Over time, cosmetic dentistry has gained immense popularity. Cosmetic dentists have a wide array of tools and techniques for improving the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic contouring is a popular dental procedure aimed at improving the appearance of irregularly shaped, worn-out, and damaged teeth. During the procedure, the dentist eliminated chipped or worn out edges. Little cosmetic procedures go a long way in enhancing the overall appearance of your smile and boosting your self-esteem. The Downey Dentist offers excellent cosmetic contouring services in Downey, CA.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry aims at creating a positive change to your teeth and your smile. Cosmetic dentistry seeks to complement the overall general appearance and oral health of a patient. A smile enhancement could significantly alter your overall appearance. The smallest adjustment could boost your confidence and your self-esteem. With the significant advancement in technology, cosmetic dental procedures may range from minor color correction to advanced procedures like replacing missing teeth.
Have you always wished that your teeth were straighter and brighter? You no longer have to feel embarrassed by your smile and the appearance of your teeth. If you have a noticeable flaw like a chipped tooth, misshapen teeth, or a gap in your teeth, cosmetic dental procedures can help correct such flaws. The majority of cosmetic dental procedures are affordable and convenient.
Cosmetic dental procedures seek to improve the appearance of a person's teeth, gum, and bite. The dentist focuses on aesthetics like the position, color, size, alignment, and the shape of your teeth. The dentist may recommend some cosmetic dental procedures, like cosmetic contouring, to correct minor problems. Other procedures give your smile a complete makeover. Although most cosmetic dental procedures focus on aesthetics, they can still improve your oral functionality.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
The most significant benefit of cosmetic dentistry is to boost the appearance of a person. This is the most evident and fundamental benefit of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dental procedures can help to improve the appearance of your smile. No matter the dental procedure you choose, your smile will look better once the dentist works on your teeth. With the improvement in your smile, you will feel and look younger and healthier.
You will feel more confident and free to interact with people after undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure. If you have chipped or broken teeth, you may not feel free or comfortable to show your smile to the world. The same case will apply if you have stained teeth. The first thing that people notice upon meeting you is your smile. If your smile is not perfect, you may always feel as if people are judging you. However, after undergoing cosmetic dentistry, looking into the mirror becomes more enjoyable. You will no longer have to shy away while smiling at the camera. Due to your improved confidence, it will become easier to meet new people or even attend dates.
Cosmetic dentistry will also boost your overall oral health. When performing cosmetic dental procedures, dentists often clean your teeth and remove plaque. This will help to improve your overall oral health and prevent tooth decay.
Cosmetic dental procedures may improve many areas of your life, including your career. When your smile is perfect, you will feel more confident during a job search. Your physical appearance and presentation could go a long way in affecting your ability to land your dream career. An improved smile will have a positive impact on many areas of your life.
Understanding Cosmetic Contouring
Also known as cosmetic reshaping, teeth contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that helps to enhance the beauty of your teeth. The alternative names for cosmetic contouring include odontoplasty, slenderizing, stripping, or enameloplasty. The procedure entails removing some parts of the tooth enamel. By removing small amounts of the tooth's enamel, the dentist can alter the appearance of the tooth's surface as well as the tooth's length and shape. This cosmetic dental procedure comes in handy in fixing a wide range of dental issues, including crooked, chipped, and cracked teeth.
Cosmetic contouring is a relatively straightforward procedure. The dentist uses drills or lasers to remove some parts of your tooth's enamel, thus enabling the dentist to alter the shape and the length of your teeth. After the contouring, the dentist polishes your teeth to give you a smile you deserve. If you have minor cosmetic issues and you would love to enhance your smile, cosmetic contouring would be a perfect procedure for you. Do you have a misshapen tooth, or are some of your teeth longer than you would like? Cosmetic contouring can help you get the teeth you have always desired.
During cosmetic contouring, the dentist does not take too much of your enamel. The enamel is crucial because it comes in handy in protecting your teeth. However, cosmetic contouring may not be ideal for you if you have serious cosmetic issues. If you have extensive teeth damage, you should consider other options like veneers and bonding.
In most cases, dentists combine cosmetic contouring with bonding. Bonding is a process that entails using composite resin to sculpt a better smile. The dentist smooths out the fractures and rounds the angles to erase sharp curves on the teeth. Cosmetic contouring helps create a better teeth alignment forming a more masculine or feminine appearance. For the best results, you may consider combining cosmetic contouring with other cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening.
To reshape the teeth, dentists use abrasion methods. Before working on the teeth, a dentist examines your teeth and identifies or marks the areas that require attention. The dentist may then use a sanding instrument to erase the imperfections present on the surface or the sides of your teeth. After this procedure, your teeth will appear polished and smooth. You will no longer have uneven or rough spots on your teeth.
Benefits of Cosmetic Contouring
Cosmetic contouring offers immense benefits because it is one of the easiest and quickest ways of improving your smile. The dentist can complete the entire procedure in less than thirty minutes. Therefore, in most cases, you will require only one dental appointment while undergoing cosmetic contouring.
You will enjoy the cosmetic contouring procedure because it is painless. After all, the enamel does not contain nerves. The dentist only removes minor parts of the tooth's enamel. Therefore, you will not experience pain and discomfort during the procedure. Since the dentist only eliminates the surface of the tooth, no anesthesia is necessary.
You will get lasting results after undergoing cosmetic contouring. The tooth's enamel does not grow back. Therefore, when the dentist makes some changes to the tooth, the changes will be permanent. You will not require to go back to the dentist for reshaping of the teeth.
Cosmetic contouring is a much more affordable procedure compared to other cosmetic dental procedures. This procedure is perfect if a person suffers sudden trauma and requires a quick fix.
When the dentist contours minor flaws and imperfections where tartar may build-up, it eliminates your risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay. Contouring or reshaping the teeth provides a better alternative to wearing uncomfortable braces.
After the completion of the procedure, no downtime or recovery is necessary. Therefore, you will not have to take some time off work or recover after undergoing the procedure. You may even go back to work immediately after the contouring.
Cosmetic Contouring Candidates
It is important to note that not every person may be a good candidate for reshaping or cosmetic contouring. For instance, the procedure may not be ideal if you have a thin layer of enamel. If you have a thin layer of enamel, you may be better with other cosmetic dental procedures like veneers and bonding instead of contouring.
Cosmetic contouring would be ideal for fixing minor imperfections on the teeth while enhancing oral hygiene and improving your smile. If you are seeking straighter and more evenly distributed teeth, the procedure would be right for you. Cosmetic contouring can help trim slightly overlapping teeth and reduce the length of the teeth. If you have irregularly shaped teeth, contouring may help to improve their shape.
Removing too much enamel from the teeth may lead to teeth weakness. Therefore, dentists limit cosmetic contouring to minor aesthetics.
Cosmetic contouring can help to correct minor bite problems from teeth touching unevenly during contact. If any bite imbalances may result from dental contouring, the dentist may not recommend the procedure. To get that young-looking smile you have always desired, you may combine cosmetic contouring with teeth whitening.
What to Expect
If you intend to undergo cosmetic contouring, you may be unsure about what to expect. What happens at the dental clinic? First, you will have to undergo a thorough dental exam for the dentist to determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental contouring. To determine the size and the location of the tooth's pulp, the dentist has to take some x-rays. If the doctor decides that your teeth are healthy enough, making you a good candidate for cosmetic contouring, he/she will schedule a treatment.
During treatment, the doctor may use a pen or pencil to mark the areas that require sculpting. The doctor will not require introducing numbing agents and paining medications because the enamel is mainly made up of minerals and have no underlying blood vessels or nerves.
The dentist may use several tools while contouring your teeth. For instance, the dentist may use a sanding drill with a laser or a fine diamond bur to remove small amounts of the surface of the enamel. The dentist will also require abrasive strips between the teeth to shape and smooth the sides of the teeth. After completing the contouring, the dentist checks your bite to ensure there is proper alignment. The final procedure entails smoothing and polishing the teeth. Cosmetic contouring helps to provide a patient with less crowded teeth and a uniform appearance.
You may feel some vibrations as the dentist gently sculpts your tooth. The doctor will take less than half an hour to reshape one tooth. Immediately after the contouring procedure, the results will be evident when you look in the mirror. At times, a contoured tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold after the procedure. However, the sensitivity is mild and will rarely last for more than two days.
Why Combine Bonding with Tooth Contouring
Often, cosmetic dentists combine cosmetic contouring with bonding. Combining bonding with reshaping can help fill in gaps and chips between the teeth. Combining bonding and contouring helps to add shape and improve the color of the teeth. The process of bonding entails adding puttylike resin on the teeth. The resin adheres to the teeth and hardens. Normally, the resin's color is tailored to give the best results. The dentist ensures that the resin matches the color of your teeth or improves the natural color of the teeth.
If the dentist decides to combine cosmetic contouring with bonding, he/she may consider using local anesthesia. Before applying resin on the teeth, the dentist uses a Dremel-like tool to etch the tooth surface to ensure that resin adheres well. The dentist may also use a conditioning liquid to pain the teeth, as this will also help resin to stick on the teeth. Just like cosmetic contouring, bonding one tooth takes thirty minutes to one hour. Therefore, if you require treatment for several teeth, you may require more than one dental appointment.
Costs of Cosmetic Contouring
The cost of cosmetic contouring may vary depending on various factors. The cost will depend on how much work the dentist does in reshaping the tooth. Other factors that may influence the cost of contouring include the local rates and the reputation and expertise of the cosmetic dentist. The typical cost of cosmetic contouring may vary between $50 and $ 500 per tooth.
It is important to note that dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic contouring. Most dental insurance companies consider contouring a purely cosmetic dental procedure. However, in some instances, dental insurance companies may cover contouring procedures. The insurer may cover the procedure if you require to undergo cosmetic contouring after an injury or an accident.
You do not have to worry even if your dental insurance does not cover cosmetic contouring. Contouring is one of the most cost-effective cosmetic dental procedures. The procedure is less costly than veneers and other procedures used to improve the health and appearance of your smile.
As part of your consultation, the dentist will provide you with an estimate of the treatment options available to you. By knowing how much it costs to anticipate, you will be able to make an informed decision about your dental care. Most dental clinics are always willing to work with patients to establish an affordable payment plan for cosmetic contouring.
Maintaining the Teeth after Cosmetic Contouring
To maintain the excellent results of dental contouring, patients should floss daily and brush at least two times a day. In addition to maintaining proper dental hygiene, it is advisable to maintain regular dental check-ups.
You may also consider using a dental night guard. A mouth guard will help to prevent severe wear and wear that occurs to grinding teeth, also known as bruxism.
It is crucial to ensure that you eat healthy by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables that will help to wipe plaque off the teeth. Ensure that you take water after meals to wash away food particles and debris from the teeth. You should also avoid chewing on hard objects because this may lead to further chipping or breakage of the teeth.
It is advisable to brush two times daily using toothpaste to keep the teeth white and stain-free after treatment. You may also consider avoiding products that are likely to stain the teeth. Such products include red wine, tea, coffee, and smoking.
Limitations of Cosmetic Contouring
Even with the immense benefits of cosmetic contouring, there are various limitations to the procedure. For instance, you can only achieve subtle changes with dental contouring. Unlike the advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures, tooth reshaping and dental contouring may not dramatically alter your smile and appearance. Therefore, if you are seeking a more noticeable smile makeover, you may consider going for dental veneers. Cosmetic contouring and teeth reshaping eliminates small imperfections, unlike veneers or other cosmetic procedures that may give you a completely new look.
Cosmetic contouring may also pose a risk of tooth damage. Your tooth may develop sensitivity after undergoing cosmetic contouring. This will depend on how much enamel the dentist removes during tooth reshaping and dental contouring. You may face the risk of tooth breakage if the dentist removes too much enamel from the tooth.
Normally, cosmetic contouring and tooth reshaping are the first steps towards more extensive cosmetic dentistry work. The dentist may perform cosmetic procedures like fitting veneers, tooth whitening, and crown lengthening. The benefits will last for many months or even years after tooth reshaping and cosmetic contouring.
Contact a Downey Cosmetic Dentist Near Me
If you are seeking the best cosmetic contouring procedures in Downey, you should go to the best dentist in the area. The Downey Dentist has helped many people improve their smile through cosmetic contouring procedures, and you, too, can join the list of our happy clients today. Contact us at 562-746-0350 and speak to one of our expert dentists.
