A beautiful smile entails a lot, including the shape and size of your teeth. If your teeth are misaligned or have lost their shape, they could affect the way you feel about yourself, thereby impacting your social life. Cosmetic contouring is an excellent way to bring back your teeth in shape to give you a smile you have always desired. It helps restore the shape of teeth that have been affected by cracking, fracturing, or chipping.

At La Puente Advanced Dentistry, our highly trained and experienced cosmetic dentists have all it takes to take care of all issues you might be experiencing regarding the shape of your teeth. Our goal is to take care of your dental and oral problems, to give you back your flawless smile. For more information regarding cosmetic contouring in La Puente, CA, contact us today and let us kickstart your journey to a more beautiful smile.

Cosmetic Contouring Overview

Your smile is the most powerful tool you have, as it gives you the confidence you need to take a bold step in life. A beautiful smile will make you feel attractive and secure. Fortunately for you, cosmetic dentistry might help you achieve the smile of your desire.

Domestic contouring, also called tooth reshaping, tooth contouring, enameloplasty, or odontoplasty, is a procedure under cosmetic dentistry. It involves removing a small enamel of a tooth to adjust its shape and appearance. The goal is to give the affected tooth a more appealing shape to balance your smile.

Cosmetic contouring is also a preventive treatment against loss of chipped, fractured, or broken teeth.

The procedure is affordable, less invasive, and can be complete in one visit to the dentist’s office. Since the enamel of human teeth doesn’t have any nerves, this treatment doesn’t require the patient to undergo sedation against pain and discomfort. Additionally, the procedure is safe. It doesn't have any known adverse or long-term side effects since it only involves removing a small amount of enamel.

Cosmetic contouring can correct several dental problems, including the following:

  • Minor chips on one or more teeth
  • Uneven dental lengths
  • Slight overlaps between teeth
  • Minor bite issues
  • Pointy or flattened tooth edges

During treatment, your dentist’s primary task would be to round and square the sides of the affected tooth/teeth to bring it back in shape and give you back your balanced smile.

Even though it is a very safe procedure, cosmetic contouring can quickly thin out your enamel. The enamel of your teeth is essential as it forms a solid protective layer to prevent your teeth from being damaged by dietary acids. It also keeps your teeth looking white, healthy, and strong. The enamel is the most substantial structure the human body has. Sadly, you cannot restore it after its loss. Therefore, it is vital to keep it as healthy as you can. However, contouring entails the removal of this protective layer. If much of your tooth’s enamel is lost, it puts the tooth at risk of breaking even after a minor fall.

Your dentist will start by warning you about these risks to ensure that you are making an informed decision. If you already have a thinned enamel, your dentist will discourage you from undergoing cosmetic contouring. But if there is a chance that your enamel will remain solid and protective even after the procedure, your dentist will proceed with the treatment, but with your consent.

Therefore, it is crucial to find out as much as possible about cosmetic contouring before making the final decision. An experienced cosmetic dentist should be the right person to speak to if you are in doubt.

Cosmetic Contouring Benefits

If you are struggling to smile, cosmetic dentistry will always help restore or improve your smile. That is just one of the benefits of cosmetic contouring. Other benefits you could stand to gain include:

It's an Inexpensive Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure

Cosmetic dentistry is relatively expensive, partly because oral specialists do it. However, some procedures are inexpensive compared to the overall benefits, and cosmetic contouring is one of those. When compared to other treatment methods like braces and veneers, cosmetic contouring is very cost-effective. Since you’ll not be paying for anesthesia, the cost could be lower than you would imagine. Additionally, the procedure is done on one visit to the dentist’s office, reducing the costs of going back one more time for its completion. Also, cosmetic contouring takes less than thirty minutes.

It Enhances Symmetry

Everyone is conscious about how they look and what other people think of them. That is why you would worry if your facial appearance doesn’t look balanced whenever you smile. People are bound to look for ways to look perfect, and cosmetic dentists deliver facial balance through cosmetic contouring. Uneven teeth will make your smile look odd and could affect your confidence to socialize. Cosmetic contouring helps reshape teeth that look longer or wider than the others by removing some bits of enamel to create a balance. It is the quickest and safest way to achieve a uniform smile.

It Helps Correct Overlapping Teeth

Overlapping teeth occur mainly due to genetics. You could have overlapping teeth if your upper and lower jaw are not of the same size. Your overlapping teeth may function well but could affect your confidence, especially when you smile. It could also cause an underbite or overbite, which could eventually result in other dental issues. Some people have excess teeth, which exert more pressure on their front teeth, causing them to overlap.

Cosmetic contouring helps correct overbites and underbites. Therefore, if you’re experiencing problems due to a bad bite, for instance, eating or biting problems, your dentist can recommend cosmetic contouring. It will also help resolve all other issues you could be experiencing due to overlapping teeth, including low self-esteem.

It Delivers Instantaneous Results

Have you been hiding your uneven, chipped, or overlapping teeth for a long time? It may be time to try something that will instantly change the way you look and feel. As previously mentioned, cosmetic contouring takes only about 30 minutes, after which you’ll be able to smile and enjoy life. It doesn't take days, weeks, or months to see the results after the treatment. Most cosmetic dentistry procedures will require you to visit your dentist’s office more than once to achieve a beautiful smile. Cosmetic contouring is; in just a few minutes, you’ll be able to see a flawless, symmetrical smile that you can share with the world.

It Saves Your Time

If you would like to improve your smile but don’t have enough time on your hands, cosmetic contouring might be the best option. As previously mentioned, the procedure only takes about 30 minutes, and you can enjoy the improved appearance of your teeth. It is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that you can squeeze into your schedule, however busy you are.

It is Painless

Many people shy away from most dental procedures because of the pain they are likely to experience during and after treatment. Cosmetic contouring is exceptional﹘  it doesn't involve pain. Therefore, there will be no need for anesthesia. The enamel of our teeth does not have nerves. It only has dead cells, which are non-sensitive. Again, well-trained dentists are usually gentle with their equipment to make the process comfortable and painless for their patients.

It Improves Your General Wellbeing

Any treatment that improves your general wellbeing is good for you. Cosmetic dentistry contributes much to your general health. It could be used to treat dental issues that could escalate to more serious conditions if left untreated. For instance, your dentist can apply dental contouring to remove plaque and build-up tartar from your teeth, to prevent the spread of gum disease.

Cosmetic contouring also improves the general look and feel of your smile. That builds your confidence, improves your self-esteem and your general wellbeing.

Who Can Benefit From Cosmetic Contouring?

Cosmetic contouring is an excellent dental procedure for people whose teeth have minor imperfections and are looking to improve the appearance and health of their teeth. Some people who might consider this type of treatment are people who have:

  • A minor crack or fracture on one or more teeth
  • Grooves and grooves on their enamel
  • Overlapping teeth
  • Dental chips
  • Unevenness

The simple procedure is mainly designed to improve the appearance of your teeth.

However, if you have significant dental issues, your dentist might recommend other dental procedures depending on the nature of the problem you are experiencing.

Even though cosmetic contouring can be suitable for everyone, you must have sufficient enamel to undergo fr your dentist to recommend it. If the affected tooth doesn't have enough enamel, cosmetic dentistry may make it even weaker if more of the little enamel it has is removed during treatment.

People whose dental problems are more significant may require combining one or more dental procedures to experience successful results. For instance, cosmetic contouring can be combined with veneers or braces for more remarkable results.

An experienced cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth well to recommend the suitable mode of treatment that will give you the smile and confidence you desire.

The Procedure

The cosmetic contouring procedure begins with your visit to the dentist. It could be triggered by your need to improve your look and smile or after a recommendation by your dentist during your regular dental checkup. If you feel the need to improve your smile and look at your teeth, it is advisable to seek the opinion of your dentist before making an appointment for treatment. Once you are sure of the kind of treatment you want, you’ll only need a few minutes in the dentist’s office to get the treatment done.

Dentists prefer contouring over other similar procedures because of its simplicity. This mode of treatment does not put their patients on the edge since it is painless and comfortable.

Once you are at the dentist’s office, your dentist will want to know if you are still willing to undergo the procedure. He/she could give you other options to help you make the final decision.

If in agreement, your dentist will start the procedure by examining your teeth to determine how contouring will help improve their look and functionality.  It helps to know that the procedure will enhance your smile, oral health, and general wellbeing.

If you are undergoing dental contouring to prevent the spread of gum disease, your dentist will first conduct an X-ray exam to determine how far the disease has spread. Your dentist will also want to know where the inner tissues of your pulp are, so he/she can separate them during contouring because of their sensitivity. However, cosmetic contouring mainly involves removing some of the enamel from the affected tooth. Therefore, you may not need to undergo so many other procedures before the actual treatment.

When your dentist starts removing the outer layer of your tooth, you could experience some vibrations, which will go on until he/she sculpts and smoothes the tooth to remove any stains, plaque, or tartar. Your dentist will then polish your tooth to make it appear and feel smooth, just the way a natural and healthy tooth must be.

The difference between cosmetic contouring and other cosmetic dentistry procedures is that you’ll not need to be sedated to undergo contouring. Since your dentist will not be working on your pulp or nerves, you’ll not require numbing. Additionally, you’ll not have to wait for days or weeks to enjoy your beautiful smile. You can look at the mirror right after treatment to see the results.

Care after Treatment

Every dental procedure requires patients to take good care of their teeth and mouth to enjoy the treatment results for a much more extended period. Thus, you must keep your teeth healthy and strong after a cosmetic contouring procedure.

What you must remember at all times is that cosmetic contouring leaves your treated teeth slightly thinner than before. The enamel layer that your dentist removes acts as a protective layer and keeps your teeth strong and healthy. Once it is removed, your teeth become susceptible to all manner of injuries. Therefore, you could experience sensitivity when eating or drinking cold or hot foods and beverages.

You might also want to protect your treated teeth against abrasive substances.

Ensure that you brush your teeth gently to avoid damaging the treated enamel.

Here are other precautions you could take to protect your contoured teeth:

  • Avoid sugary foods and drinks to keep your treated teeth away from damage-causing bacteria
  • You can increase your calcium intake in your diet or through supplements﹘ make sure to consult with your doctor first before incorporating any supplements in your diet
  • Maintain the daily cleaning habits of brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day﹘ be a little gentle when brushing your teeth, especially on the treated teeth
  • Consider switching to non-abrasive toothpaste. Your dentist could recommend one
  • If you are in the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, you may want to stop the habit as it can be more damaging to your contoured teeth
  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene, and be sure to visit your dentist regularly for dental checkups and cleaning
  • Avoid foods that are likely to stain your teeth, including tea, coffee, and tobacco

Other Procedures That Can Be Performed Together with Contouring

Cosmetic dentists sometimes combine cosmetic contouring with other dental procedures to give their patients an even better smile and improved oral hygiene. For instance, your dentist could recommend contouring after braces to shape the already aligned teeth and balance your smile.

Combining contouring with other dental procedures could be necessary if your dentist feels that you need more than contouring to achieve a perfect smile. For instance, combining teeth whitening with contouring could give you the right shape and color of your teeth for a  more beautiful smile.

Other times your dentist could recommend contouring with veneers for better results. Veneers are also used to align and shape teeth for a perfect smile. After contouring, your dentist might see the need for veneers to give your teeth the ideal size and shape to provide you with a beautiful smile.

For more damaged teeth, your dentist could recommend dental bonding with contouring. After contouring, bonding might be used to add some bit of material to a severely worn-out tooth.

Find Affordable La Puente Dentist

If you have been hiding your smile because of chipped, broken, or uneven teeth, it may be time to consider an inexpensive procedure that will give you back your beautiful smile in just a few minutes. Cosmetic contouring is an excellent way of improving your smile, oral health, and general wellbeing. This form of treatment is suitable for all and only takes a few minutes to achieve the desired results. For more information and help with cosmetic contouring in La Puente, CA, contact La Puente Advanced Dentistry at 626-626-7075. Our highly trained and experienced cosmetic dentists will take you through the simple procedure that will change your smile for good.