Contouring and Shaping Your Teeth
What’s one of the first things you notice when you meet someone new? It’s
often the person’s smile. Teeth that look clean, even and healthy help make a
positive impression.
If your smile reveals chipped or irregularly shaped teeth, your dentist can
provide several options to make it more attractive while protecting your oral
health. Tooth contouring and reshaping are simple procedures often used to
correct minor flaws and problems such as teeth that are chipped or oddly
shaped.
Contouring and shaping are used to smooth out irregular edges and angles of
teeth. These procedures, sometimes called enamel shaping, slenderizing or
stripping, allow for subtle, minor alterations to the length, shape or position
of teeth. Teeth that are uneven or overlapping may also benefit from this
treatment.
Your dentist gently sculpts the teeth to artfully eliminate or minimize
imperfections and create a smile that makes a lasting impression.
What’s involved?
Tooth contouring and reshaping are quick procedures with very little, if any,
discomfort. Anesthetics usually are not required and the entire process may take
one or three visits.
Because some tooth enamel is removed during the process, your dentist may
take an x-ray to determine the size and location of the tooth’s pulp. The
dentist may mark the tooth before removing a tiny amount of surface enamel with
a handpiece. Abrasive strips may be used to even tooth enamel on the sides of
the teeth before they are smoothed and polished.
stressful situations.
An abnormal bite, one in which teeth do not fit well together, may lead to
grinding. Treatment may involve reducing the “high spots” on one or more teeth.
For serious cases, your dentist may suggest reshaping or reconstructing the
biting surfaces with inlays or crowns.
Grinding is a common occurrence for many people at some time or another. If
you suspect that you are routinely grinding your teeth, see your dentist about
protecting your smile.
