Anyone with chipped, cracked, or generally uneven teeth knows that smiling can be a source of insecurity. Aesthetic contouring, also known as enameloplasty or tooth reshaping, is a popular procedure that effectively improves the appearance of your smile. During this procedure, small amounts of tooth enamel are removed, smoothed, or altered in length to achieve a more desirable look. 

What Happens During Aesthetic Contouring?

Aesthetic contouring generally does not require any anesthetics when working on one or multiple teeth. For gum contouring to correct unbalanced gum lines, a strong topical anesthetic will be needed. The process will involve your dentist using a series of lasers and drills to reshape your teeth and correct any minor irregularities. These procedures typically last around 30 minutes but can vary depending on the amount of reshaping being done. Once complete, you’ll want to be extra careful about protecting the enamel on your teeth. Your dentist can recommend products and ways to prevent any tooth sensitivity and to protect your new smile. 

Benefits of Cosmetic Dental Contouring

One of the biggest benefits of aesthetic contouring is the fact that the results are instant! You’ll be able to walk out of the office on the same day as your appointment with an improved smile that you can be proud to show off. Tooth reshaping also creates permanent results so you don’t have to worry about any follow-up procedures. For this reason, aesthetic dental contouring may be a more cost-friendly option compared to braces or veneers. 

Is This Procedure Right for Me?

Aesthetic contouring is a good option for anyone with minor cosmetic dental concerns. These could include crowded teeth, small chips or fractures, uneven enamel textures, and more. This procedure will not be effective for patients with more serious cosmetic problems, which will require more extensive treatments. 

Aesthetic contouring is just one of the many cosmetic and general services we offer at Cakmes Dental Studio. If you believe that you are a good candidate for aesthetic contouring, contact our Knoxville office location at (865) 584-6163 or schedule an appointment online so that we can determine if this procedure is right for you. Let us help you achieve your healthiest and happiest smile!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, which serves to remind parents, caregivers, and healthcare workers why taking children to the dentist and helping them maintain proper dental health is so important. Developing positive habits at a young age will follow children as they age, ensuring that they keep happy, healthy smiles all their lives. 

Children should be taken to the dentist as soon as their first tooth grows in or before their first birthday, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). This allows the dentists to identify any potential areas of concern, such as tooth or gum decay. The dentist will also help teach caregivers how to properly clean their child’s teeth. Children’s teeth should be brushed twice a day for around 2 minutes each time. The amount of fluoride toothpaste will depend on the age of the child but can vary from just a smear to a pea-sized amount. 

Some children may not want to brush their teeth every morning and evening. However, there are several ways that you can make teeth cleaning more enjoyable. One great way to get children excited to brush their teeth is to make brushing and flossing a fun routine that they can look forward to. For example, try letting your child pick out their own toothbrush (just make sure it’s ADA approved!). You could also try playing a song for 2 minutes which can help reinforce the amount of time that should be spent brushing.

Education is key to help children understand why taking care of their oral health should be a priority. If you’re unsure about where to start, the ADA has worksheets, activities, and a planning guide that can help caregivers and teachers promote good oral health to children. 

Just like with adults, preventative care is the best way to maintain proper oral health in children. In addition to brushing and flossing, it’s a good idea to limit your child’s intake of sugary foods and drinks. It may be shocking to learn that around 42% of children ages 2-11 have some amount of tooth decay. Water is always the best drink option, as most town water sources contain fluoride which helps contribute to healthy teeth. Regular checkups are also essential for addressing any concerns early on.

At Cakmes Dental Studio, we’re committed to providing you and your family with the best dental care possible. If you have any oral health needs or concerns, feel free to get in contact with our office. You can visit our website or call us at (865) 584-6163 for any questions you may have or to set up an appointment.