Countless people strive to gain a perfect smile. Some are naturally born with pearly whites, while others need help to achieve one. Fortunately, there is no problem that is too difficult to solve. This is especially true if you are unhappy with a crooked or chipped tooth or if some of your teeth are uneven or poorly aligned.
A convenient solution that we recommend to some patients is teeth reshaping, or cosmetic contouring. North Pointe Dental Associates, which is home to some of the best dentists in Tampa, specializes in both general and cosmetic surgery. Today, we will share everything you need to know about teeth reshaping, including its pros and cons.
What are teeth reshaping?
Teeth reshaping is often referred to as cosmetic contouring or odontoplasty and it is a non-invasive procedure with minimal to no discomfort. Using a laser or a drill, our Tampa dentists will remove a small amount of enamel – the outer shell of the tooth – to create a new, more flattering shape or length.
In some cases, cosmetic contouring can be used instead of using orthodontic braces. The most obvious benefit to this is not having to wear braces for months or even years. Cosmetic contouring is a procedure that can be done in a single visit with no downtime.
Other benefits associated with teeth reshaping
In addition to being one of the quicker ways to improve your smile, there are other benefits associated with this procedure. For example, after crooked or misaligned teeth are fixed, cleaning can be a much easier process. Another major benefit is that it can be used to fix any damage caused by teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.
Are there any disadvantages associated with the procedure?
Just like with any other dental procedure, there are certain disadvantages you will want to keep in mind when considering teeth reshaping. The most important disadvantage is that it can be used to fix relatively minor imperfections.
To change a tooth’s shape, your dentist will shave off a portion of its outer shell. Remember, because it is just the outer shell, even the best dentist in Tampa can remove only so much enamel. Thus, they cannot remove too much enamel without causing tooth sensitivity.
In some cases, tooth reshaping will not suffice. It is often combined with teeth bonding. While tooth reshaping involves removing enamel, tooth bonding is based on applying a tooth-colored composite resin to one or more of your teeth to fix imperfections.
Are you the right candidate for tooth reshaping?
If you are unhappy with a minor imperfection, this procedure might be the right thing for you. However, here at North Pointe Dental Associates, we believe that each patient and each smile is unique and requires undivided attention before making such an important decision. That is why we advise all of our patients to consult their dentist and discuss all the options available to them.
With some of Tampa’s best cosmetic dentists on staff, North Pointe Dental Associates will focus on delivering the highest quality of dental care. If you have questions about tooth reshaping or want to find out more about the procedure, call (813) 961-1727 to schedule an appointment with one of the top-rated dentists in Tampa.
