Chipped teeth. Cracked teeth. Crowded teeth. These conditions might have you looking for a smile transformation. If so, you’ve got options, but few that are as efficient as teeth contouring. With this cosmetic reshaping procedure, dentists can completely transform your smile in just one office visit. Sound great? Of course. But it’s not a perfect solution for everyone.
This comprehensive guide is a rundown of all the important details you need to determine if teeth contouring is a good fit for your teeth, priorities, and budget.
Table of Contents
What Is Teeth Contouring?
Also called odontoplasty, enameloplasty, or teeth reshaping, teeth contouring is a purely cosmetic treatment designed to fix small irregularities in your smile. During the procedure, your dentist will remove small amounts of enamel using specialized tools, modifying your teeth. They may also use dental bonding to further reshape or elongate the tooth, depending on your condition.
Teeth contouring is typically painless and takes around an hour or less, so you can walk out of the office with a revamped smile on the same day.
Who Is Teeth Contouring Right For?
Anyone with small dental irregularities who wants near-instant smile alterations could be a suitable candidate for teeth contouring. However, it’s only an option if you have very minor chips, cracks, misalignments, or other mild conditions.
Severe misalignments, missing teeth, or dental injuries aren’t conditions that contouring can treat. For example, someone with a very minor case of crowding could benefit from some dental reshaping, but more severe cases might require an orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners. Your dentist will determine if it’s a viable option for you, and if not, they’ll recommend a more robust treatment.
Plus, your teeth and gums need to be healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Things like cavities, gingivitis, loose teeth, tooth decay, or other infections can complicate the treatment, so dentists will recommend addressing them first. And if you have weak or thin enamel, your dentist will likely suggest another procedure, since contouring requires some enamel removal.
Benefits of Teeth Contouring
Teeth contouring isn’t the only cosmetic dental procedure out there, but it does have certain advantages. For example, it’s more conservative than traditional porcelain veneers, which require the dentist to remove so much enamel that you’ll need veneers for life. It’s also slightly less expensive than certain veneers, implants, crowns, or bridges.
It’s pretty convenient too. You only need one appointment, it’s painless, and you don’t even have to wait to eat and drink like normal. And if you’re using it to correct minor misalignments, it can also make your teeth easier to clean, leading to better oral hygiene.
But perhaps the biggest benefit of teeth reshaping is the boost of confidence it can provide, and the freedom of feeling comfortable flashing your smile anywhere.
Risks of Teeth Contouring
The main risk of teeth contouring is removing too much enamel. Dental enamel is typically 2–3mm thin, so shaving it down is a delicate procedure. If your dentist goes even slightly too far, it can weaken your teeth, cause sensitivity, and leave your teeth more susceptible to decay or damage. That’s why it’s important to choose a dentist you trust or one who specializes in cosmetic treatments.
You might experience some initial sensitivity after the procedure, but it’s usually just temporary. If you have any pain, prolonged sensitivity, or other discomfort, contact your dentist.
What to Expect When Getting Teeth Contouring
Reshaping your teeth might sound like a complicated or painful procedure, but in reality, it’s neither. It typically only takes one hour-long appointment, and doesn’t hurt at all.
First, your dentist will check your tooth and gum health to make sure they’re healthy enough for the procedure. They’ll also examine your enamel to see if there’s enough that they can shave it down without consequences. If everything looks good, they’ll begin the actual procedure.
How, exactly, the dentist reshapes your teeth depends entirely on your dental conditions. But in nearly all instances, they’ll use a sanding disc, specialized drill, or laser to remove enamel and smooth over imperfections. They might also shorten longer teeth or balance uneven teeth. If you have chips or small gaps, they can combine contouring with dental bonding to fill them in.
There’s very little aftercare involved, and you can start using your teeth like normal right away.
How Much Does Teeth Contouring Cost?
Every dentist sets their own rates of teeth contouring, so it can vary between offices. However, on average, you’ll pay $50–$300 per tooth, depending on how much work each tooth needs. If you just want treatment on one or two teeth, that’s fairly affordable — especially compared to traditional veneers or orthodontics — but if you need several teeth contoured, it can add up.
Many dental offices have payment plans, or partner with financing companies, which can make the cost more manageable. Your dentist should give you a quote at your consultation, so ask them for their payment options if you’re concerned about the price.
Does Insurance Cover Teeth Contouring?
Teeth reshaping is a cosmetic treatment, so it’s rarely covered by insurance. In certain circumstances, when it’s medically necessary — like after an accident or injury — an insurance provider might provide some coverage, but that’s a rare occurrence. If you have questions about which treatments your plan covers, speak with your dental insurance provider.
Alternatives to Teeth Contouring
Teeth contouring is a pretty convenient way to get a fast smile makeover, but it’s certainly not the only option. Here are a few treatments that can address some of the same issues. Determining which is the best for you is a matter of evaluating your dental issues, goals, and budget.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that go on the fronts of individual teeth. While teeth contouring addresses small dental irregularities by physically altering the teeth, veneers simply cover them up.
They come in porcelain and composite resin, and typically cost more than contouring — $250-$2,500 per tooth. Additionally, some veneers require your dentist to shave down the enamel so much that you’ll need to keep veneers for the rest of your life. That said, they’re a reliable, durable, and long-lasting solution to a variety of cosmetic concerns.
Snap-On Veneers
Snap-on veneers are thin, durable, removable veneers designed to fit perfectly over your teeth. Companies like Removable Veneers USA use molds of your teeth to craft these veneers, providing multiple brightness options.
Many people use snap-on veneers for special occasions, but some people wear them all day, every day, and certain companies sell more durable veneer options for everyday use. Snap-on veneers can cost anywhere between $300 and $1,000, but they’re only a temporary solution.
Dental Bonding
Bonding uses a durable, tooth-colored resin (much like the material used for cavities) to fill in small gaps or fix chipped teeth.
It’s less expensive than orthodontic treatment and traditional veneers, and can often be completed during a single office visit, giving your smile an immediate transformation. Sometimes, dentists use bonding in tandem with teeth contouring, but you can also get it by itself.
Clear Aligners
If you’re considering teeth contouring to fix a minor case of crowding or spacing, clear aligners can address the same issues.
At-home brands like Byte and SmileDirectClub deliver sets of clear aligners that will shift your teeth in small increments, permanently fixing your misalignment for $900–$2,300. And in-office brands like Invisalign or ClearCorrect can tackle more severe cases, but typically cost $3,000–$8,000.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a fast smile makeover to address small cosmetic issues, it’s tough to beat teeth contouring.
However, not everyone is a candidate, and it doesn’t work with everyone’s budget. Even so, if your smile fits the criteria, ask your dentist about it, and you might be on your way to a beautifully reshaped smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does teeth contouring cost?
Every dentist has different rates, but teeth contouring typically costs around $50–$300 per tooth, depending on how much work each tooth needs.
How long does teeth contouring last?
Since teeth reshaping physically alters your teeth, it’s permanent. If your dentist also uses dental bonding during the procedure, that typically lasts around 5–10 years.
Does contouring damage teeth?
It doesn’t damage your teeth, but it does shave down the enamel, which is irreversible. Plus, if your dentist shaves it down too far, it could cause sensitivity and make your teeth more susceptible to decay. That’s why it’s important to choose a dentist you trust or one who specializes in cosmetic dentistry.
Does teeth reshaping hurt?
No! Dental contouring only affects the enamel, and since enamel doesn’t contain any nerves, you shouldn’t experience any pain. Your teeth may feel sensitive after the procedure, but this is usually only temporary.
Does teeth reshaping look natural?
Yes. Contouring simply reshapes your natural teeth, so you don’t have to worry about it looking fake. Your dentist might also use bonding in the procedure, but it’s made from a natural-looking dental resin, so it should match your teeth well.
What are the benefits of dental contouring?
Teeth contouring only takes one office visit in most cases, doesn’t cause any pain, and it’s less expensive than many other cosmetic dental treatments. Plus, it gives you a brand new confidence in your smile.
Who should get dental contouring?
Anyone with minor chips, cracks, or misalignments — and otherwise healthy teeth and gums — who wants a fast, convenient smile transformation could be a good candidate. Your dentist can determine for sure if contouring will work for you.
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