Tooth Contouring

Tooth contouring is known by many names. Tooth filing, tooth shaving, tooth reshaping, and enameloplasty all refer to the same procedure.

The tooth contouring procedure is a reductive method of improving the appearance of teeth by reshaping them. We are accepting the positions of the teeth and making them look as good as possible without doing anything too dramatic. It’s such a popular procedure for this reason, and for younger people who may consider veneers/bonding as a bit too much, contouring is an ideal compromise.

It is important to see a dentist who is experienced with teeth contouring due to the risk of doing too much contouring. Unlike our hair, teeth do not grow back if you go too far! Contouring is a treatment only performed by a handful of dentists in the UK, and we are proud to have treated several hundred people so far. You could say we are the most experienced in the UK, but no one will ever know for sure.

Cosmetic contouring teeth enameloplasty

Enameloplasty is a dental term to describe the same procedure as teeth reshaping. ‘Enamel’ refers to the hard outer shell of teeth, which is what gives teeth their whiteness and smooth texture. ‘Plasty’ originates from Latin, meaning to modify or reform. And there we have enameloplasty!

At the Marylebone Smile Clinic, we have a strict approach when conducting tooth contour procedures. We only reshape the outer shell of the tooth: the enamel. By adhering to this, the risk of immediate and long-term damage to the teeth is mitigated as much as possible.

Dental contouring origins

Contouring has origins in the technique in makeup where highlights and shadows are used to accentuate different parts of the face, such as cheek bones or lips. Teeth filing works in the same principle. We aim to manipulate the how the light interacts with the teeth themselves, giving us the flexibility to make a tooth appear wider, narrower, less or more prominent.

As with other forms of contouring, people use contouring on their teeth to remedy any natural features that they find undesirable. It is safe, effective, and straightforward.

Teeth contouring before and after

Taking a look at pictures of teeth contouring and reshaping before and after is the best way to gauge whether a dentist is skilled at the procedure.

See how the dentist has filed down teeth to even out chips and ridges. What you want to see is an overall benefit to the full mouth aesthetic based on the patient’s preference.

Did they want their teeth more even all over? Or did they want specific teeth to appear more or less prominent? Discuss with your dentist while viewing their portfolio of work to get the best chance of receiving the best results.

If you take a look at our patient gallery, you will be able to see a diverse range of before and after tooth contouring images. None of these two patients are the same, and all receive personalised advice and care for their desired outcomes.