Though minimally invasive, tooth contouring can have a dramatic effect on your appearance. By correcting small blemishes, such as uneven edges and tiny chips, this cosmetic dentistry treatment can give you a much younger and healthier-looking smile. Plus, because tooth contouring is conservative, it is suitable for a wide variety of patients.
At Wren Street Dental in Mission, BC, Dr. Amol Shergill offers thorough consultations prior to any treatment. He will discuss your aesthetic goals and health history before helping you choose a suitable procedure. If you are not a candidate for tooth contouring, he will recommend an appropriate alternative to give you the smile you desire.
To find out if tooth contouring is right for you, contact Wren Street Dental today.
What is tooth contouring?
Tooth contouring is sometimes called “enameloplasty.” During the treatment, Dr. Shergill will trim off a small amount of enamel. Although it won’t be enough to damage your teeth or cause significant discomfort, it will be sufficient to remove structural flaws and reshape irregular teeth.
Dental contouring is incredibly popular. In fact, experts predict that the worldwide market for this procedure will have a compound annual growth rate of 5.7% over the next seven years.
Your Cosmetic Goals
Of course, the right cosmetic procedure for you will depend on what you want to accomplish. Tooth contouring may be appropriate if you wish to address any of the following concerns:
- Unusually long or large teeth
- Pointed teeth
- Small chips
- Slightly overlapping teeth
Your Dental Health
Tooth contouring does not affect the nerves or underlying layers of your teeth. Therefore, it poses very few risks and has few side effects. Nonetheless, if you have already sustained enamel erosion, or if you have previous decay, you are likely not a candidate for contouring.
In addition, it is important to note that contouring is appropriate for only very slightly overlapping teeth. It is not appropriate for larger issues that impact the overall balance of your bite.
Other Cosmetic Options
Should he determine that tooth contouring is not appropriate, Dr. Shergill will recommend an alternative treatment. Porcelain veneers may be suitable. Attached to the front of teeth, these thin shells can correct additional problems, like small gaps between teeth or unusually small teeth. However, because they also require enamel removal, they are likely not appropriate for those with dental damage.
On the other hand, dental bonding can achieve comparable results to veneers. During this procedure, Dr. Shergill will apply composite resin to the front of your teeth. In fact, bonding and contouring are often complementary procedures, with Dr. Shergill performing both at the same time.
If you are struggling with significant alignment issues, your dentist may instead recommend orthodontic treatment. We offer both traditional braces and clear aligners and will carefully determine the right option for you.
Learn More about Tooth Contouring
To find out if you are a candidate for tooth contouring or another cosmetic procedure, contact us today. Reach Wren Street Dental online or you can call us at 604-820-8702.
