Tooth Contouring & Reshaping
“Sometimes just a small amount of reshaping is all it takes — tooth contouring is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to refine the appearance of your smile.”
What Is Tooth Contouring?
Tooth contouring — also called dental reshaping or enameloplasty — is a conservative cosmetic procedure in which small, precise amounts of enamel are removed to improve the shape, length, or surface texture of a tooth. It is often combined with cosmetic bonding for comprehensive smile refinement.
What Can Contouring Improve?
Slightly overlapping or uneven teeth
Teeth with minor chips or rough edges
One tooth that is slightly longer than the rest
Pointed or irregularly shaped canine teeth
Small surface irregularities or ridges
Asymmetric tooth edges
Is It Right for Me?
Tooth contouring works best for minor imperfections where small changes will make a meaningful difference. It is not appropriate for:
Significant misalignment (orthodontics needed)
Large chips or fractures (bonding or veneers preferred)
Teeth with thin enamel
Patients with active decay or gum disease
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Dr. Kim marks the areas to be refined with a pencil
A fine diamond bur or disc carefully removes small amounts of enamel
The tooth is smoothed and polished
Results are evaluated with photographs and patient feedback
No anesthesia required — completed in one visit
Each tooth takes approximately 15–30 minutes
Is It Permanent?
Yes — enamel that is removed cannot be replaced. However, the amounts removed are extremely small (typically less than 0.5 mm), and the procedure is carefully planned to stay well within safe enamel thickness.
Contouring + Bonding — A Powerful Combination
Many patients benefit from combining contouring with cosmetic bonding in the same visit:
Contouring removes where teeth are too prominent
Bonding adds where teeth are deficient
Together, they can create significant smile improvement with minimal investment