Teeth Countouring/Crown Lengthening
Feel Confident In Your Appearance
Reshape Your Smile With Teeth Contouring & Crown Lengthening in Salem, OR
A balanced smile comes down to more than the color of your teeth. Their length, shape, edges, and relationship with your gumline can affect your smile's appearance. When one of those details feels out of place, a small adjustment can make a big difference. You can address these concerns with teeth contouring and crown lengthening in Salem. Contouring can smooth pointed or uneven enamel, while crown lengthening can reveal more of teeth that appear too short. Make changes to your teeth that give you confidence to smile bigger.
Expect an Easy Process From Teeth Contouring or Crown Lengthening
The changes we make with contouring or crown lengthening are precise and planned. Dr. Bickler's goal is not to dramatically alter your tooth. Instead, he will smooth or reshape specific areas to create a more even smile line.
We ensure your teeth contouring and crown lengthening in Salem are comfortable and easy. However, if you feel nervous, sedation is available to ease anxiety. You can also combine your procedure with other cosmetic treatments, like whitening or bonding.
Treatment Planning
Your dentist maps out which teeth need contouring, crown lengthening, or a combination of both. It's based on what will create the most balanced, natural-looking result.
Enamel Reshaping
For contouring, a small, measured amount of enamel is removed using precise dental equipment. Dr. Bickler gradually smooths and evens out the tooth's shape.
Gum Tissue Adjustment
For crown lengthening, we remove a small amount of excess gum tissue around the tooth. We carefully expose more of its visible surface without disrupting the surrounding gumline.
Shape and Symmetry Check
Throughout treatment, your dentist compares the tooth being adjusted to the surrounding teeth, refining its shape until it fits naturally within your smile.
Final Review and Polish
Once the adjustment is complete, the area is smoothed and polished. We review the results together to confirm your new smile meets your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Contouring and Crown Lengthening
Q What is teeth contouring?
Teeth contouring is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes enamel to correct pointy, uneven, or slightly misaligned tooth edges. Using precise dental instruments, a small amount of enamel is removed to create a smoother, more symmetrical smile line, typically in a single appointment.
Q What is crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure that removes excess gum tissue to expose more of a tooth's visible surface, called the crown. It's often used to correct teeth that appear short or stubby. It can also prepare a tooth for a future crown or veneer.
Q Is teeth contouring painful?
No, teeth contouring is typically painless because enamel doesn't contain any nerve endings. Most patients experience no discomfort during the procedure, making it one of the more comfortable cosmetic treatments available.
Q How long does teeth contouring take?
Teeth contouring is usually completed in a single appointment. The exact time depends on how many teeth need adjustment, but most patients are in and out of the office relatively quickly compared to more involved cosmetic procedures.
Q Is crown lengthening a surgical procedure?
Crown lengthening involves removing gum tissue and is a minor procedure performed under local anesthesia for comfort. While it's more involved than contouring, it's still considered a quick, well-tolerated treatment. Most patients recover without difficulty.
Q Can teeth contouring and crown lengthening be done together?
Yes, some patients benefit from teeth contouring and crown lengthening during the same visit, depending on their specific smile concerns. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums to determine whether one or both procedures will achieve your desired result.
Q How much enamel is removed during teeth contouring?
Only a small, carefully measured amount of enamel is removed during teeth contouring. Your dentist reviews digital X-rays beforehand to determine exactly how much can be safely adjusted without affecting the tooth's structure or health.
Q Are the results from teeth contouring and crown lengthening permanent?
Both teeth contouring and crown lengthening produce permanent changes, since they involve removing enamel or gum tissue that doesn't grow back. Because of this, treatment is carefully planned to ensure the results meet your expectations before any adjustments are made.
