Although a misshapen tooth is a relatively minor cosmetic problem, it can be the one thing standing between you and your ideal smile. Just remember that small changes can make a big difference. To complete these small changes, there are several cosmetic procedures available to give your teeth the perfect shape to complement your smile. Your Waco Dentist, Dr. Corbet Locke, discusses methods for reshaping malformed teeth.
Reshaping Teeth with Dental Contouring
Dental contouring is a procedure used to reshape teeth by scraping away some of the outer surface of teeth called the enamel. If a tooth is chipped or oddly shaped, contouring works to smooth out the imperfections, almost like sanding a piece of wood. To reshape a tooth with dental contouring, your Waco cosmetic dentist, Dr. Locke, may first perform an x-ray to ensure that teeth are health. He will then identify the areas that need sculpting and use a sanding instrument to shape reshape the tooth. Lastly, he will smooth and polish the tooth to complete the process.
Because this procedure removes only enamel, it does not require anesthesia. Contouring is also a relatively quick procedure that shows results instantly. However, the results are more subtle than other cosmetic procedures.
Reshaping Teeth with Dental Bonding
If your teeth have worn down because of grinding, or bruxism, you can reshape them with dental bonding. The bonding procedure features a composite resin that is applied to teeth and then sculpted into the desired shape. Once the ideal shape is achieved, a curing light hardens the resin. Afterwards, the tooth is smoothed and polished to finish the procedure.
Reshaping Teeth with Veneers
Porcelain veneers attach to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can cover cracks, chips, crowding, and gaps. They also require minor tooth preparation and can be applied in a couple of visits.
Schedule a Visit with Your Waco Cosmetic Dentist
Are your teeth misshapen or chipped? Don’t let your smile be anything less than ideal. Schedule an appointment with your Waco cosmetic dentist, Dr. Locke, today by calling 254-776-4888. Our 76172 dental office serves patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.