Tooth Contouring in South Kensington
Smooth, Symmetrical Teeth — Typically in One Visit
Tooth contouring is a gentle, conservative procedure that reshapes small imperfections — jagged edges, uneven lengths, and pointy canines — by carefully polishing the outer enamel. It is one of the most affordable and least invasive cosmetic treatments available.
What Is Tooth Contouring?
Tooth contouring (also called enameloplasty or tooth reshaping) uses precision polishing discs to gently remove tiny amounts of enamel, changing the length, shape, or surface texture of a tooth. It is the simplest, fastest, and most cost-effective way to refine your smile without any drilling, injections, or downtime.
Who May Benefit?
Jagged Edges
Smoothing roughness at the bottom of the front teeth (mamelons) that can appear uneven.
Small Chips
Smoothing minor chips or rough edges left by minor trauma, creating a more uniform appearance.
Pointed Canines
Softening canine teeth that appear overly pointed or prominent, creating a more harmonious smile line.
Uneven Lengths
Levelling front teeth so the smile line appears more symmetrical and balanced.
A Comfortable, Quick Procedure
Typically no anaesthetic, no downtime, no recovery period.
Typically No Anaesthetic
The procedure works within the outermost enamel layer, which typically contains no nerve endings.
Minimal Downtime
Most patients return to normal activities immediately after the appointment.
Immediate Results
You see the improvement before you leave the chair. No waiting for laboratory work.
How Tooth Contouring Works
While the concept is straightforward, the execution requires an experienced, artistic eye. Because enamel does not regenerate, it is important that contouring is performed conservatively by a qualified cosmetic dentist.
Assessment
We examine your bite and identify areas that would benefit from reshaping. We mark the areas with a pencil and discuss the plan with you.
Contouring
Using a fine diamond bur or polishing disc, we gently sculpt the enamel millimetre by millimetre, checking your bite and symmetry as we go.
Polishing
We polish the reshaped enamel to a smooth, high-gloss finish. The result feels natural against your tongue and looks seamless.
Contouring Combined with Other Treatments
Maximising Results with a Conservative Approach
Tooth contouring is often most effective when combined with other conservative treatments. Common combinations include:
Whitening + Contouring
Brighten your shade and refine edges for a polished look with minimal intervention.
Bonding + Contouring
Close gaps with bonding, then smooth and refine with contouring for a seamless result.
Gum + Tooth Contouring
Reshape both gum line and tooth edges for a comprehensive smile refinement.
Aftercare
Looking After Your Reshaped Teeth
Do
Continue your normal brushing and flossing routine
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste
Attend regular dental check-ups
Report any unusual sensitivity to your dentist
Avoid
Biting directly into very hard objects (ice, pen caps)
Using teeth as tools to open or tear things
Overly abrasive whitening toothpastes
Nail biting or chewing hard objects
Understanding the Risks
Balanced Information for Informed Decisions
Irreversibility
Enamel does not regenerate. Once removed, it cannot be replaced. This is the most important consideration. We always take a conservative approach and discuss this fully before proceeding.
Over-Reduction Risk
If too much enamel is removed, the tooth could become sensitive or require further treatment. This is why an experienced clinician with a conservative approach is essential. We remove the minimum amount necessary.
Limitations
Contouring can only address minor imperfections. It cannot correct significant alignment issues, close gaps, or change tooth colour. For more substantial changes, other treatments such as bonding, veneers, or aligners may be more suitable.
Not Suitable for All Teeth
Teeth with thin enamel, existing restorations, or significant decay may not be suitable for contouring. A thorough assessment is required to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
Tooth Contouring Fees
Tooth contouring is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments available. Members receive 50% off all treatment fees.
| Treatment | Standard | Member |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth Contouring (per tooth) | From £150.00 | From £75.00 |
| Consultation | From £95.00 | From £47.50 |
Membership Plan
Join for £20/month and receive 50% off all treatment fees. Members also receive two check-ups and two hygiene visits per year. A written quote is provided before any treatment begins.
Learn About Membership →Real Patient Stories
How contouring has helped real patients.
Smoothing Jagged Front Teeth
Patient Concern: A young professional was self-conscious about uneven, jagged edges on her front teeth that she felt looked rough and unkempt.
Treatment: Contouring was performed on the lower edges of six upper front teeth in a single 30-minute appointment. No anaesthetic was required.
Outcome: The patient was pleased with the smoother, more uniform appearance of her smile.
Individual results may vary. A consultation is required to determine suitability.
Refining After Orthodontics
Patient Concern: After completing clear aligner treatment, a patient noticed that while the alignment was correct, some teeth appeared slightly uneven in length.
Treatment: Gentle contouring was combined with Boutique Whitening to refine the edges and brighten the overall shade.
Outcome: The patient felt the finishing touches completed the smile transformation that had begun with orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. A consultation is required to determine suitability.
Your Dental Team
GDC-registered professionals providing your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smile Gallery
See the remarkable improvements we've achieved for our patients
BEFORE
AFTERRestoring a Chipped Front Tooth
Composite Bonding
BEFORE
AFTERTransforming Discoloured & Chipped Teeth
Composite Bonding
Tooth Contouring London — Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry
Tooth contouring is one of the most conservative cosmetic dental treatments available in London. At Smile Dentist in South Kensington, we use this technique to refine minor imperfections without the need for drilling, injections, or downtime.
We treat patients from across Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham, Knightsbridge, and Central London who are looking for subtle improvements to their smile. Whether used alone or in combination with composite bonding, teeth whitening, or gum contouring, tooth reshaping can make a meaningful difference to the overall symmetry and appearance of your smile.
Visit Smile Dentist London
South Kensington, London
Address
20 Old Brompton Road,
South Kensington,
London, SW7 3DL
3-minute walk from South Kensington Station
Hours
Mon – Fri:9am – 6pm
Saturday:10am – 4pm
Sunday:10am – 4pm
Registered & Regulated
Our team are fully registered and regulated for practice in the United Kingdom. Our patients should expect nothing less.
Meet The Experts
Our hand-picked team of clinicians is dedicated to the art and science of your smile.
Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi
Principal Dentist & Clinical Director
GDC: 195843
Meticulous preventative care meets high-quality cosmetic dentistry. Yasha offers complicated surgical extractions, complex treatments, and smile makeovers.
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Dr. Kamran Yazdi
Dentist
GDC: 197926
Conservative dentistry specialist with postgraduate degrees from UCL Eastman. Believes in preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
View ProfileDr. Andreia Phipps
Dentist
GDC: 229601
Friendly and enthusiastic dentist passionate about cosmetic and aesthetic restorative dentistry. Patient-centred care is at the heart of everything she does.
View ProfileDr. Reza Davari
Dentist
GDC: 302422
Award-winning dentist with the London Gold Medal. Combines advanced clinical skill with a calm, gentle manner.
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Dr. Narges Ameri
Dentist
GDC: 325081
Specialist-trained prosthodontist and implantologist. Former Assistant Professor at Tehran University with expertise in complex restorative cases.
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Jack Button
Dental Hygienist & Dental Therapist
GDC: 244367
Clinical Director and only Dental Hygienist awarded Fellowship to the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics.
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Laila Alhussein
Dental Hygienist
GDC: 328882
UCL-trained hygienist dedicated to promoting oral health in a warm, welcoming environment. Passionate about patient comfort and connection.
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