Recontouring or reshaping the teeth (also called odontoplasty, enameloplasty, stripping or slenderizing) is a procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed to change a tooth's length, shape or surface. The procedure is usually done to improve appearance by creating more harmony or balance in the look of the smile.
Recontouring is the most conservative cosmetic treatment. It is a quick and painless procedure whose results can be seen immediately.
Who Should Consider Recontoruing
Recontouring is an effective method to correct minor imperfections, such as:
Fixing small chips
Smoothing out bulges or pits in a tooth's enamel
Adjusting slight irregular tooth shapes caused by too many or uneven teeth
Adjusting the length of the canines (the pointed teeth on the side of your mouth)
Recontouring can also improve overall dental health by removing crevices or overlaps between teeth in which plaque or tartar can accumulate.
Recontouring is not recommended if your teeth have substantial imperfections, such as a substantial chip or deep fracture. Recontouring is not a substitute for veneers, however, it is often used in combination with these procedures.
What Does Recontouring Involve?
Initial exam
To determine if you are an appropriate candidate for recontouring, your dentist may first take an X-ray of your teeth to determine the size and location of the tooth's pulp (the center of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels). If the tooth's enamel layer is too thin or if the pulp lies too close to the tooth's surface, recontouring may not be possible and another procedure – such as bonding or veneers – might need to be considered instead.
The procedure
At your appointment, your dentist will use a sanding disc or a fine diamond bur to remove small amounts of tooth enamel. To reach imperfections between teeth, your dentist may use a strip of sandpaper to shape and smooth the sides. Once shaped, your dentist will finish the process by polishing your tooth or teeth.
Since recontouring does not affect the pulp of the tooth, an anesthetic is not usually needed.
Are you a candidate?
If you want your teeth to be less crowded, smooth, and without pits or grooves in the enamel, tooth reshaping may be right for you.
A little dental recontouring can make a huge difference in the way you feel about your smile. Good cosmetic dentistry can give you a smile that portrays confidence To be eligible for tooth reshaping, your teeth must be healthy.
Discuss the options with Dr. Fundora.
9201 Sunset Blvd., Suite 315, Los Angeles, CA 90069 • 310-274-7124
