Does your smile make you feel so good that you show it easily and often? That’s our goal for each of our patients, and we hope to help every individual who walks through our practice’s doors arrive at that endpoint. This will require the aid of cosmetic dentistry. Although our Seattle dentist offers a variety of more involved cosmetic dental treatments, sometimes you don’t need to expend significant time or money to receive an absolutely beautiful new smile. We offer dental contouring (also called tooth shaping) to put the finishing touches on a smile quickly, comfortably, and affordably.

What can dental contouring accomplish?

Dental contouring gently shapes the “smile line,” the area that shows when you are smiling. This zone can be changed dramatically with just a few millimeters of tooth reduction. Dental contouring can resolve issues including

  • Overly long front teeth
  • Overlapping teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Jagged teeth
  • Overly pointy teeth

In some cases, dental contouring can even be a substitute for orthodontic treatment. Shaving away tiny portions of teeth can resolve the tooth angles and overlap. Tooth shaping can also improve a patient’s oral health by eliminating areas that easily trap bacteria or are hard to access while brushing/flossing, and are prone to cavities.

What will the tooth shaping procedure be like?

The procedure will usually not require any anesthetic, unless a more significant portion of tooth needs to be reduced. You will simply visit our Seattle dentist and experience a fresh smile within the space of a single appointment. We will take x-rays beforehand to ensure your teeth are healthy and there is adequate bone structure supporting them.

If necessary, tooth shaping may be accompanied by veneers or dental bonding to rebuild reduced areas in an esthetic fashion. If you're interested in what our talented Seattle dentist can do with just minimal tooth reduction, contact us to set up a consultation.

Dr. Kim Dr. Kim

Dr. Kim Okamura

I'm Dr. Kim Okamura and this blog is a product of my love of dentistry. I dedicate it to all the patients I have served so that they may better understand my craft. The information here will give you and others the power to maintain and protect one of your most priceless gifts ... your SMILE.