The procedure commonly referred to as “teeth shaving” is a precise and minimally invasive cosmetic treatment known as dental contouring. This process involves the subtle reshaping of the tooth’s surface to correct minor imperfections and improve the overall appearance of a smile. As a quick, single-visit cosmetic procedure, dental contouring is generally considered one of the more affordable ways to enhance dental aesthetics. The final expense is influenced by the scope of work and the specific provider.
Understanding Dental Contouring
Dental contouring is a procedure that removes small, calculated amounts of the tooth’s enamel to modify its shape, length, or surface. The goal is to address minor cosmetic issues like slightly uneven edges, small chips, minor overlaps, or teeth that appear too long or pointed. The procedure is conservative, allowing for minor adjustments without compromising the tooth’s health.
The process is generally quick and often painless, frequently completed in a single office visit without the need for local anesthetic, because enamel contains no nerves. A dentist uses fine sanding tools, abrasive strips, or a dental laser to carefully trim and polish the enamel until the desired shape is achieved. Before the procedure, the dentist typically takes X-rays to confirm there is sufficient enamel thickness to safely perform the contouring. This treatment is only suitable for minor adjustments and cannot address major structural issues or significant misalignment.
Baseline Cost of the Procedure
The cost of dental contouring is relatively low compared to more extensive cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns. Nationwide, the cost for a single tooth typically falls within a range of $50 to $435 per tooth treated, with the national average cited at approximately $215 per tooth.
This price reflects the procedure’s simplicity and speed, as it can often be completed in less than 30 minutes, depending on the extent of the reshaping required. For patients needing only one or two teeth adjusted, the total out-of-pocket expense can remain quite manageable. The final bill will depend on the overall complexity of the patient’s case.
Variables That Determine the Final Price
The final price of dental contouring can deviate significantly from the national average based on several key factors.
Geographic Location
Geographic location is a major influence, as dental practices in areas with a higher cost of living, such as large metropolitan centers, typically charge more for the same service than those in smaller towns. Costs in high-demand cities can often reach the higher end of the per-tooth range.
Scope of Work
The complexity and scope of the work also determine the total cost. Contouring a single, slightly chipped tooth will cost substantially less than reshaping multiple teeth to correct minor bite alignment issues or to create a symmetrical smile line. The number of teeth requiring treatment is directly proportional to the total expense, as the price is commonly calculated per tooth.
Provider Expertise and Bundled Services
The expertise and reputation of the dental professional can affect pricing, with a highly experienced cosmetic specialist often charging more than a general dentist. Furthermore, dental contouring is sometimes bundled with other cosmetic procedures, such as dental bonding. If bonding is performed alongside the enamel removal, the combined procedure will carry a higher overall price tag due to the added materials and time involved.
Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
Dental contouring is classified by insurance providers as a cosmetic procedure, meaning that most standard dental plans will not cover the cost. Since cosmetic treatments are considered elective, they are typically excluded from coverage. Patients should expect to pay for the treatment out-of-pocket if it is purely for aesthetic reasons.
There are exceptions when the procedure is deemed medically necessary or functional. If the enameloplasty is required to correct a sharp edge causing trauma to the soft tissues of the mouth, or if it is part of a larger treatment plan to correct a bite problem, insurance may cover a portion of the expense. Patients must contact their insurance provider and review their policy details before treatment begins to determine potential coverage.
For those facing an out-of-pocket expense, several payment options can help manage the cost:
- Many dental offices offer in-house payment plans, allowing patients to pay the total amount over time.
- Third-party medical and dental financing companies provide credit options for healthcare costs.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are popular options, as these accounts allow the use of pre-tax dollars for eligible medical and dental expenses.