Cosmetic Dental Recontouring in Jackson, NJ

A tooth that looks a little too pointed, slightly uneven, or longer than the one next to it can catch your eye every time you smile. Small flaws like these rarely cause pain, but they can make you want to hide your smile in photos or avoid talking up close. The good news is a minor change to the shape of a tooth does not always call for a major treatment.

Our team at Artistic Dental offers recontouring as part of our cosmetic dentistry care in Jackson, NJ. Drs. Bookman, Goldberg, and Seto can gently reshape the enamel on a tooth to smooth rough spots, even out lengths, and soften sharp edges. Below, you can learn what recontouring may improve, how a visit works, and when another option may fit you better.

What Is Cosmetic Tooth Recontouring?

Cosmetic tooth recontouring, also called enameloplasty or tooth reshaping, is a quick way to refine the shape, length, or surface of a tooth. Our dentist removes a very small amount of enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth, and polishes the new shape smooth.

The National Institutes of Health notes enamel does not readily repair itself after damage. For that reason, we remove only what is needed and plan every change with care. In many cases, we can complete recontouring in a single visit.

What Recontouring May Be Able to Improve

Recontouring works best for small, surface-level changes. We may suggest it to adjust the size, length, or shape of a tooth, including:

• Slightly overlapping teeth
• Irregularly shaped teeth
• Teeth that look too long or too large
• Dips, bumps, or rough spots on the tooth surface
• Minor chips along the edge of a tooth
• Neighboring teeth with uneven lengths
• Teeth that look too pointed

Every smile is different, so we start with a close look at your teeth, your bite, and your goals before we suggest a plan. If a tooth has a crack that goes deeper than the surface, we may recommend a different treatment.

What to Expect During Your Recontouring Visit

Your visit begins with a conversation about what you would like to change. We examine your teeth and check you have enough healthy enamel to reshape safely. Our digital x-rays and intraoral camera images can help us see the details and show you what we find.

Next, your dentist uses fine dental tools to remove small amounts of enamel and shape the tooth to blend with the teeth around it. We then polish the surface so it feels smooth. Enamel has no nerve endings, so many patients feel little or no discomfort. Comfort matters to us, and nitrous oxide is available at our office if you feel anxious.

Before you leave, we may also check how your teeth fit together, because even a small change can affect your bite.

Is Recontouring the Right Choice for You?

Recontouring is a good fit when your concerns are minor and your teeth are healthy. Because enamel does not grow back, the change is permanent, so we talk through the plan with you before we begin. If you want a bigger change, another treatment may serve you better.

For example, dental bonding adds tooth-colored material to repair a chip or build up a worn edge, while veneers cover the front of a tooth to change its shape, size, and color. If crowding is your main concern, clear aligners may move your teeth into better positions. Our dentists can walk you through each option so you can choose with confidence.

Pairing Recontouring With Other Cosmetic Treatments

Recontouring often works well alongside other treatments. In certain cases, we may recommend combining it with dental bonding to reach a more polished result. Patients who also want a brighter smile can add our Whitening for Life program for a more complete cosmetic refresh.

If you are planning several changes at once, a smile makeover can bring multiple treatments together under one plan.

Cost and Insurance Questions

Recontouring is usually considered a cosmetic treatment, so insurance coverage can vary from plan to plan. Our team can review your options and explain what to expect before treatment begins. You can also learn more on our insurance and financing pages.

Caring for Your Smile After Recontouring

Many patients return to their normal routine right away, though some notice mild sensitivity for a short time. Keep brushing and flossing as usual, and let us know if a tooth feels sensitive or rough. A regular dental exam lets us check how your smile looks and feels over time.

Schedule Your Recontouring Consultation With Artistic Dental

Dr. Bookman graduated at the top of her class at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed a general practice residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. She opened her own practice in Jackson in 2008, and in 2014 she and Dr. Goldberg merged their practices to form Artistic Dental. Today, Drs. Bookman, Goldberg, and Seto and our team provide compassionate, personalized care to Jackson and the surrounding communities.

If a small change to your smile has been on your mind, we would be glad to talk it through. Contact our team to schedule a recontouring consultation at our office on North County Line Road in Jackson, and we can help you decide whether reshaping or another treatment fits your goals.