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Durham Prosthodontics
Durham Prosthodontics

Durham Prosthodontics
Your Durham, NC Dentist


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Esthetic Recontouring of Teeth


Woman smiling with perfect teethEsthetic recontouring of teeth is also known as tooth reshaping or enameloplasty. It is a cosmetic dental procedure that modifies the shape, length, or surface of teeth. This minimally invasive treatment helps enhance a person's smile through the correction of minor imperfections such as uneven, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Tooth reshaping is affordable, provides immediate results, and blends seamlessly with natural teeth.

What is Esthetic Recontouring?


Esthetic recontouring reshapes the tooth enamel to improve the tooth's appearance and alignment. Our team uses specialized tools to remove small amounts of enamel to smooth out irregularities, create consistent length, or alter the tooth's shape. Enamel has no nerve endings, so the procedure is generally painless and is often completed in a single visit.

Who is Esthetic Recontouring For?


Esthetic recontouring is suitable for individuals with minor imperfections such as:
•  Slightly uneven or overlapping teeth
•  Small chips or cracks
•  Odd-shaped teeth
•  Minor irregularities that don't require orthodontic intervention


Benefits of Esthetic Recontouring


For patients who wish to enhance their smile with minimal intervention, esthetic recontouring offers several advantages:

Quick and Immediate Results


Recontouring is a single-visit procedure with immediate results.

Minimally Invasive


Recontouring doesn't require drilling or applying complex bonding materials like other cosmetic procedures. This reduces the risk of post-procedure complications.

Cost Effective


Compared to veneers or crowns, esthetic recontouring is a more cost-effective solution.

Natural Look


Since the procedure only involves minor modifications, the results look natural and blend in naturally with the surrounding teeth.

Procedure


The recontouring process is straightforward. There is minimal discomfort and downtime.

Initial Consultation and Examination


Our team examines the teeth to assess if recontouring is a suitable option. X-rays are taken to ensure there's enough enamel to reshape and to avoid weakened tooth structures.

Preparation


Once approved, we may use a marker to highlight the areas of the teeth to be reshaped. This step provides us with a visual guide to ensure precision.

Reshaping the Enamel


We use specialty tools to carefully remove small amounts of enamel from the targeted areas. The amount of enamel removed is minimal to ensure that there is no change in the strength of the tooth.

Polishing


After reshaping, we polish the tooth to smooth out the surface and enhance the appearance.

Follow Up


An evaluation after the procedure ensures that the reshaped teeth are comfortable and align with the rest of the smile.

Considerations and Limitations


Esthetic recontouring offers many advantages, but there are some considerations as well.

Limited to Minor Adjustments


Recontouring works well for small cosmetic changes but isn't suitable for major issues such as severe misalignment, large chips, or decay. Other procedures like veneers, bonding, or orthodontics are necessary for larger cosmetic concerns.

Enamel Sensitivity


In rare cases, patients may experience tooth sensitivity after the procedure. However, this typically fades within a few days.

Irreversible Procedure


Since enamel does not regenerate, the effects of recontouring are permanent. It's essential for patients to discuss the procedure with us here at Durham Prosthodontics, and to understand this fully.
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Dr. Geoffrey Cunningham and Dr. Kyle Gazdeck, 3709 University Dr Suite D, Durham, NC 27707 - (984) 312-7056 - mydurhamdentist.com - 1/15/2025 - Associated Words: dental implants Durham NC -