How to Improve Smile Through Tooth Contouring
So you want a better smile through cosmetic dentistry. Consider tooth contouring.
Here's what you need to know before letting a dentist drill into those pearly whites.
What is tooth contouring?
A cosmetic dentist uses a drill or other instruments to smooth out the rough spots, fix chips, and make the tooth or teeth more appealing to the eye, as well as the way they feel in your mouth.
Most of the time, dentists can do this without numbing medicine and they are usually simple procedures. However, sometimes they may need some cement filler to cover up chips and other small bonding materials needed for corrections.
The drill, and polishing tools, as well as glue and cement-hardening light tools, are also used when needed for more than your standard contour fix.
How much does tooth contouring cost?
Costs depend on the number of teeth being contoured. It also depends on the amount of time and what exactly was done. Basic contouring of rough edges and cracks can range anywhere from $50 to $300 per tooth. You might receive a package deal if you have four to six teeth in need of fixing.
Most commonly, tooth contouring is considered cosmetic, and your dental insurance won't cover any type of procedure. However, if it is due to an accident, they may cover a portion of what needs to be corrected.
Tooth reshaping can improve comfort
Beyond beauty, this procedure can improve the comfort of your teeth and can assist with your dental care at home. Jagged or rough-edged teeth can pose problems, such as cutting your lip and making it hard to floss between teeth.
Or food may be getting stuck because of teeth that could use a slight adjustment via contouring. Your dental insurance might just cover certain issues if your dentist considers it a problem area instead of just a cosmetic adjustment.
What type of dentist should I see?
A family dentist or a cosmetic dentist can perform these procedures. However, patients may consider it easier to have the procedure done at their family dental office, because he or she already knows the ins and outs in their mouth and what work has already been performed.
Type of cosmetic dentistry for adults only
This cosmetic procedure is only done on adult teeth. There is really no point if your child doesn't have their adult teeth in yet. Chipped teeth can always be fixed on a child, but the dental insurance still might not cover the prodecure because it may still be considered cosmetic.