What is irregular contouring?
Do you have a small chip in one of your teeth? Do your teeth look rather uneven? Do they not align the right way? Look no further as help is not far away; a re-contouring is what you need. As harmless as irregular contouring of the teeth may be, it can sometimes be the difference between high and low self-esteem. Irregular contouring is a minor tooth imperfection where a tooth’s shape, whether naturally or otherwise, shows some marked irregularity. People who suffer this condition may want to have their dentist fix their teeth as a way to boost their self-confidence.
How it can be fixed
Re-contouring the bulk of the teeth or a prominent single tooth is a treatment where just the fragmented part of your tooth or enamel is removed to change the surface, shape, or even the size of the teeth. It is also known as re-shaping. In technical terms, a dentist may call it odontoplasty or enameloplasty. Re-contouring is usually a painless cosmetic procedure; anaesthetic is often unnecessary. Treating tooth irregularity is important because it can also serve as a preventative measure against some other painful teeth conditions like tooth erosion, which can occur due to the accumulation of tartar or plaque caused by bacteria on food. At times, re-contouring may be necessary when a more complex procedure like bonding has been done. If this is the case, there is no need to worry; it is still a simple procedure.
Talk to Your Dentist
If you think re-contouring might be right for you, you should ask your dentist. She will give you an examination and take an x-ray of your teeth to determine if the enamel is thick enough and if teeth can be contoured without touching any nerves. During the procedure, your dentist will use a disc-like object or a finely cut diamond bur to shape the enamel. Tooth sandpaper will be used to smooth the over-all surface of the teeth. Then the teeth will be polished to enhance shine. Unless the process is part of a larger bonding or veneer process, no follow up will be necessary.