Among all the facial expressions, a smile speaks highly of you. The beauty of having a shining smile lies in your teeth alignment. However, having disproportionate teeth, bar you from having a perfect smile. Additionally, ill-shaped teeth have a great impact on your general oral health as well as general well-being.

All of us long for that perfect set of teeth, white dental plate, and well arranged. However, we all have different dental formations, and very few people have a combination of both. Hence, most people opt for putting on braces as the ultimate solution for the imperfect teeth. The truth of the matter is, not all teeth imperfections require braces or major dental surgery. In this scenario, the Northridge Dentist ntroduces a non-meddling way to correct the imperfect teeth without the use of anesthesia. This procedure is referred to as cosmetic contouring or enameloplasty

What is Cosmetic Contouring?

As the name contour suggests, cosmetic contouring is perfecting an imperfect tooth and enhance the overall appearance of your smile. At Northridge Dentist, the dentist will use lasers or drill to remove small portions of the protective outer layer of the tooth (enamel) in essence of shaping it. This cosmetic dentistry technique is used to align teeth that vary in length, overlap, and reshape the tooth surface.

Cosmetic Tooth Contouring Procedure

Tooth contouring will only take one visit to our Northridge Dentist office, although we recommend a follow-up visit, which is sometimes very necessary. First, the dentist will suggest you take an x-ray before the procedure. This is to ensure that you have no oral problems. Once you are proven to be okay, next, a photo is taken to be used as a reference. Using medical equipment like lasers, the dentist polishes small areas of the outer layer of the tooth surface while shaping and improving its appearance. The edges of the tooth are also polished and smoothed to complete the procedure. Here the dentist takes another photo to compare the differences between before and after.

After reshaping, the teeth get well-aligned and look less crowded and shiny. This simply means no imperfections. The length of the procedure depends on the number of changes a patient needs on their teeth. Roughly, it takes from 30 minutes to one hour.

Is The Cosmetic Contouring Procedure Painful?

There is no pain involved in the procedure since only the outer layer of the tooth, known as enamel, is removed. Under normal circumstances, no anesthesia is administered since the enamel does not contain nerves. The only difference felt is minor sensitivity for one or two days after the procedure.

Most patients undergoing this procedure recover instantaneously. They can generally eat after the procedure. They feel no discomfort at all since the procedure involves the removal of a small amount of enamel and does not hurt. The tooth is neither removed nor replaced, so there is no healing process needed.

Ideal Candidate For Tooth Contour

Cosmetic contouring is ideal for those patients who are interested in making ultra-fine changes to their smile. The process is suggested to make minor aesthetic changes to the shape, size, length, and surface of your teeth. The ideal candidate is one who wants to correct:

  • Shallowly pitted surfaces

  • Worn out biting areas

  • Slight overlaps

  • Chipped or cracked teeth

  • Minor teeth unevenness

  • Sharply pointed teeth

  • Imperfect tooth surface

  • Erupted teeth

Health Benefits of Dental Cosmetic Contouring

Smiling brightens your face making it more attractive and send positive vibes. However, a good percentage of people do not smile while taking pictures because of their dental alignment or imperfections. While painless procedures such as cosmetic dentistry are becoming popular, there are high hopes to improve your smile if you still feel insecure. Cosmetic contouring is one of the best.

Instead of undergoing surgery while implanting fake teeth, Northridge Dentist reshapes a part of your teeth resulting in a more attractive shape and gives your smile back. Other than getting your smile back, cosmetic contouring has additional health benefits that include:

1. Teeth smoothing

Some people's teeth are naturally pointy or ill-shaped. They may not pose any danger, but they make you at risk of getting tooth cavities. By use of tooth contour, the teeth smooth out and get an even appearance minimizing dental health risks.

2. Chips removal

Chipped teeth are not only unattractive but also leads to dental issues. Cosmetic contouring helps to fix the chipped tooth after a fall and strengthens it to enhance a healthier tooth.

3. Teeth shortening

There are some people with natural long teeth. They are not dangerous but make an odd smile. With cosmetic contouring, you can reduce their length and even them out and create a uniform appearance. This might require a little bit of work; only professional dentists from Northridge Dentist can manage this problem.

4. An even smile creation

Just like longer teeth, some people were born with unnatural tooth length. This can ruin your smile and kill your self-esteem. Do not wait for your teeth to worsen your general well-being. Contour them to even them out and improve your smile as well as your confidence.

5. Reduce overlapping

The most common dental issue is overlapped teeth. The overlapped teeth are a hiding area for plaque and bacteria, increasing gum disease risk and tooth decay. Most people go for braces or invisible retainers. But as long as nothing is shifting your teeth, you can always fix the overlapped teeth with a cosmetic contouring treatment. This will make it easier while cleaning them.

Advantages of Cosmetic Contouring as a Form of Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are planning to go for a cosmetic dentistry makeover, try tooth contouring at Northridge Dentist. Take a look at the advantages of Cosmetic contouring.

  • Affordable: Compared to other cosmetic dentistry, contouring remains at low costs. You can contour your teeth instead of going for braces or Invisalign and save your wallet a bit.

  • Insurance cover: if you have a life insurance cover, then the insurance can cover your cosmetic contour if you had an accident.

  • Painless process: during the dental contouring, only the enamel is taken out. There is very minimal irritation to the patient that ends immediately after.

  • Time-saving: generally, depending on the patient's requirements, contouring a tooth can take about half an hour to an hour.

  • It can be combined: tooth contouring can be combined with other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening, crown lengthening, and bonding.

  • Improves oral health: removal of overlaps and other imperfections keeps your dental health clean and at a lower risk of getting infections.

  • Substitute for braces: in most situations, contouring is preferred to braces since they make teeth look straighter and eliminates overlapping.

Disadvantages of Cosmetic Contouring as a Form of Cosmetic Dentistry

Although contouring is a conservative approach to changing your teeth appearance, it is crucial to weigh both the pros and cons of the procedure to equip yourself with a solution just in case a problem occurs.

  • Subtle change: dental contouring does not change the look of your smile, like making them whiter. For a noticeable look, you have to go with other cosmetic dentistry procedures to get that perfect look.

  • Tooth damage risk: too much enamel removal during contouring can cause tooth sensitivity afterward and, in worst cases, tooth breakage or decay.

Other Cosmetic Dentistry Combined With Cosmetic Contouring to Enhance Your Smile

At Northridge Dentist, the dental team can carry out numerous alternatives for cosmetic dentistry procedures to create overall dental health. The following procedure compliments the effects of cosmetic contouring:

  • Dental veneers

After your teeth have undergone contouring due to the removal of enamel, you need to add a layer of material over the tooth, also called veneers. Veneers protect the teeth surface from breakage and enhance that bright smile. The two different types of material used are composite and porcelain. Veneers last for 7- 15 years without special care and fix the following:

1. Discolored teeth

2. Worn-down teeth

3. Chipped or broken teeth

4. Misaligned teeth

5. Teeth with gaps between them

  • Teeth whitening

Cosmetic contouring does not brighten your teeth. If, after contouring, you need a whiter smile, you have to do teeth whitening. You can opt for a zoom whitening, which is a one-time procedure in the office or use whitening gel at home. Here are several ways in which you can naturally whiten your teeth:

1. Use sunflower, coconut oil or sesame oil to swish around your mouth

2. Brush your teeth with baking soda it has whitening properties

3. Use hydrogen peroxide to rinse your mouth

4. Use apple cider as a cleaning agent for your teeth it also disinfects

5. Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables

6. Limit staining foods and beverages like coffee, soda, and red wine

7. Always brush and floss your teeth

  • Implants

Implants are synthetic structures that are normally occupied by the root. They mimic the look of natural teeth. They act as the foundation for an artificial tooth and, at times, to attach dentures. For it to be successfully installed, it must undergo cosmetic contouring to enhance appearance. Implants have benefits that include:

1. Attractive appearance

2. Fluency in speech

3. Improved comfort

4. Easy chewing

5. Uplifted self-esteem

6. Good oral health

7. Long-lasting

8. convenience

  • Dental crowns

There are some cases where people have a "gummy smile," which is when you smile gums are seen bigger than the teeth. Crown lengthening is done to remove excess gum tissue for your teeth to be noticeable. After dental crown, you can combine this with contouring to make the teeth even and improve on appearance. Dental crowns are needed in the following situations:

1. Protection of a weak tooth

2. Restoration of a broken tooth

3. Cover a tooth that has a large filling

4. Hold a dental bridge in place

5. Cover discolored teeth

6. Modify cosmetic

  • Invisalign

Those with overlapping teeth and are searching for a discreet orthodontic treatment go for Invisalign to have their teeth straightened. This method uses computer-generated plastic aligners to straighten teeth. After straightening, you need to reshape it to a perfect shape. This is also known as contouring. The best thing about Invisalign is that:

1. It is almost invisible, so it is less noticeable when you smile

2. Can be easily removed during meal times or cleaning

3. Takes relatively shorter time to complete treatment unlike braces

4. It moves the teeth in a gradual motion which translates to less discomfort

5. You will visit the dentist a few times

  • Tooth bonding

Tooth bonding is applying tooth-colored composite resin to your tooth and, when combined with contouring, is a highly effective cosmetic procedure. The bonding helps in severe tooth staining. Hence, those with crooked stained teeth, this combination works best in such a situation. Tooth bonding fixes the following dental issues:

1. Repairs decayed, chipped or cracked teeth

2. Close gaps between teeth

3. Changes the length and shape of teeth

4. Protects the tooth's root from being exposed

  • Dentures

Dentures are artificial teeth that replace the already lost teeth, and they are semi-permanent, they can be removed for cleaning. They resemble real teeth such that you cannot distinguish between them. Once you get the denture, it must undergo cosmetic contouring to fit well and give a bigger smile. A denture should last for at least 5 years with proper care. The reasons why people wear dentures are:

1. To improve appearance

2. To make chewing easier

3. To support structures around the cheeks and lips

4. Replaces lost and painful teeth

5. Increase speech fluency

  • Enamel shaping

Teeth can become crooked, chipped, or cracked due to some factors such as injuries, bruxism, or heredity. Cosmetic contouring and enamel reshaping is the main remedy that can improve the conditions. For instance, a crooked tooth can be reshaped on its enamel and contoured to get that perfect shape and correct alignment. However, enamel shaping when prolonged causes the following:

1. Tooth enamel becomes thinner

2. Too much removal causes sensitivity

3. Poor shaping is irreversible

  • Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays, also called indirect fillings are dental restorations used by few dentists. They offer a stronger, long-lasting, and well-fitting solution to tooth decay. Together with cosmetic contouring, you are assured of a long-lasting smile. The benefits of Onlays and Inlays include:

1. They give a superior fit that preserves a healthy tooth

2. They maintain their color for a long time

3. They safeguard the tooth structure while restoring the damaged areas

4. They make it easier to clean the teeth

5. The inlays seal the cavities between your teeth tightly

6. They are extremely stable to treat decay and strong enough to strengthen broken tooth

7. The Onlays protect the weak tooth areas

Choosing The Right Cosmetic Contouring Dentist

Residents of Northridge are careful about how to choose dental expertise for themselves and their loved ones. However, it is not always as easy as it seems to find everything you want in a dentist. We at Northridge Dentist understand the challenges, that is why we have gathered this information to guide you. If you have any questions, contact us. We are always happy to put a smile on our patients.

There are several factors that you should consider when choosing a cosmetic dentist. The topmost factors include experience, professionalism, and cost. But, those are not the only things that should be on your list of criteria. Here are more important factors to guide you to find what you want.

  • Insurance and pricing

Cosmetic dentistry can be very expensive, so you have to know beforehand what you are getting yourself into. Some cosmetic dentist procedures are covered by insurance, but there are also that are not covered. Before you get into dental treatment, ensure your insurance covers it. If not, you have to use cash, so ask the price of the treatment, so you know what to expect.

  • Available procedure

Most dentists perform various cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers, implants, crowns, whitening, and contouring. Other treatments are available; just be sure your treatment is available before you book an appointment.

  • Dental care

A lot goes in the cosmetic contouring procedure, and so you need a dentist who is caring and committed. A minor mistake during the procedure can ruin your entire dental structure. Also, check whether the dentist is capable of doing basic dental cleaning and filling. This will be good because you will have a dentist who can take care of your entire oral health.

  • Location

This should be the first thing you look at. If the office is far from home, chances are, you won't be able to go back for usual visits after the contour. The nearer the office, the better as you can go back anytime a problem occurs.

  • Relationship

The first impression you get from a dentist plays a big role in creating a good relationship. Especially if you have any dental phobia or previous bad experience. You will trust the dentist who shows confidence in the work.

  • Personal preferences

When attempting to find a contouring dentist, you will also want to consider whether or not you are comfortable with a particular dentist. Some patients prefer male to female. Some prefer older to younger dentists. Choose the one that better suits your personal preferences.

Why Chose Northridge Dentist

When you choose Northridge Dentist, be sure to be treated like a family. We proudly provide dental services from your young one who is two years old to your senior's golden years. We have created a warm, welcoming space for the people who suffer anxiety from visiting a dentist. Below are more reasons why you should choose us.

1. Good reputation

We always strive to offer the best services to maintain our good name. Our reputation can easily be found online through our patients' reviews. Here you will get our practice history and how well we handle our clients.

2. Accountable by our Dental board

We are held accountable by our state dental board. The dental board tracks our history of claims. Hence, we have no suspicious claims.

3. We are open to any question

You can always contact us at any time and ask any relevant questions concerning your dental issues. We are always ready to help and advise accordingly. Apart from cosmetic contouring questions, you can also ask our professionalism. We will give precise information like where we graduated and our experience.

4. We respect a patient’s wants and needs

We respect the fact that you have a right to get involved in decisions made for your oral treatment. Additionally, your health status remains private and confidential. We put our patients' desires into account as long as those desires align within the bound of accepted treatment.

5. We do no harm

We have to keep you safe and healthy. We give the patient an expert in his/her case. To keep up with the technology, we ensure our knowledge and skills are up to date. New science and technology emerge quickly, and we equally dedicate more hours learning to provide our patients with the best level of digital effective and safe care.

6. Do exemplary good

We strive to give high quality and timely treatment with your needs and desires in mind. To achieve this, we discuss treatment options with the patient and conclude on a treatment that is based on their values.

7. Treat all patients equally

We do not discriminate against our patients no matter where you come from, your status, religion, or race. Everyone is treated fairly without looking at the social-economic background.

8. Trustworthy

We create a doctor-patient relationship to enhance trust and honesty. Once we get that trust, we become partners, which in turn helps both you and us gain so much going forward.

Find a Northridge Dentist Near Me

Cosmetic contouring is an excellent choice for those patients who think their teeth let them down. If you or your loved one are not proud of their teeth, maybe due to unequal length, chips, cracks or breakage, cosmetic tooth contouring is ideal for you. We welcome you to call the Northridge Dentist at 818-831-9990 today. We are eager to help you build up your confidence with a killer smile.