Cosmetic contouring is a dental treatment that removes dental flaws by reshaping the tooth’s surface. This procedure is usually painless and helps fix dental issues like long teeth and small chips. Cosmetic dental contouring could be a great choice if your teeth are uneven and you do not like how your smile appears.

At Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry, we are ready to help you identify your dental problems and guide you on how teeth contouring can enhance your smile and boost your confidence. Call us today for a consultation in Los Angeles, CA.

What Is Cosmetic Contouring?

Cosmetic contouring is a dental treatment that involves carefully filing small areas of the enamel to improve the shape, size, length, or surface of one or more teeth. Even though filing enamel may seem concerning, cosmetic contouring is safe and painless. Typically, the dentist files teeth gradually, removing only the necessary enamel. A little sculpting can completely change how a smile looks.

Cosmetic contouring can address several dental concerns. These include the following:

Small Chips on Teeth 

Dental contouring is an ideal option to fix small chips and cracks in teeth. It can also help with minor bumps and uneven teeth.

Long Canines 

Canines are essential for biting and tearing food. If they are excessively long, they can affect your smile. Reshaping them can help achieve a better length.

Minor Tooth Overlap 

Enameloplasty, or cosmetic contouring, is often used to correct crooked teeth. It can also help reduce cavities and plaque. Properly aligned teeth make brushing and flossing easier, which leads to better oral hygiene.

Enameloplasty can help individuals with sharp, flat, or uneven teeth obtain a more even shape. Contouring is another option if you want your teeth to look more masculine or feminine.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Cosmetic Contouring?

Cosmetic contouring works best for small cracks, chips, or bumps on teeth. It cannot fix severe cases of crooked or crowded teeth.

The structure of your teeth also limits what cosmetic contouring can achieve. There needs to be enough enamel present to reshape the tooth safely. If your tooth enamel is too thin or weak, you might not be the best candidate for cosmetic contouring. Your dentist may suggest other cosmetic dentistry options, like veneers, instead.

Veneers are a common alternative for weak or thin enamel. These custom-made shells cover the front teeth, improving the look of misshapen teeth by hiding their imperfections.

Cosmetic contouring is also unsuitable if you have unhealthy gums, root canals, or decayed gums. In such cases, you will need more extensive dental treatments.

If you want to know if tooth contouring is a good option, speak with your dentist. They will explain how cosmetic contouring can meet your needs and improve your dental health. Since cosmetic procedures are not medically required, the choice to proceed with contouring depends on you. Your budget and appearance goals are critical in deciding whether to undergo the procedure.

The Cosmetic Contouring Procedure

Contrary to many others, contouring and reshaping teeth is a painless dental procedure. A dentist can perform it without numbing agents. However, you may feel pressure and vibrations from the dental tools during the process. If you feel anxious, sedation options are available to help you stay calm.

Sedation methods include the following:

  • General anesthesia
  • Intravenous sedation
  • Oral sedatives.

The cosmetic contouring process includes the following steps:

Preparation

Before starting the procedure, your dentist will check your gums and enamel for health. They may take X-rays to better see your enamel and pulp and determine where to carry out the procedure. They will assess how much enamel you have and whether it can handle reshaping. Before the procedure, ask your dentist about any risks, side effects, and benefits.

Teeth Marking

After your dentist checks your teeth, they mark and label them with an orthodontic pen. The dentist creates a digital scan of your teeth and makes any necessary changes to the impression. While this occurs, they will take you through your treatment goals to help you achieve the best results. Make sure to let them know what you want. Dentists concentrate on cosmetic concerns like stains, uneven edges, spots, or cracks.

Teeth Shaping or Contouring

Once the dentist has marked the affected teeth, they will reshape them. They will carefully remove a thin layer of enamel using tools like lasers or drills to prevent too much pressure on the tooth.

For example, if one of your front teeth has a stain, the dentist will use a sanding disk to buff it away gently. The dentist may also shorten longer teeth, correct uneven ones, or smooth out rough edges. They may also use tools such as a fine diamond bur or sanding disc to fix these imperfections.

The dentist can reduce the length of longer teeth, adjust uneven ones, and smooth out rough spots. They use tools like fine diamond burs or sanding discs to address these imperfections. Additionally, these tools assist in removing surface stains.

Bonding (Optional)

Your dentist may suggest bonding if you need more extensive reshaping, have significant gaps, or have chipped teeth. This process uses a tooth-colored resin that looks like putty to shape your teeth further after the dentist has contoured them. After application, the bonding sets and matches the natural shade of your teeth. This bonding might increase the total cost of the contouring process.

Tooth bonding helps protect the tooth after enamel removal. It also helps to maintain dental health and avoid future dental issues.

Recovery and Aftercare

Teeth contouring is usually a quick and safe process, taking about ten minutes, depending on how many teeth your dentist is reshaping. Recovery is also straightforward, but some patients may experience sensitivity in the enamel afterward.

Unlike cosmetic contouring, the bonding procedure requires more careful aftercare. Although the bonding material sets quickly, it can chip or crack over time.

If your dentist performs the bonding procedure, you should avoid sticky or hard foods, biting your nails, and chewing gum. Foods that can stain the bonding material include dark chocolate, blueberries, and beverages like soda, coffee, tea, and tobacco products.

After completing the cosmetic contouring procedure, make sure to:

  • Brush your teeth gently twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Avoid using tobacco products or smoking
  • Visit the dentist at least twice a year.
  • Do not chew on ice or other nonfood items that could damage your tooth enamel.

Cost of Cosmetic Contouring

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, you can expect to pay around $50 to $300 for treatment per tooth. However, depending on your dentist and location, the price may increase if you need tooth bonding.

Insurance usually does not cover tooth contouring or other cosmetic dental procedures. However, if an accident damages your teeth, insurance might cover some or all of the costs. Generally, cosmetic dentistry costs can differ for each patient. Generally, cosmetic dentistry costs can vary for each patient.

Benefits of Cosmetic Contouring

Cosmetic contouring offers many benefits, primarily improving appearance. Depending on your health history and enamel condition, this treatment can also provide additional advantages.

Some benefits of tooth contouring include:

  • It is cost-effective—Tooth contouring is more affordable than orthodontics and other cosmetic procedures. Dental braces cost up to $7,000, making them significantly more expensive. Choosing tooth contouring over options like Invisalign, braces, or veneers can save you a lot of money.
  • Cosmetic contouring is a quick and painless procedure. Unless the dentist performs other treatments, like bonding, at the same time, you will be out of the dentist's chair in about ten minutes.
  • Most patients feel no pain during the procedure, so anesthesia is not needed.
  • This treatment enhances oral hygiene. When teeth overlap, cleaning them well can be challenging, which may cause decay. Cosmetic contouring can help by fixing overlaps and chips, making it more straightforward to maintain clean teeth. A dentist can remove a bit of enamel to align the teeth, helping to prevent gum disease and cavities.
  • Another key advantage is that cosmetic contouring is noninvasive. Dentists use lasers or sanding disks to reshape the teeth without surgery.
  • It also helps fix damage from teeth grinding, known as bruxism. Contouring can smooth out rough areas caused by grinding. However, you should take care of your teeth afterward to avoid losing more enamel.

Side Effects and Risks

Common risks and side effects of tooth contouring include:

  • Tooth fracture—removing a lot of enamel can make the tooth more likely to chip or break.
  • Tooth sensitivity—sometimes, taking off too much enamel can lead to sensitivity in the teeth.

Disadvantages of Cosmetic Contouring

One downside of cosmetic contouring is that it relies on the tooth's structure. Since the procedure removes enamel, dentists can only perform it with enough thickness.

Dental contouring is ideal for minor cosmetic issues on healthy teeth. It can fix minor problems but not significantly change your bite or appearance. Additionally, it does not solve complex dental issues and is unsuitable for serious problems like severe tooth decay or overbites.

Your dentist will determine if tooth contouring is ideal for you. They will check your teeth, take X-ray scans to review your enamel, and identify areas that need work. If the procedure makes your enamel thinner, it might lead to wear and increase the risk of issues like sensitivity. Also, cosmetic contouring is not permanent. It is a budget-friendly and non-invasive choice, but bad oral health can reduce effectiveness.

One drawback of cosmetic contouring is that it can cause tooth sensitivity. This process involves removing some enamel from the teeth, which may lead to sensitivity problems. Enamel helps to keep teeth safe from infections and harm. Dentists recommend consulting a practitioner who focuses on cosmetic procedures. Increased sensitivity can heighten the risk of gum disease and cavities. If too much enamel is removed, it may lead to a higher risk of tooth fractures.

Tooth contouring only makes slight changes. Compared to other cosmetic procedures, it does not significantly improve your smile or whiten your teeth. Your dentist may also offer different solutions for a more noticeable change.

Other Dental Treatments Performed With Cosmetic Contouring

Dentists often perform cosmetic contouring independently but can also combine it with other dental treatments. These include the following:

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain that cover the front of teeth. They fix problems like stains, cracks, misalignment, and chips. Like cosmetic contouring, veneers can improve the shape and alignment of teeth for a better smile. The results can be even more impressive when combined with contouring, especially on the upper teeth. A little shaping of the lower teeth can significantly improve their look, saving you from needing additional veneers.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a widely chosen cosmetic dental treatment. Whether you visit a dental office, a cosmetic spa, or try an at-home kit, several options are available to match different budgets and requirements.

Choosing teeth whitening can enhance your smile. If your teeth have discoloration or uneven spots, a dental professional may perform cosmetic contouring and whitening to improve your smile's appearance. Contouring can remove stains, tartar, and plaque, offering a way to brighten your smile without whitening.

Many people think teeth whitening is the same as bleaching. The big difference is that bleaching lightens teeth more than their natural color, while whitening cleans stains and restores their natural shade.

Teeth whitening, like cosmetic contouring, comes with some risks. After the treatment, you might experience mild gum irritation. Additionally, bleaching can make your teeth more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. Another concern is that the bleach might lighten the teeth more than their natural color, resulting in uneven shades.

Dental Braces

Tooth contouring is not a substitute for dental braces. Once dentists remove braces, they can perform cosmetic contouring to fix minor issues with the teeth. Slightly reshaping the teeth after braces enhances their overall appearance, making them look perfect.

Dental Bonding

When a tooth is much longer than the others or when there are noticeable differences in the shape and size of teeth, dentists often recommend bonding. This procedure is frequently done with cosmetic contouring to improve the shape of the teeth.

Finding the Right Cosmetic Dentist for Tooth Contouring

Your regular dentist or another qualified dentist can handle cosmetic contouring. However, only some dentists have the same level of expertise, and with so many practitioners available, it can take time to find a skilled teeth contouring dentist.

Although cosmetic dentistry is not a formal specialty, more dentists offer services like tooth contouring. This upsurge can make choosing the proper dental practice for your needs harder. Here are some tips to help you find a qualified specialist.

Ask for Recommendations

Start by talking with your family or your general dentist. If the dentist does not offer this service, they can refer you to someone who does. They may refer you to a specialist if they can perform the procedure but find other dental issues, like gum disease.

This referral is crucial since any dental problems can change the success and length of cosmetic contouring. If you know someone who has had a good experience, find out their dentist's name and how to reach them.

Narrow Down Your Options

Start by creating a list of professionals who align with your needs. This list may include several dentists, but you only need to select one.

Once you have limited your choices, schedule appointments with other dental experts. Start by asking if they do cosmetic contouring or if they send patients needing surgery to someone else.

You can verify if the dentist belongs to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. To be a member, they must pass an exam, complete extensive training, and follow ethical guidelines. These qualifications can assure you of the quality of care you will obtain.

During your consultations, ask to see before-and-after photos of other patients who have undergone cosmetic contouring. It will help you understand what results to expect. Cosmetic contouring typically does not require anesthesia or sedation, so you might inquire about how comfortable patients feel during the procedure.

What to Expect at Your First Consultation

On your first visit, you can share what you like and dislike about your smile. You will also set goals for what you want to achieve from the treatment. The session will cover:

  • X-rays.
  • A detailed assessment of your teeth using a computer to identify what needs fixing.
  • A thorough oral exam and review of any past dental work
  • Browsing through smile design magazines with pictures for cosmetic contouring.
  • Highlighting the color of your teeth.
  • Evaluating different tooth shapes and sizes to find the best fit for you.

You can also discuss payment options during the appointment to keep costs down. Since insurance usually does not cover cosmetic work, consider in-house financing to help reduce the overall expense.

Find a Reliable Cosmetic Dentist Near Me

At Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry, our expert cosmetic dentists and friendly team are ready to improve your smile with high-quality cosmetic contouring services. Before starting any treatment, we will assess your needs to see if cosmetic contouring suits you. If you want to enhance your smile with this service, call us today at 310-361-2080 to talk to one of our team members.