Sometimes, a few subtle adjustments are all it takes to improve and balance your smile. At Paramount Dental in Roseville, we offer these subtle adjustments through tooth contouring, also known as enamel reshaping. Tooth contouring allows us to gently smooth uneven tooth edges, soften pointy corners, and balance tooth length differences to create a natural, polished, and even finish.
During your consultation, we take a close look at your smile and individual teeth to confirm whether contouring is the best fit for you. If appropriate, we discuss in detail which teeth need refinement and design a treatment plan. If a tooth needs a little build-up rather than reshaping, we might recommend pairing contouring with cosmetic bonding or consider options like veneers or Invisalign® to help you reach your ideal smile.
Schedule A Free Tooth Contouring Consultation
Benefits
- Beautiful balance: Contouring refines small chips, uneven lengths, and pointy or rough edges of a tooth.
- Careful Approach: Only a small amount of tooth enamel is removed.
- Quick visit: Most treatments are completed in a single appointment without the use of numbing or anesthesia.
- Natural finish: The process ends with polishing the teeth to seamlessly blend the minor adjustment with your existing enamel.
- Works well with bonding: Minor additions to a tooth can be completed with a tooth-colored resin that is bonded and sculpted for a balanced result.
Procedure/Process
- Exam & planning — We evaluate enamel thickness, bite, and smile line. If necessary, X-rays are taken to confirm a safe reduction zone.
- Mark & shape — We mark the teeth to guide us in gently shaping and smoothing enamel to create balance.
- Polish — Polishing adds a natural luster that matches surrounding teeth and also helps resist plaque buildup.
- Flexibility — When a tooth needs a little extra length or coverage to create balance, we add bonding during your contouring treatment for a smooth, natural look.
- Final review — We ensure your teeth match up when you bite down and, if needed, make final adjustments to maintain your comfort and a consistent look.
Candidacy & Alternatives
Tooth contouring is best for healthy teeth with minor cosmetic concerns. It’s not intended for large chips, cracks, thin enamel, or issues that require significant tooth movement.
- Great fit when: tooth edges are slightly uneven, canines are sharp, or a front tooth is just a touch longer than the others.
- Alternatives to contouring:
- Cosmetic bonding to build up tooth corners or to add length.
- Porcelain veneers for broader color/shape changes.
- Invisalign if tooth spacing or rotations need to be addressed.
Cost & Insurance
Fees depend on the number of teeth that are modified and whether bonding is necessary to create a balanced look. Because contouring is considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance typically does not cover it. If, however, reshaping is related to trauma or a medically necessary restoration, partial benefits may apply. You’ll receive a personalized estimate at your visit.
- Per-tooth pricing: Contouring is usually less than veneers and often comparable to limited bonding.
- Insurance benefits: Most dental insurance plans do not cover contouring because it is a cosmetic choice. Partial benefits may be applied if the procedure is deemed medically necessary.
- Financing: Flexible payment options through CareCredit® and Proceed Finance help you start treatment now and pay over time.
Aftercare & Maintenance
- Brush and floss daily, and maintain a regular routine of professional cleanings.
- Avoid biting on hard objects such as ice to prevent tooth edge wear.
- Expect minimal to no tooth sensitivity. If cold sensitivity lingers, we suggest desensitizing care.
- If you clench or grind, a custom nightguard is recommended to protect refined tooth edges and any bonding that has been completed.
Tooth Contouring FAQs
What is tooth contouring?
It’s a conservative cosmetic treatment that removes very tiny amounts of enamel to smooth rough spots, soften sharp corners, and even out minor length differences.
Will it hurt or require numbing?
In most cases, tooth contouring doesn’t require numbing. The tooth outer layer, which is being reshaped, does not contain nerves, so patients remain very comfortable during the procedure.
How much enamel is it safe to remove?
Only a very small amount of enamel should be removed to protect the enamel thickness and tooth strength and avoid long-term tooth sensitivity. We evaluate your tooth enamel at your consultation appointment to ensure this safety.
Is contouring permanent?
Yes, tooth contouring is permanent. Because of this, we use a minimalistic approach to contouring to preserve tooth structure.
When is bonding a better option?
Bonding is a more effective treatment for missing tooth corners, closing the gaps between teeth, or when length needs to be added. Many times, both bonding and contouring are used for the most balanced result.
Does insurance pay for contouring?
No, because contouring is considered an elective cosmetic improvement. If reshaping is necessary due to trauma or it is part of another covered procedure, some plans may partially cover the contouring. We will review your benefits and provide an estimate at your consultation visit.