Teeth Contouring in Melbourne

Teeth contouring, also called tooth reshaping, gently smooths and reshapes a small amount of enamel to refine minor irregularities such as uneven biting edges, a small chip, slightly pointed corners or lengths that don't quite match, often in a single visit. Because it removes less than a millimetre of enamel, it's one of the more conservative cosmetic dental procedures, though it won't suit every concern. At our Melbourne CBD clinic on Exhibition Street, you can book an appointment to find out whether contouring is right for your teeth.

During the procedure, your dentist removes a very small amount of tooth enamel, usually under a millimetre, to adjust the shape and length of a tooth or smooth an edge that catches. You might also see it described as tooth contouring, dental contouring, teeth reshaping, enameloplasty or odontoplasty, which all refer to the same thing.

It works well for small, specific concerns: edges that have worn unevenly, a minor chip, a tooth that sits slightly proud of its neighbours, or a rough or slightly pointed edge. Because it reshapes only the outer enamel rather than the deeper tooth structure, it's a minimally invasive way to even out an edge without adding material or moving the tooth.

One thing worth understanding before you book is that enamel doesn't grow back. The reshaped enamel is gone for good, so the change is permanent. This is exactly why your dentist works gradually and plans the shape with you, rather than removing more than needed.

Teeth contouring is different from gum contouring, which reshapes the gum line rather than the tooth itself.

Contouring may be a good fit if you have:

• minor uneven or worn biting edges
• a small chip or a slightly rough edge
• a tooth that's a touch longer or more pointed than the ones beside it
• a tooth that slightly overlaps the one next to it
• healthy teeth with enough enamel to reshape safely, and reasonable oral health overall

Reshaping only removes a sliver of enamel, so it can't do the work of other treatments. Contouring on its own usually isn't enough if you have:

• larger chips or cracked teeth
• a broken tooth, or one worn down by teeth grinding
• noticeable gaps between teeth
• crowding or misaligned teeth
• a bite that doesn't sit right, or teeth that don't meet evenly when you close

Our Melbourne CBD dental clinic at 121 Exhibition Street is within a:

For detailed information about public transport options, download the PTV app or visit the Public Transport Victoria website.