A warm smile is the universal language of kindness,” — William Arthur Ward. Esthetic Dentistry, also called Cosmetic Dentistry, is an essential general dental combination of fusion of biology, function, and mechanics to give an attractive smile. A smile is one of the most prominent features of the face and one of the first noticeable features. Thus, a charming and well-maintained smile may reward you in many aspects of life such as, personally, professionally, and socially.

WHY OPT FOR RECONTOURING OF TEETH?

Many patients seek teeth contouring to enhance their smile by aligning crooked teeth. Dental esthetics can also correct overlapping and protruding teeth, poorly aligned and uneven jaws, and unusual facial profiles to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

In addition to improving aesthetics, esthetic treatment can also enhance oral and overall health. By aligning the jaw properly, it can improve functionality, making chewing more efficient and potentially reducing teeth grinding. Speech can also be enhanced, and maintaining oral hygiene becomes easier with straight teeth that are not severely overlapped.

THREE TYPES OF DENTAL RECONTOURING:

  1. Teeth Recontouring: This is a safe and gentle procedure that aims to improve the shape and size of teeth, making them more even and regular. This treatment effectively smooths pointed teeth and can fix minor overcrowding issues by removing a small amount of enamel from multiple teeth.
  2. Front Teeth Recontouring: Reshaping teeth requires a skilled and confident approach, as it cannot be replaced once enamel is removed. However, in certain cases, such as fixing a chipped tooth, composite resin can build up the tooth rather than removing enamel during front teeth recontouring.
  3. Gum Recontouring: Having a gummy smile, the treatment may require a bit more invasiveness and a longer recovery time. Recontouring the gums may be necessary through a crown lengthening procedure to achieve the desired look where teeth are balanced and shining. This surgical procedure involves removing or pulling the gums away from the teeth to create a better balance between the amount of tooth and gum visible for smiling.

PROCEDURE OF RECONTOURING

During the recontouring procedure, anesthesia is not necessary. The first step is to check the overall health of the teeth. Next, the teeth are marked for reshaping or recontouring using an abrasive instrument. The appropriate amount of enamel is removed to achieve the desired shape. In some cases, bonding can be combined with recontouring. A composite resin is used to repair chips or missing teeth. The resin is hardened with a blue light before being shaped and polished.

Post-maintenance of teeth contouring

  • It is advisable to avoid drinks or foods that are high in sugar content.
  • Adding more calcium to the diet by incorporating calcium-rich foods or taking a supplement.
  • Brush teeth gently.
  • Use sensitive oral hygiene products.
  • Avoiding grinding of teeth or clenching jaws.

TAKEAWAY

Smile, it’s free therapy.“- Douglas Horton. A robust set of teeth is essential for a healthy smile, but it’s not the only factor. Even if teeth are healthy and functional, minor imperfections can still affect confidence and self-esteem. Dental recontouring may be an excellent option to consider.

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