Does a chipped or misaligned tooth stop you from having a hearty laugh? Gift yourself a confident smile with a simple procedure called enamel/tooth contouring.
For this procedure, you can consult a dental doctor near you or visit the best dental hospital in Bangalore.
About the Enamel/Tooth Contouring Procedure
Tooth contouring is also known by the names of tooth reshaping, enameloplasty or odontoplasty. It is a simple cosmetic dental procedure done to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile by performing minor changes to the shape and alignment of a few teeth.
In this article, we will learn everything about enamel contouring – how it is done, what the benefits are, risks, and complications, and whether you are a suitable candidate for the tooth reshaping procedure.
First thing first. Enamel is the tough outer layer of teeth. Tooth contouring is done by removing a small portion of the enamel and then reshaping the tooth by shortening, lengthening or making other changes to improve its appearance and alignment. It is a painless procedure and usually requires only a single sitting.
Is the Enamel/Tooth Contouring Procedure Suitable for You?
Though enameloplasty is a minor cosmetic procedure, it is not suitable for everyone. It can only be performed on healthy teeth and gums. If you have tooth decay, infected or unhealthy gums or pulp, you might not be deemed a suitable candidate for odontoplasty.
If you have thin or weak enamel, dental veneers might be a better choice for you.
Additionally, if you have severely crooked or misaligned teeth, you will be requiring other procedures such as braces to fix them.
Why Is the Enamel/Tooth Contouring Procedure Performed?
Enamel/tooth contouring procedure is done to correct minor issues such as a chipped, cracked, misaligned or uneven tooth. Even these subtle changes bring about a noticeable difference in the smile of a person.
How Is the Enamel/Tooth Contouring Procedure Conducted?
As a first step, your dentist will perform a physical exam and do X-rays of your teeth to determine their health and appropriateness for this procedure.
If your teeth, gums, and enamel are found to be healthy, your dentist will begin the procedure by removing small parts of enamel with the help of specialised instruments such as a diamond bur, drill or sanding disc. This step minimises imperfections of the tooth.
The longer teeth are then trimmed and sandpaper-like strips are used to even out the edges of the teeth. The teeth are then polished.
If a tooth is chipped or there are gaps, these are repaired with bonding, which is another cosmetic procedure that uses a tooth-coloured resin to mould and shape the tooth. It is then allowed to harden.
Enamel does not contain nerve endings, thus enameloplasty is a painless procedure and does not require anaesthesia, though it might be given if the patient is too anxious or uncomfortable.
For perfect and long-lasting results, get the tooth contouring procedure done by the best dental experts.
What Are the Benefits of Enamel/Tooth Contouring Procedure?
- Enamel contouring is one of the most cost-effective procedures to fix the imperfections of your teeth.
- Simple and painless procedure
- Requires only single sitting.
- Promotes good health of teeth and gums by preventing plaque or tartar deposition in overlapping and uneven teeth.
What Are the Risks or Complications of Enamel/Tooth Contouring Procedure?
Despite the best efforts by your dentist, there are certain risks involved with the enameloplasty procedure:
- If more enamel is removed, it can result in tooth sensitivity.
- Tooth reshaping only brings about a subtle change in the appearance of your teeth and smile. There would not be any drastic change in the bite or looks.
Conclusion
Enamel/tooth contouring can be one of the most convenient and inexpensive cosmetic dental procedures to fix the slight imperfections in your pearly whites. It is a safe and painless procedure, and you can resume your normal diet almost immediately. Follow the aftercare instructions by your dentist, such as using a soft bristle brush, maintaining good dental hygiene, and brushing twice daily, for long-lasting results. It is important to get tooth reshaping done by an expert in dental procedures to get the desired results.
Request an appointment at Apollo Dental, Bangalore. Call 18001020288 to book an appointment.
Though the cost varies somewhat depending upon the dental clinic, the average cost of a tooth reshaping procedure is about INR 2000 per tooth. If bonding is also required, the cost will be higher.
If there is a significant misalignment, tooth contouring would not help. In such cases, braces are recommended.
If done correctly, enameloplasty will not result in tooth sensitivity. However, if you have thin or weak enamel or if an inappropriate amount of enamel was removed, there might be a risk of tooth sensitivity.
