Cosmetic Contouring

Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside Medical Centre we provide cosmetic contouring to improve a patient’s teeth, gums and confidences. to create Cosmetic contouring refers to the reshaping of the tooth or gum to create a more even and aesthetically pleasing smile. Cosmetic tooth contouring also known as tooth reshaping is the technique of removing small amounts of enamel to change the shape, length or surface of the teeth. The enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth and is gently polished with a sandpaper disk to create a more desirable shape. The other type of cosmetic contouring is gum contouring also known as gingival sculpting. This is usually used when a patient is unhappy with the amount of gum that is visible when smiling also known as a gummy smile. The process of gum contouring includes removing small areas of gum to improve the look of the gum, teeth and smile. It can also be reversed where gum is taken from another area and grafted onto areas where there is a lot of gum recession.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my teeth healthy after contouring?

Try to avoid acidic food and drink to avoid any acid erosion which could cause tooth wear and change the shape of the contoured tooth
Think about adding extra calcium to your diet or take a supplement. Always ensure you consult your doctor first
Brush your teeth gently 2 to 3 times a day
Make sure that the toothpaste you are using is not abrasive to prevent tooth wear
If you grind or clench your teeth, it is best to have a night guard to stop you from wearing down the teeth
Maintain good oral hygiene and get regular dental check-ups here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic.

Am I a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Contouring?

Here at Smile Dental Hub one of our experienced and friendly dentists will examinate your teeth to evaluate if you are a good candidate for cosmetic contouring. It is important that your teeth and gums are healthy overall. Your tooth enamel must be thick as if it is too thin the procedure could go close to the nerve and cause lasting damage. If you have sensitive teeth this procedure could intensify your sensitivity. If you have more severe problems such as cracked, decayed or discoloured teeth you may need to go for other options such dental bonding or veneers.

What can tooth contouring do?

Tooth contouring is a great way to reshape your teeth. However, it is only designed to change minor issues such as teeth that are too long or misshapen. Your enamel is strong but it is not very thick so it needs to be preserved as much as possible to ensure the tooth remains healthy and strong. The enamel also protects the inner layers of the teeth so these could become damaged of too much enamel is removed. Tooth contouring is best for fixing minor chips along the edge of the tooth or minor crowding issues.

Is contouring bad for your teeth?

Cosmetic contouring is usually fine for your teeth and only takes off a small bit of enamel during the procedure. If your enamel is already quite thin there is a possibility that the dentine or pulp can be exposed which can lead to nerve damage that could need a root canal treatment. If you have sensitive teeth this procedure can also increase your sensitivity by exposing the nerves in the tooth.

How long does tooth contouring take?

Tooth contouring is a very quick procedure which will usually take no more than 30 minutes. There is no anaesthetic or drilling involved. The tooth is shaped with a small sandpaper disk in this treatment so it is fast and painless. There can be slight sensitivity after the procedure but that should go in a day or two.