Re-shaping or re-contouring the teeth is a procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed to change a tooth’s length, shape, or surface. The procedure is usually done to improve appearance by creating more harmony or balance in the look of the smile.
Re-shaping is the most conservative cosmetic treatment. It is a quick and painless procedure whose results can be seen immediately.
Who Should Consider Re-shaping?
Re-shaping is an effective method to correct minor imperfections, such as:
- Fixing small chips
- Smoothing out bulges or pits in a tooth’s enamel
- Adjusting slight irregular tooth shapes caused by too many or uneven teeth
- Adjusting the length of the canines (the pointed teeth on the side of your mouth).
Re-shaping can also improve overall dental health by removing crevices or overlaps between teeth in which plaque can accumulate. Re-shaping is not recommended if your teeth have substantial imperfections, such as a substantial chip or deep fracture. Re-shaping is not a substitute for veneers or composite bonding, however, it is often used in combination with these procedures.