Teeth Reshaping Techniques: Refine Your Smile in a Single Visit

Everyone’s teeth are different, but if you’re unhappy with the shape or size of yours, teeth reshaping techniques might be able to help.

Whilst some people don’t mind all of their teeth not being uniform, for others, it can affect their confidence. If this relates to you, then the good news is there are lots of different options to ensure you have a smile that you feel happy about.

Most teeth reshaping techniques need little preparation, so they are minimally invasive and preserve your natural teeth.

Furthermore, these treatments can often be completed in a single visit, which means less time spent in the clinic and more time enjoying your new smile. At Sensu, we offer a range of teeth reshaping techniques designed to help you transform your smile simply and quickly. From reshaping one or two teeth to add balance, to fitting a crown over a tooth that might be damaged, we help you find the right option for your smile.

As a London-based clinic group, we have two central locations offering restorative and orthodontic treatments. Backed by more than 50 years of combined experience, we’ve transformed more than 20,000 smiles and we can do the same for you.

What Is Teeth Reshaping?

Teeth reshaping, also known as teeth contouring or dental contouring, is a cosmetic dental treatment where a dentist carefully removes or adjusts a very small amount of enamel to change the shape of a tooth.

Teeth reshaping can be done to just one tooth to achieve the desired effect, or to multiple teeth if you’re looking to create a more balanced appearance.

It can be used to:

• Make teeth look more balanced and uniform
• Smooth uneven or chipped edges of teeth
• Change the length or shape of teeth
• Create better balance between neighbouring teeth

As only a small amount of enamel is usually removed, it’s a minimally invasive treatment with little disruption to the natural structure of your teeth. This is a huge advantage for many patients who want to improve their smile without committing to a more extensive treatment such as veneers.

In contrast to teeth reshaping, porcelain veneers are a lifelong commitment, as enamel usually needs to be removed to prepare the teeth before the veneers are fitted. This means the treated teeth will generally always need to be covered with veneers or another restoration.

There are lots of different ways to reshape your teeth from teeth contouring to composite bonding, to veneers, to crowns, to invisible braces. We’re exploring each of these options below, helping you find the one that works best for you.

Teeth Reshaping Techniques

We offer a range of teeth reshaping techniques at Sensu, depending on the level of change you’re looking to make. For example, if you’re unhappy with the edges of a couple of teeth, composite bonding might be the best solution. However, if you’re unhappy with the overall alignment of your upper arch, invisible braces might be the better option.

Take a look below for more details on how each technique can make a difference.

Teeth contouring

Teeth contouring is a cost-effective way to improve the shape or size of your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to create a more balanced appearance.

It’s a more subtle approach as opposed to veneers as you’re not covering your teeth with a new surface. Teeth contouring is best suited to teeth that are worn down or have uneven edges / chips. In these scenarios, simply smoothing the edge of the tooth can make a dramatic difference whilst preserving the health of your natural teeth.

The appeal of teeth contouring for many patients is that it can usually be completed in a single appointment. At Sensu, evening and weekend appointments are also available, giving you even more flexibility to book when is most convenient for you.

The treatment is also pain-free, so it’s a good option for anyone who feels anxious about dental treatments. The below images show you the subtle yet effective benefits of teeth contouring for smoothing out uneven edges.

Composite bonding

Composite bonding, also known as dental bonding, is another simple way of reshaping your teeth without removing enamel.

Using a tooth-coloured composite material that can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth, your chosen dentist will build it up to achieve the desired shape. For example, your teeth at the front might be indented, creating the impression that they’re turning inwards. In this scenario, composite bonding can be added to build out the indented areas and create a more even tooth shape.

Other ways composite bonding can help are:

• Fixing cracks that might be a result of age or everyday wear and tear
• Repairing small chips that can make you feel self-conscious
• Reshaping teeth that are uneven in appearance

In some cases, composite bonding can be combined with teeth contouring to create a more complete smile transformation.

Veneers

Veneers are a highly effective teeth reshaping technique offering dramatic results. As they fit over your natural teeth, these ultra-thin layers of porcelain can disguise several imperfections, such as staining and overcrowding.

They’re best suited to issues concerning the appearance of your teeth as they cover the entire surface of your natural tooth (unlike composite bonding or teeth contouring). It’s important to consider what you’d like to change about your teeth as this will help you choose the right solution. For instance, if you’re happy with the colour and shape of your teeth but they’re overcrowded, invisible braces might be a better option.

There are numerous benefits of porcelain veneers as they’re highly durable and long-lasting so you don’t need to worry about replacements for 10-15 years or longer. However they are a permanent solution, so you will always need veneers or another type of restoration. The below before and after images show the dramatic results of porcelain veneers.

Crowns

If you have teeth that are severely damaged, either through decay or trauma, crowns are a great solution. Sometimes composite bonding or filing is not enough, as the remaining tooth may need additional protection. A crown is therefore an ideal way to preserve your tooth and avoid more invasive treatments such as extraction.

A crown works by fitting securely over your natural tooth to restore its shape and appearance while protecting the remaining tooth underneath. It will then be handcrafted by our skilled lab technicians at Sensu to look exactly like a natural tooth. Traditionally, crowns were made from metal, which could sometimes be visible at the gumline.

However, today’s crowns are metal-free, so they blend naturally with your neighbouring teeth.

Invisible braces

Braces are designed to move teeth into the right place to help with issues such as overcrowding and alignment. Whilst these issues can cause problems with confidence and appearance, they can also cause issues with oral hygiene.

When teeth are crooked or overlapping, there are parts of the tooth’s surface which are difficult to clean. In terms of teeth reshaping, braces might be fitted to help move teeth into the right place first and then contouring might be used in combination to refine uneven edges and create a more balanced finish.

Using a combination of treatments is sometimes the best approach, especially if there are several issues that need resolving. This will be discussed in detail during your consultation so you can understand your complete smile transformation.

Who Is Teeth Reshaping Suitable For?

Teeth reshaping is suitable for anyone who is unhappy with the shape or size of their teeth. As there are various teeth reshaping techniques, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and the level of change you’re trying to achieve.

These techniques work best when a tooth (or several teeth) need smoothing out to create a more even appearance. Effective results don’t always require a lot of work – sometimes refining or or two teeth can make a big difference to your smile overall.

If you’re unhappy with various parts of your smile, a more permanent solution such as porcelain veneers might be more suitable.

Other reasons to consider alternative treatment include:

• Extensive misalignment
• Significant overcrowding
• Enamel that is weak
• Dental disease
• Large chips

How Much Does Teeth Reshaping Cost?

At Sensu, teeth contouring starts at £200 per tooth.

The cost of teeth reshaping varies depending on which clinic you choose and the location. As a London-based dental clinic group, we’re committed to keeping our prices affordable, with flexible payment plans to suit different budgets.

Teeth Reshaping Techniques: Refine Your Smile In a Single Visit

By learning about different teeth reshaping techniques and how they can help you achieve a more even smile, you can make a big difference without spending hours in the dental chair.

From smoothing out uneven edges, to adding composite material to help build teeth out, there are lots of ways to improve the size and shape of teeth more subtly.

With flexible pricing plans that mean you can spread the cost of treatment, we’re making exceptional dentistry affordable. Our multidisciplinary team consists of specialist-led orthodontics and world-class cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and we have transformed more than 20,000 smiles.

Book your complimentary consultation worth £350 to discuss your treatment options.