Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
If you're unhappy with your smile, then you might be considering the option of consulting with a cosmetic dentist to see what can be done to improve the appearance of your teeth. For instance, if your teeth are crooked, you may be a viable candidate for braces. If your teeth have been yellowed from years of smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee, then it might be time for professional tooth whitening. However, what can you do if you were simply born with misshapen teeth? Fortunately for you, there's a relatively simple cosmetic procedure known as tooth reshaping.
What is Tooth Reshaping?
Tooth reshaping, also commonly referred to as dental contouring, refers to a cosmetic dentistry process where small amounts of the tooth and/or its enamel are removed to alter its overall appearance. This is done in order to improve the overall shape, length, or surface of a tooth. The procedure can be performed on all of a patient's teeth or just a select few, depending on what the cosmetic dentist recommends.
The great thing about dental contouring is that it can be done typically in just a few minutes and doesn't require any anesthesia, as the process is painless.
Are You a Viable Candidate?
Not everybody is a viable candidate for dental contouring, but many are. Generally, a cosmetic dentist will start by conducting a series of X-rays to ensure the teeth are healthy enough to be filed down. He or she will also check to make sure there's enough enamel left on the teeth; those with significantly deteriorated enamel may not be able to have tooth contouring done, as it could increase their chances of tooth decay and other dental problems.
Is It Covered By Insurance?
Unfortunately, cosmetic dentistry is typically not covered by dental or health insurance policies, so most patients find themselves paying out-of-pocket for tooth contouring (or going through a dentist's in-house financing). However, there are exceptions to this. For situations where a poorly shaped tooth is causing pain or injury (such may be the case with a very sharp, chipped tooth), dental insurance may cover the procedure.
Tooth reshaping is a quite common cosmetic procedure and one that can make a significant difference in the overall look of a person's smile. As a result, those who have the procedure done could end up feeling more confident in their smiles and the appearance of their teeth. Contact a cosmetic dentist to get started on improving your smile.
Share13 February 2015
