tooth reshaping is the solution you need. The procedure can also correct improperly aligned or crooked teeth, leaving you with properly aligned teeth.
Restores Teeth Damaged by Teeth Grinding
Tooth contouring is also used to correct the damage to teeth that results from grinding. Teeth grinding or bruxism can put teeth in bad shape, especially when the grinding is too hard on one side of the tooth. Tooth contouring flattens out the rough, uneven areas, giving you a perfect smile.
Non-Invasive, Unproblematic Procedure
Your tooth enamel is comprised mainly of minerals, and it has no nerve endings or blood vessels. What that means is that you do not need any pain medication or local anesthesia before reshaping your tooth. You might feel some strange sensations during the procedure, but you will feel no pain.
Long-Lasting Procedure
Dental contouring is a one-time procedure that quickly fixes dental imperfections. It is important to note that the procedure cannot be reversed. You must also continue to practice good oral hygiene.
The Tooth Reshaping Process
Examination
The tooth reshaping process begins with an examination. Our dentist will examine and study your teeth patterns to determine if contouring will give you the perfect smile you are looking for.
X-Rays
The next step in the procedure is an X-ray, and it is necessary when the shaping process gets to the surfaces of the tooth root. Our dentist will need images showing these roots and revealing if there are signs of gum infection. The X-ray technology selectively helps in the reshaping process without causing injuries to the inner tissues of the tooth root, which have nerves and blood vessels.
The Tooth Contouring Procedure
The next and final step is the contouring procedure. Normally, it takes under an hour. The only thing you will feel from the procedure is the vibration of the contouring machines. Our dentist will then smooth the tooth to give it a beautiful finish. Some of the tools used to create a smooth, polished tooth include a laser or a sanding tool that removes small amounts of the tooth enamel. You will enjoy the results of the procedure immediately, which is seeing beautifully arranged and well-sculptured pearly white teeth.
What to Expect During the Tooth Reshaping Procedure
Tooth contouring is a cosmetic procedure that takes place in our dental office. Below is what to expect during the procedure.
Instruments
Cosmetic dentists have several options now, as opposed to traditional drills. You will encounter specialized lasers that our cosmetic dentist will use to remove the outer layers of your tooth enamel. You will also encounter strips, which are another name for an abrasive edge, like sandpaper, which our dentist will use to work on the sides of your tooth.
Painless Procedure
Tooth contouring techniques are performed on the outer enamel layer of your teeth. The procedure should be painless. If you are feeling anxious about the whole procedure, our dentist can use a local anesthetic or a mild sedative to ease your concerns.
Polishing
The last thing you should expect from the procedure is a proper polishing of your reshaped tooth. Our cosmetic dentist will smooth over your reshaped tooth and remove any discoloration to ensure it has a glossy appearance.
Tooth Contouring Risks
Like several other dental procedures, there are always some risks involved in changing the shape and the general outlook of your natural teeth. For starters, dental enamel shaping involves removing the enamel, which is only 2-2.5 millimeters thick. In case too much enamel is removed from your teeth, you might experience an increased risk for tooth decay, tooth damage, teeth yellowing, temporary tooth sensitivity, and potential recurrence of bruxism.
Do Not Try This at Home
After reading this blog, you might think that tooth reshaping or contouring is something you can achieve without seeking the help of a cosmetic dentist. However, the procedure is not as simple as it seems. You need a great deal of special training before you can accomplish positive results. In short, it is dangerous to reshape your teeth alone at home because doing so can endanger your overall oral health.
Taking Care of Contoured Teeth
Tooth reshaping is a simple process that only needs a little aftercare. However, it would help if you kept up with your usual dental care routine, including brushing your teeth at least twice every day and flossing at least once a day. If your teeth feel sensitive for the first few days, try using a toothbrush with soft bristles. If your teeth feel rough after the procedure is done, you should talk to your cosmetic dentist because it could be a sign of tartar and plaque buildup or another issue that is directly related to tooth shaping.
FAQs
What is tooth reshaping?
Tooth reshaping, also known as odontoplasty or enameloplasty, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves removing small amounts of tooth enamel to correct minor imperfections such as cracks, chips, uneven teeth, or overlapping teeth. The process enhances the appearance of your smile by creating a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing look.
Who is a good candidate for tooth reshaping?
Candidates for tooth reshaping are individuals with minor imperfections in their teeth, such as small chips, uneven edges, or slight overlapping. However, those with decayed teeth, unhealthy gums, or underlying dental issues need to resolve these problems before undergoing tooth reshaping.
Is tooth reshaping a painful procedure?
No, tooth reshaping is a painless procedure because it only involves working on the enamel, which does not contain nerves or blood vessels. Patients may feel slight vibrations during the procedure but do not require anesthesia in most cases.
How long does tooth reshaping take?
Tooth reshaping typically takes less than an hour to complete, depending on the number of teeth being treated and the extent of the reshaping required. It is a quick and convenient cosmetic solution for enhancing your smile.
What are the risks associated with tooth reshaping?
Risks include the removal of too much enamel, which can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, vulnerability to decay, and potential discoloration over time. However, these risks are minimal when the procedure is performed by an experienced dentist.
How should I care for my teeth after reshaping?
After tooth reshaping, maintain your regular dental hygiene routine, including brushing twice daily and flossing once a day. If you experience temporary sensitivity, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Consult your dentist if you notice any roughness or discomfort after the procedure.
Get Your Teeth Contoured Today
Tooth contouring, also called enameloplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that intends to improve the overall appearance of your smile. Make a trip to meet our team at Parkside Dental to talk about your tooth reshaping needs. Contact us at (972) 442-7550 to schedule an appointment with us. |
