If you’ve been reading any articles on dental aesthetics, you must have come across these two processes quite a number of times. Both tooth reshaping and dental contouring play important roles in the process of cosmetic dentistry and are commonly used to correct a variety of different dental issues. Let’s take a look at what these processes actually involve and how they can be used to improve your smile.
Keeping that pearly white smile is something every person aspires to have. This is because having a nice smile leaves a positive first impression on people we meet for the first time, especially those with whom we hope to develop relationships that go beyond being mere acquaintances. This is why having teeth that look natural, wholesome, and well-maintained is so important. Many people struggle with crooked teeth or gaps between them due to genetics or an accident at some point in their lives that resulted in broken or missing teeth. Cosmetic dentistry helps by offering various solutions, such
What is Tooth Reshaping?
Tooth reshaping is a process that involves altering the shape of the tooth to correct any issues that the tooth may have such as being misshapen, uneven in size, discolored, overly stained, or having teeth that are too close together or too far apart. This process can help to improve the aesthetics of your smile and boost your confidence in both your oral and overall health. A crooked smile makes it hard for people to view you in a positive light and closes the door to many job and relationship opportunities. While tooth reshaping is a common dental procedure, it is important to note that it is different from teeth whitening. When a dentist reshapes your teeth, they are changing the shape of the teeth by filing or removing a small amount of the tooth’s surface. This is different from teeth whitening, which does not alter the teeth’s shape.
What is Dental Contouring?
Tooth reshaping and dental contouring is a process in which the dentist uses a rotary tool to reshape the gum line of your teeth in order to correct any issues they may have such as being too thin, misshapen, or having teeth that are too close together or too far apart. Dental contouring is commonly used to correct an underbite or an overbite. An underbite is when the upper teeth are too far forward compared to the lower teeth, while an overbite is the opposite: the upper teeth are too far behind the lower teeth. Both of these issues can be corrected with dental contouring where the dentist will shave away some of the gum line and the bone that holds the teeth in place in order to move the teeth into a more desirable position.
Benefits of Tooth Reshaping and Dental Contouring
– Improved aesthetics of your smile: A great smile can make you feel more confident about yourself and help you make a great first impression on others. A tooth reshaping or contouring procedure can help improve the aesthetics of your smile by making your teeth appear more natural, even in size, and evenly stained. – Improved oral health: Tooth reshaping or contouring can also help improve your oral health by correcting issues such as teeth that are too close together, teeth that are too far apart, discoloration on your teeth, or teeth that are misshapen. – Increased social confidence: A great smile helps to boost your social confidence by making you look more attractive and approachable. This allows you to be more confident in your relationships, job opportunities, and other social interactions.
Tooth contouring is also called dental contouring or tooth reshaping. It is a procedure in which the dentist removes tiny amounts of enamel to reshape teeth. It is most often done for cosmetic reasons, but can sometimes benefit oral hygiene by removing pits and places where plaque gathers. To reshape or contour teeth, a dentist gently removes tooth enamel with a laser or drill. Before starting the treatment, the dentist X-rays the teeth to evaluate the size and location of the pulp of each tooth to ensure that there’s enough bone between the teeth to support them.
Disadvantages of Tooth Reshaping and Dental Contouring
– Potential for tooth sensitivity: You may find that your teeth become more sensitive after tooth reshaping or contouring. This is because the dentist is removing a small amount of the tooth’s surface; therefore, it can lead to your teeth being more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. – Potential for tooth loss: A tooth reshaping or contouring procedure can also result in tooth loss if the dentist goes too far. This happens because the dentist will be removing a small amount of the tooth’s surface; therefore, if the dentist removes too much, it can result in tooth loss. – Potential for a change in bite: Another potential side effect of dental reshaping or contouring is that it can change your bite. This is because the dentist is removing a small amount of the gum line, which can change the position of your teeth.
Summing up
A great smile can boost your confidence, help you make a great first impression on people, and help you be more approachable. Tooth reshaping and dental contouring are dental procedures that dentists can use to improve the aesthetics of your smile. These procedures can help to correct issues such as teeth that are too close together, teeth that are too far apart, discoloration on your teeth, and teeth that are misshapen. While there are some advantages to tooth reshaping and dental contouring, there are also some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before choosing to have either procedure done.
