Has the thought ever crossed your mind that your teeth seem too large – that smaller teeth may better suit your facial features? Or perhaps you suffer from teeth that are pointy or awkwardly shaped. If these are the types of esthetic imperfections that keep you from feeling confident and proud of your smile, we encourage you to consider the benefits of tooth contouring. This straightforward cosmetic treatment can quickly impact your smile, so you feel wonderful about the way you look. Curious about the details? Learn more with the following information:
Your Candidacy
First, you must require the removal of a very small portion of your tooth’s outermost layer, called enamel, to achieve your smile goals. If you have areas of damage like cracks or chips, you may make a better candidate for dental bonding, which builds your tooth up, rather than reducing tissue. We will also examine your teeth to ensure you have an adequate amount of enamel for us to shape. If so, contouring offers a comfortable, efficient solution for most patients.
The Procedure
The treatment will not require anesthetic and is customizable to a variety of needs. If only one tooth requires improvement or if several teeth require changes, we can usually address your concerns within a single visit. With the use of a polishing instrument, we will gently shape your teeth by buffing away a tiny amount of enamel. This allows us to soften points, smooth rough edges, improve texture, and reduce length.
Benefits of Contouring
Tooth contouring helps patients achieve smiles that complement their other features, while offering the following advantages:
- We may shorten a tooth that looks longer than the rest, improving the symmetry of your smile
- Teeth contouring is considered budget-friendly, making it an accessible solution for most patients
- If you have mildly overlapping teeth, we may be able to gently reduce the top tooth for a more aligned appearance – this may also make brushing and flossing less of a challenge
- We can improve the shape and size of your teeth, often addressing jagged or sharp teeth for a softer, more pleasant appearance
ABOUT YOUR ANKENY DENTIST:
Since 2006, Dr. Amanda Foust has proudly treated families in Ankeny, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your Ankeny, IA dentist today. You can reach Dental Impressions by calling (515) 965-0230.
