The shape and length of your teeth play a major role in the appearance of your smile. Other imperfections, like chips and minor misalignments, can also detract from your smile and take a toll on your self-esteem.
A cosmetic dentist can contour, or reshape, subtly imperfect teeth to improve the appearance of patients’ smiles. That’s why our dentist in Albuquerque, NM, Dr. Hoa Tran, offers cosmetic tooth contouring at Desert Oasis Dental.
What is cosmetic tooth contouring?
Tooth contouring, also called odontoplasty, is a procedure in which our Albuquerque dentist alters the size and shape of patients’ teeth. Dr. Tran can also contour minimally crowded or misaligned teeth as a low-cost alternative to orthodontic treatments.
The result is perfectly shaped teeth that fit each patient’s unique aesthetic and personality.
How is tooth contouring performed?
Dr. Tran contours teeth by removing a small amount of enamel with a drill or hard-tissue laser. He works carefully to contour teeth into a uniform shape without exposing any of the sensitive pulp and nerves within teeth.
Because we are only removing a small layer of enamel, the procedure does not require a local anesthetic. This means that patients can painlessly improve their smiles in a single office visit.
After Dr. Tran shapes our patients’ teeth to their desired shape, size, and length, they then polish the teeth for a healthy, beautiful shine. Many patients also choose to pair tooth contouring with cosmetic dental bonding to further enhance their smiles.
Am I a good candidate?
Ideal candidates for cosmetic tooth reshaping are patients with healthy teeth and gums. Patients with significant dental damage, decay, or gum disease will need to address these issues before proceeding with tooth contouring.
Additionally, patients must have sufficient tooth enamel. Teeth with a thin enamel layer are likely to sustain permanent damage from tooth contouring. Dr. Tran will conduct a thorough exam to verify that patients have enough tooth enamel before reshaping their teeth.
What are the benefits of tooth reshaping?
There are several benefits of cosmetic tooth reshaping, such as:
- Shortening teeth that are too long
- Evening out chipped teeth
- Fixing minor crowding or alignment issues
- A quick, easy, and cost-effective alternative to orthodontia
Perhaps the biggest benefit of tooth contouring is permanently improving the appearance of slightly imperfect smiles. By making small changes to the shape of teeth, patients can vastly improve their smiles, which boosts their self-esteem and confidence.
How do I care for my teeth after cosmetic contouring?
Because Dr. Tran removes a small amount of tooth enamel, it’s important for patients to protect the enamel that they have left. Therefore, we recommend:
- Limiting sugary foods and drinks
- Brushing twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste
- Flossing once a day
- Scheduling regular dental cleanings and checkups at our Albuquerque dental office
Ask us about cosmetic tooth contouring today!
Are you ready to talk to an Albuquerque dentist about improving your smile with cosmetic tooth contouring? If so, then call Desert Oasis Dental today! A comprehensive consultation will tell you if this treatment is right for you. New and existing patients can schedule an appointment online, or they may call our Albuquerque dental office at (505)821-8726.