If you have minor imperfections having to do with the color, shape, or consistency of your teeth that you’d like to get rid of, you probably don’t need extensive dental or orthodontic treatment to do it. A cosmetic tooth recontouring procedure may be just what to clear up these small problems and get the smile you’ve always wanted.
Located in Cabot AR, the practice of Samuel F. Jirik, DDS is committed to providing patients in the Ward, Beebe, Jacksonville, Sherwood, Vilonia, and Little Rock areas with comprehensive dental care. For more information about our practice or any of the services we offer, contact us today.
What is cosmetic tooth recontouring?
Tooth recontouring, also known as tooth reshaping or dental contouring, is a cosmetic dental technique that involves removing small portions of tooth enamel in order to change the length, shape, or surface of one or more teeth. There is generally no discomfort associated with the procedure; you can have your teeth recontoured and once you’re done, leave our office and get back to your daily routine. This treatment is ideal for patients that want to minor small cosmetic problems with their teeth that don’t require braces, crowns, or veneers.
What are the benefits of cosmetic tooth recontouring?
Tooth recontouring offers patients who don’t need to receive extensive dental care a broad range of advantages. A tooth recontouring treatment is less expensive than other dental procedures. Unlike other procedures, it requires no anesthesia and is entirely painless because only the surface of the tooth enamel is removed. Undergoing this treatment can also improve the overall health of your teeth: removing minor overlaps and bite inconsistencies can help reduce tartar and plaque build-up and lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Am I a good candidate for cosmetic tooth recontouring?
Ideally, the best candidates for tooth recontouring want to make minor adjustments to their teeth without drastically changing the appearance of their smiles. Some examples of these small adjustments could include fixing pointed, crooked, or slightly sideways teeth. If you have more extensive bite problems or spacing issues, you will probably need to seek out more extensive dental treatments.
Are you interested in tooth recontouring, but still aren’t quite sure if you’re a candidate for the procedure? Contact our practice today to schedule a consultation appointment. During this appointment, Dr. Jirik will examine the current state and strength of your teeth and assess if this procedure is right for you.
How is cosmetic tooth recontouring performed?
Dr. Jirik uses a sanding disc or a fine diamond bur for our tooth recontouring procedures. This removes only a small amount of tooth enamel. For imperfections between teeth, a strip of sandpaper may be used.
Once Dr. Jirik and you are satisfied with the changes made to your tooth size or shape, the procedure is completed by polishing the tooth or teeth.
How long does a tooth recontouring session take?
The time Dr. Jirik needs for your tooth recontouring depends wholly on how many teeth he is working on. If it’s just a single tooth, recontouring takes just a few minutes.
Is there any recovery time needed after a cosmetic tooth recontouring session?
No. These are painless procedures. Dr. Jirik only takes a small amount off the tooth or teeth being addressed. There isn’t any need for local anesthetic and there isn’t any pain afterwards. You can use the teeth immediately and get right back to work or your other normal activities.
Are there any dietary restrictions after having tooth recontouring?
Because Dr. Jirik takes off some of the tooth enamel with these procedures, the tooth or teeth he treats can be a little sensitive to hot and cold for a couple days after your session. That passes as the tooth adjusts. So, while you can eat or drink whatever you want immediately after your tooth recontouring, you may be cognizant of hot and cold foods and drinks for a couple days.
Can I still whiten my teeth after having cosmetic tooth recontouring?
These are simple procedures. Dr. Jirik basically shaves down the tooth or teeth he is treating. This doesn’t impact the tooth in any way other than its shape. This is unlike a treatment such as dental bonding or placing porcelain veneers, as those treatments cover the natural teeth, and they cannot be whitened afterwards. With tooth recontouring, the treated teeth are still covered by their natural tooth enamel, which responds to the hydrogen peroxide whitening agents in our Zoom teeth whitening treatments.
Are there any risks associated with tooth recontouring?
Tooth recontouring is the most conservative cosmetic treatment. It is quick and painless and can make quite a difference in the appearance of your smile. There isn’t any real risk. With less experienced dentists, there could be a risk of removing too much tooth enamel, and this would make the tooth more susceptible to breakage. But thanks to Dr. Jirik’s extensive training, experience, and board certification, this isn’t a risk for our patients.
Should anyone NOT have tooth recontouring done?
We don’t recommend recontouring if your teeth have substantial imperfections, such as large chips or deep cracks. Recontouring is not meant to be a substitute for applying porcelain veneers or dental bonding. But Dr. Jirik does sometimes combine contouring with these other treatments.
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Schedule A Consultation In Cabot, AR
If you're interested in learning more about cosmetic tooth recontouring please contact us for a consultation at 501-843-9561 or fill out our contact us form here. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.
