Dental Recontouring – A Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatment
This procedure involves the removal of tooth enamel using a drill to shape a tooth to make it fit in better with the neighboring teeth. Tooth reshaping is often used on the most visible teeth, typically the canines and upper front incisors.
Causes for Dental Recontouring
How a Cosmetic Dentist Can Help With Correcting Minor Dental Imperfections
Dental recontouring can be used to correct issues such as:
- Teeth that are too pointy
- Uneven teeth
- Slight overlaps
- Tooth edges that are too flat
- Minor bite problems
- Small chips
What to Expect At Your Appoinment
At your first appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine if you’re a good candidate for tooth reshaping. Sometimes, root surface reshaping is necessary to protect a patient from gum disease. In that instance, X-rays would be needed to protect and isolate the pulp. Typically, tooth recontouring will only involve the removal of a small amount of enamel. Since enamel does not contain nerves, a local anesthetic is not needed.
Initial Evaluation
During a comprehensive oral exam appointment, your dentist will:
- Assess your smile to determine what tooth size and shape is the most suitable for you.
- Take X-rays
- Show before and after photos of recontouring services
- Highlight your tooth color
- Use a computer monitor to evaluate each tooth to determine which teeth will require changes
Options
Tooth reshaping is a great choice for people who need minor cosmetic alterations to their teeth. The procedure is quick, affordable, and effective. However, patients who have significant aesthetic issues may want to consider a more appropriate dental procedure such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
Teeth that are too far apart, broken teeth, overcrowding, and crooked teeth are out of the scope of dental recontouring. These more serious dental issues can be fixed with dental bonding, braces, crowns, veneers, or other types of cosmetic procedures.
How Treatment Works – What to Expect
Once the enamel is removed, we’ll check to make sure that you like the results, then we’ll apply the finishing touches, which involves polishing the teeth to give them a natural sheen and round out any sharp edges.
Post-Treatment Care
After the teeth have been reshaped, they will have less enamel. Enamel is a tooth’s biggest defense against natural wear and tear and decay. After your teeth have been reshaped, we recommend you use an extra-soft bristled toothbrush and floss daily. The brushing action you use must be very gentle. Using more force when brushing your teeth can scratch the enamel. Regular fluoride treatments can also help prevent decay and promote teeth health by protecting the teeth from abrasions and strengthening the enamel.
Make An Appointment to Learn How Dental Recontouring Can Help You
If you’re searching for an affordable, less invasive way to correct minor flaws in your teeth and improve your smile, then you should contact Stuart Curry Dentistry today to schedule an exam. You should not allow minor imperfections in your smile to affect your confidence. Contact us at (205) 972-3831 to schedule an appointment at Stuart Curry Dentistry or book an appointment online. We offer flexible appointments that can work with your busy schedule.
Common Questions our Patients Have About Dental Recontouring
Does Dental Recontouring Hurt?
The dental recontouring process is completely painless. Since the surface of a tooth is filed with a paper disk, you will not feel any pain or discomfort during treatment.
How Can I Change My Teeth Shape Naturally?
Unfortunately, there is no home treatment available that you can use to naturally reposition your teeth. Make an appointment with Dr. Curry today to learn about the appropriate procedures available that can improve your smile.
Why Do Teeth Get Crooked As You Age?
As we grow older, the dentistry of the jaw bone reduces and begins to shrink in size. This can result in an imbalance between the size of the teeth and the jaw, which can result in overlapping or crowded teeth.
Does Recontouring Damage Your Teeth?
The procedure thins the enamel, which can increase the risk of the teeth wearing down faster and developing issues such as tooth sensitivity.
What is Gum Recontouring?
Gum contouring is a type of cosmetic procedure that changes the shape of the gums. Dentists use this procedure to restore gum tissue that has receded and is exposing too much of a patient’s teeth, or it’s used to remove excess gum tissue that causes a gummy smile.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
We're accepting new patients from Vestavia Hills, Cahaba Heights, and the surrounding area. We work with most major dental insurance plans, and our front desk verifies your benefits before your visit so you know what's covered. For treatments that aren't fully covered or for patients without dental insurance, we offer transparent estimates upfront. No surprises.
Call or schedule online to book your first visit. New-patient appointments include a comprehensive exam, the X-rays we need to see what's going on, a cleaning where appropriate, and time to talk through anything you'd like to plan for.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a crown instead of a filling?
Dr. Curry always tries a standard filling first. When a tooth is broken, chipped, or decayed to the point a filling won't hold, a crown is the next step, fully covering the tooth to restore its strength, shape, and natural appearance. He'll confirm the right option at your visit.
What other reasons might call for a crown?
Other reasons include large or leaking metal fillings that need replacing, extensive decay, a tooth that has had a root canal, or an old crown that needs replacing. A crown can also fix the dark line that shows at the gumline of an older crown. Dr. Curry reviews which applies to you.
What are crowns made of?
Porcelain (tooth-colored) crowns are the most popular because they look like natural teeth; they can be all-porcelain or porcelain over a metal framework. All-metal crowns in gold or other alloys are also available and very durable for back teeth. Dr. Curry reviews each option and its cost before you decide.
How long do porcelain crowns last?
With proper care, porcelain crowns are highly durable and commonly last 10 to 15 years or longer. To protect them, avoid chewing ice or hard candy, wear a nightguard if you grind, and keep up regular cleanings so Dr. Curry can catch any wear early and keep your crown looking natural.
Will people be able to tell I have a crown?
When done correctly, a crown fully encases the visible tooth and is custom-made to match its original shape, color, width, and height, so no one should be able to tell it's there. Dr. Curry shade-matches each crown so your restored tooth blends seamlessly with the teeth around it.
What's the difference between full and partial dentures?
Partial dentures (sometimes called a removable bridge) replace one or more missing teeth and attach to your remaining natural teeth, which also helps keep those teeth from shifting. Complete dentures replace all teeth once they've been lost or extracted and the gums have healed. Dr. Curry helps you choose the right fit.
What types of partial dentures do you make?
Dr. Curry makes two kinds of partial dentures. A traditional metal-base partial is very durable and lets him add teeth later if you lose another. A Valplast partial has a pink, flexible base that's lighter and more comfortable than metal, with no visible metal clasps when you smile.
Can I get dentures the same day my teeth are extracted?
In some cases, yes. An Immediate Complete Denture can be delivered the day your teeth are extracted, so you're never without teeth. Because gums shift as they heal, immediate dentures usually need a few follow-up adjustments over the following weeks for a comfortable, secure fit.
What are the benefits of dentures beyond replacing teeth?
Beyond replacing teeth, dentures restore your ability to chew and speak clearly, and they support your lips and cheeks for a fuller, more youthful appearance. They help prevent the wrinkles and sagging that follow tooth loss, and they rebuild the confidence to smile. Dr. Curry tailors the look to you.
How do I know if dentures are right for me, versus implants or a bridge?
If you're missing most or all of your teeth and implants aren't an option, dentures may be the answer; for a few missing teeth, a bridge or implant may fit better. Come in and Dr. Curry will compare your options. Call (205) 972-3831 to schedule.
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