Unhappy With Your Smile? Try Cosmetic Contouring
Even if you brush and floss regularly, eat tooth-friendly foods, and avoid bad oral health habits, there are certain parts of your smile that you can’t control… like the shape of your teeth. If minor cosmetic issues like tooth shape and size leave you feeling awkward or uncomfortable with your smile, cosmetic contouring is the solution.
This simple procedure, also known as enameloplasty, gently reshapes small portions of your tooth enamel to create the appearance you desire. Here’s everything you need to know about cosmetic contouring in Mission Valley, CA.
How Does Cosmetic Contouring Work?
Cosmetic contouring is most commonly known as “tooth reshaping”. This relatively simple procedure uses a laser or drill to change the shape, length, or surface of one or more teeth in your mouth. Even a few millimeters of reduction to the shape of a tooth can make a major impact on your appearance!
Here’s what you can expect during a cosmetic contouring appointment:
- Dental x-rays confirm your teeth are healthy
- Your dentist marks your teeth with a pen to outline areas needing sculpting
- A sanding instrument carefully reduces the appearance of imperfections on the surface of the teeth
- A drill or laser further sculpts and contours teeth to your specifications
- Teeth are polished to round out any sharp edges and create a pleasant sheen
Overall, this procedure is relatively painless. It only affects the enamel of your teeth, not the underlying nerves or pulp, so you may not feel any discomfort at all!
Who Should Use Cosmetic Contouring?
Cosmetic contouring is the treatment of choice to fix small imperfections with subtle improvements. Those little changes create a big difference in the appearance of your smile… and your confidence!
These are a few of the most common uses of enameloplasty:
- Slightly overlapping teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Tiny chips
- Pointy cuspids
Overall, tooth reshaping is best for patients seeking minor cosmetic alterations, not major changes. Large-scale aesthetic issues usually can’t be repaired with cosmetic contouring alone. For full-mouth results, porcelain veneers, Invisalign, and dental bonding are better options.
Tooth Reshaping Aftercare
Thanks to the simplicity of the cosmetic contouring procedure, you don’t have to worry about intense aftercare or recovery.
After your Mission Valley dentist reshapes your teeth, you have one major consideration to remember: cosmetic contouring removes enamel from your teeth. Enamel is your mouth’s first and most important defense against decay and the natural wear and tear of chewing. This makes your daily dental routine even more important, since your teeth will need a bit of extra help fighting off sugar and bacteria.
It’s also important to implement smart oral care habits each day:
- Brush gently with an extra-soft bristled toothbrush
- Floss at least once a day
- Don’t brush hard; a soft, gentle brush stroke is better for enamel
- Use regular fluoride treatments to strengthen your remaining enamel
Overall, with proper care and attention, you can enjoy lasting dental health with a new and improved smile that you love! Cosmetic contouring makes it possible.
Getting Started With Tooh Reshaping in Mission Valley, CA
It’s important to undergo cosmetic contouring with a dentist you trust with your smile. At Cassel Dentistry in Mission Valley, CA, Dr. Jon Cassell and his team are committed to delivering superior dental care to patients in San Diego and beyond.
Call Cassell Dentistry at (619) 220-7475 today to schedule your consultation or request an appointment online.