Understanding Dental Recontouring
If your self-esteem has been negatively affected by uneven, misshapen or rough teeth, you may want to talk with your dentist about the benefits of recontouring. It is a procedure that removes small amounts of enamel from your teeth to adjust the shape and surface finish of that tooth. The process can help you create a more balanced smile. Here are some things you should know to determine if recontouring is right for you.
How is Recontouring Done?
Recontouring usually starts with a comprehensive exam by a cosmetic dentist. This exam allows the dentist to evaluate the size and location of the pulp inside your teeth, which means that you'll need to have x-rays done. The pulp is where the nerves and blood vessels are found in your teeth, so it's important to know where it is before you start recontouring.
During the exam, the dentist will make sure that there is sufficient enamel on the outside of your teeth for the shaping process. The goal is to be able to reshape your teeth without exposing the pulp of the tooth. If you have particularly thin enamel or pulp that is very close to the tooth surface, it can make a procedure like this difficult.
Once the exam is finished, the dentist will use a sanding disc on a small tool to gently and progressively remove enamel from the teeth in question. To get between teeth, the dentist will likely use small strips of fine-grit sandpaper-like material. Then, once the shaping is finished, the dentist will polish your teeth to create a clean, sparkling finish.
Who Is a Good Fit for Recontouring?
There are some patients who may not be a good fit for a recontouring procedure. In addition to those with thin enamel, patients with large chips, fractured teeth or particularly deep ridges in the tooth surface may not be good candidates for a recontouring procedure. These things require more correction than the subtle, progressive work of recontouring can produce. Repairs like this may require veneers or crowns instead.
However, if you're just trying to correct subtle imperfections, like uneven teeth, pitted enamel or minimal chips, recontouring may be the solution you need. It is a popular option for adjusting the length of overly long canine teeth. It can also be used to get rid of small overlaps between teeth, because those overlaps create tiny crevices that can allow tartar and plaque to grow, which can damage your teeth.
If you're bothered by the shape and structure of any of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist clinic, such as Bristol Dental Group, can help you explore this option. Talk with a cosmetic dentist today to see what recontouring can do for you.