Tooth Contouring vs. Veneers From a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist helps enhance the smile's appearance. They may correct cracks, chips, and other cosmetic imperfections in the tooth enamel through options, including tooth contouring or dental veneers. While similar, a patient will only need one of these cosmetic dental procedures. Learning the differences between these two procedures can help determine which treatment meets your needs.

The basics of tooth contouring

Tooth contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure in which a dentist reshapes the teeth. The dentist removes small portions of the outermost layer of the teeth, known as the enamel, with drills, abrasive strips, or laser technology. This process has a smoothing effect on the teeth and addresses minor cracks, chips, and pits. Tooth contouring may also create a more uniform smile by evening out the teeth, shortening teeth that are too large, or correcting minor crookedness.

Since tooth contouring only involves altering the tooth enamel, it is a painless cosmetic dental procedure. There is no downtime; patients can go back to work immediately after tooth contouring. However, they may experience temporary tooth sensitivity to temperature extremes.

Understanding dental veneers

Dental veneers also correct cosmetic imperfections like cracks, chips, and unusually shaped teeth (both too small and too big). They can also help with gapped and stained teeth. The dentist then grinds the tooth's structure past the enamel to place veneers, which fit like thin shells on the remaining tooth structure.

Veneers are custom-made for each patient. After grinding the teeth down, the dentist takes an impression of the mouth to send to the dental lab. There, they make veneers that fit snugly into the patient's mouth, creating a more uniform and appealing smile. Thus, it will take more than one appointment to place veneers. However, once placed, the patient can enjoy results for about 10 years.

What are veneers made of?

There are different types of veneers. The most common are porcelain and composite resin, both of which require the multi-appointment process described above. (The cosmetic dentist will provide temporary veneers so that the patient can still chew and speak in between appointments.) There are also no-prep veneers, which only require that the dentist grind away the enamel. These only require one appointment.

Choosing between tooth contouring and veneers

Both tooth contouring and dental veneers are safe, effective ways to enhance the smile. That said, tooth contouring is the more conservative option. This procedure can often smooth out cosmetic imperfections like cracks and chips in the enamel and even out the smile.

However, not every patient is a candidate for the conservative option. When cosmetic imperfections require that the dentist grind away too much of the enamel or even down past it, veneers would likely be the better option. The same is true for patients looking to correct teeth that are too small, gapped, or discolored.