Dental contouring West MI cosmetic dentists

When you don’t like the color of your teeth, there’s whitening. If it’s their straightness you’re concerned about, Invisalign® will get the job done. But what about when you’re not in love with the shape of a tooth or two? Our West Michigan cosmetic dentists have just the thing: cosmetic contouring.

Here’s how this procedure works and how it can positively affect how you feel about your smile.

What Is Cosmetic Contouring?

Also referred to as dental contouring or teeth reshaping, cosmetic contouring involves our dentists artfully taking off a portion of your tooth’s enamel to change how the tooth itself looks. For example, many patients don’t like how pointy their canine teeth appear. This procedure allows us to smooth them out a bit without compromising their function.

Because of their similarities, you may also hear cosmetic bonding referenced in the same sentence as contouring. Both can be used to repair chips, cracks, and small gaps in between teeth though cosmetic contouring focuses more on altering the shape and length. Our dentists would be happy to help you decide what’s best for you.

How It’s Done

There are a few minor preparations that need to happen before our dentists can get started with the cosmetic contouring procedure. First, we’ll perform a quick exam and possibly take X-rays to ensure the teeth being contoured, as well as your gums, are healthy. If your enamel turns out to be too slim or weak, we may suggest another option like porcelain veneers.

Any tooth that is being worked on will also be marked to highlight where sculpting needs to occur. Once everything is deemed good to go, our dentists will use either a laser or a specialized drill to remove the necessary enamel and even out the surface and edges. We’ll finish by polishing up the tooth so it’s smooth and shiny.

All in all, the entire tooth reshaping procedure is fast and painless. There’s no need for local anesthesia and you shouldn’t feel any type of discomfort. You also won’t have to deal with any type of recovery period so you can go right back to your daily routines.

Cosmetic Contouring & You: The Benefits 

If you’re looking to correct small chips, cracks, pits, or bulges in your teeth, our dentists can make it happen with dental contouring. With the help of specialized tools, we can seamlessly even out any fractures and make sure angles are rounded to erase sharp curves.

Other benefits of undergoing cosmetic contouring include:

  • Improved appearance of teeth in terms of shape and size
  • Damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) fixed
  • Easier cleaning between teeth due to removal of minor overlaps or excess enamel
  • Less expensive than other cosmetic procedures
  • No discomfort or pain experienced during treatment

Aftercare Tips

For the most part, you do not need to make any major adjustments to your life following the contouring procedure. However, because this process can slightly thin your enamel on certain teeth, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene to avoid increased wear and tooth sensitivity.

You can do this by:

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Using non-abrasive toothpaste when brushing and remembering to floss once a day
  • Refraining from chewing on ice or hard non-food items
  • Not smoking or using other tobacco products
  • Coming into one of our West MI offices for regularly scheduled teeth cleanings

Make an Appointment

Our cosmetic dentists in West Michigan only want the best for your smile. Though the health of your teeth and gums is top priority, we understand that if you’re not happy with the appearance of either, it should also be considered. Call one of our MI Smiles Dental locations today or schedule an appointment online if you’re interested in cosmetic contouring.