Recontouring or reshaping of 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.
Fixing your smile through cosmetic dentistry doesn’t have to be a highly expensive procedure. You can reshape the contours of your teeth and make them more even, through a process called dental recontouring. The procedure involves removing small pieces of tooth enamel, thereby changing the appearance of the tooth. Recontouring is also known as odontoplasty or tooth reshaping.
Recontouring is the perfect solution when you have minor imperfections that impact your smile. Teeth that are chipped or have cracked or jacked edges, can be reshaped to smoothen the rough edges, and give an even look to the teeth. Besides cosmetic imperfections, recontouring is also used to smoothen out tiny overlaps or crevices, that can attract bacteria and ultimately lead to the development of plaque or tartar.
When Is Recontouring Considered?
Recontouring is the most conservative cosmetic treatment. It is a quick and painless procedure whose results can be seen immediately. The procedure is usually done to improve appearance by "creating more harmony or balance" in the look of the smile.
Recontouring is an effective method to correct minor imperfections, such as:
Recontouring can also improve overall dental health by removing crevices or overlaps between teeth in which plaque or tartar can accumulate.
When Is Recontouring Not Appropriate?
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 or bonding, however, it is often used in combination with these procedures.
What Does Recontouring Involve?
What Risks are Associated with Teeth Recontouring?
Because enamel cannot be replaced, this procedure should be carefully considered. The only risk involves the thickness of the enamel. If the enamel of the tooth that has been recontoured becomes too thin or exposes the dentin layer (the layer beneath the enamel), tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets could result.