You might have that one tooth that is just too long, or two vampire-like fang teeth and this is spoiling your smile and self-esteem. An easy solution would be that your dentist reshape those odd teeth.
This technique of reshaping is also known by other names for instance enameloplasty, stripping, odontoplasty, or slenderizing.
During this process of reshaping, or contouring, the dentist will remove small amounts of tooth enamel. This can change the tooth’ length, surface or shape. You will end up with a more balance appearance, which will enhance your smile.
This is not a very invasive approach to cosmetic dentistry, but rather a conservative treatment. More so, it is fast and painless and you will see the results instantaneously.
The type of problems that reshaping can correct are:
• Correcting small chips in your teeth
• To smooth out bulges or pits in your tooth’s enamel
• To correct slight odd tooth shapes
• Alternatively, to adjust the length of the pointed teeth either side of your mouth, called the canines.
However, reshaping teeth can also improve your dental health by removing overlaps between your teeth in which plaque can build-up. Still this is for minor problems with your teeth, not if your teeth are in a bad state. Your dentist will rather suggest alternatives such as bonding or porcelain veneers, which can be combined with reshaping.
Although there are some people should best avoid this procedure. These are people that are suffering with dental problems, like decaying teeth, root canals, or unhealthy gums. They should ideally not have this treatment. Not until their dental issues has been corrected first.
The procedure of reshaping teeth
Normally your dentist will take an x-ray of your teeth. This will show the size and location of the pulp inside your teeth. This pulp contains blood vessels and nerves. Your dentist can tell you if you might not be suitable of reshaping. That is if your enamel is too thin, or the pulp is too close to the surface of the teeth then your dentist will suggest alternative treatments like veneers or crowns.
If the treatment is possible, then the dentist will apply an anesthetic before filling down the tooth or removing small bits of enamel.
After reshaping is done, the dentist will polish your teeth. All of this is rather fast as it is done within less than a half hour.
There is no recovery after this procedure as it is painless. That is the best part is since there are no nerves in your enamel, you will not feel any pain. So, no need to be anxious about this dental visit. More so, this technique requires no special care of follow-up visit. Moreover, the results are instant and permanent, which means no need to worry about having this treatment done in the future.
The possible risks and complications associated with teeth reshaping
The treatment of shaving off small bits of enamel will not give you dramatic results in most cases. Unless you have a slight chip that stands out. Shaving it slightly even might fool the eye to look less notable. But for more dramatic results veneers will do the trick.
Tooth enamel cannot be replaced, so if the dentist does not conduct this procedure with care too much of enamel can be removed. If too much enamel is removed, it can leave the tooth sensitive when you drink hot or cold drink. Which means you will feel a sharp, painful sensation. Worst is that that the procedure can weaken the tooth to the point where it can break.
You will also need to be extra careful which abrasives you use in the future. Since these abrasives can reduce the remaining enamel even more.
Normally the benefits of an easy and relatively cheap cosmetic solution such as tooth shaping, or dental contouring, out ways the disadvantages. You should ensure that you go to a trusted dentist that has the experience. During the consultation speak to your dentist and ask questions. Also do make sure that you look at the x-ray and that your dentist informs you in relative detail what they will be doing.
In the end, the small little changes can make such a big change in your life, which is so true of tooth reshaping. That is, if it is done correctly and very conservatively.
There are alternatives treatments, such as veneers, and crowns that can be used if this treatment is unable to solve the problem.
