Enamel shaping, also known as enameloplasty, dental contouring, or teeth reshaping, maybe your thing if you have minor teeth imperfections to correct. With it, you can lengthen, shorten or change the shape of your teeth.
It is a safe and non-invasive way of repairing your chipped, uneven, and slightly overlapping teeth.
It is a fast and easy process and does not hurt.
What Is enamel shaping?
Enamel shaping is an affordable cosmetic dental procedure. In it, your dentist uses a high-speed abrasive tip that gently removes a small amount of tooth enamel to give your tooth the desired shape.
Some dentists may call it sanding down and use it as part of your dental bonding procedure.
The upper layer of your natural teeth consists of enamel. It has the hardest tissue in the human body. But it does not have any nerves. It can be physically shaped or reshaped to fix minor dental problems.
Using this method, your dentist may repair minor surface imperfections like chips or dents in your teeth.
Dentists recommend enamel shaping for cosmetic reasons. However, it can also help keep plaque and tartar from forming where your teeth overlap, leading to better oral health.
With enamel shaping, you may get rapid results in a short time.
When should you consider getting enamel reshaping?
Enamel shaping may be an option if you are dissatisfied with your smile and want to make any tiny corrections.
It does more than only enhance your appearance. It also aids in the improvement of your dental health. By eliminating the overlaps and gaps between your teeth, this treatment helps to keep bacteria and food debris out of your mouth.
Teeth that are sharp, long, chipped, or uneven are good candidates for enamel shaping.
Cosmetic flaws such as the following can be corrected by enamel shaping:
- Front teeth that are not quite in alignment
- Teeth that appear to be extremely sharp
- Rough edges or flaws in the enamel
- Teeth that have been broken off
- Excessively long teeth
- Minor overcrowding tooth disarray
Benefits of enamel shaping
Enamel recontouring does not pose any health risk or side effects other than making permanent changes to tooth length, size, shape, or surface. On the contrary, it offers the following benefits:
- Immediate results
- Noninvasive treatment
- One appointment visit
- Flawless and sculpted smile
- Increased self-confidence
- Affordable procedure
- Better oral health
- No anesthesia
You may need more extensive treatment if your teeth have discoloration, gaps, severe chipping, or weak enamel – in addition to enamel shaping.
Moreover, you may not be a good candidate for this dental treatment if you have severe tooth sensitivity.
At the same time, if you are afraid that your teeth will physically change after enamel shaping, it may not be for you, as enamel changing is irreversible.
Is enamel contouring safe?
Enamel contouring is safe to the extent that your enamel is not completely removed. That is why always find the best dentist to treat your teeth. If the enamel thins down too much, it may create a sensitivity issue for you.
Your dentist will advise you on how to maintain or strengthen enamel.
If you lose the enamel of your teeth, you cannot bring it back. But you can certainly energize it to some degree by increasing its mineral content.
That is how we got fluoride-rich toothpaste. While acidic food damages the enamel of your teeth, fluoride-rich toothpaste supplies calcium and phosphates back into them, thus hardening their enamel.
Does it hurt to get your teeth reshaped?
Shaping your teeth is a straightforward operation. There are few dental treatments as easy as enamel shaping. To maintain as much enamel as possible, dentists practice extreme caution while performing the required procedures. Since there is no nerve in the enamel, the operation does not cause you any pain.
Enamel reshaping procedure step-by-step
Dental instruments and abrasion methods are parts of the enamel shaping procedure. No anesthetic or numbing agent has any role to play in the process.
- Your dentist will do an oral x-ray to ensure your teeth are healthy.
- The dentist will label your teeth with a pen to show you where they require reshaping.
- The dentist will use a scraping device to delicately remove or minimize minor flaws in your tooth’s surface.
- For polishing purposes, they may use small sandpaper-like strips on the tooth.
Guidelines for recovery after treatment
You don’t require post-treatment instructions if the reshaping technique is not a part of other procedures like bonding or veneers.
If you have taken reshaping with dental bonding, you should avoid biting on complex objects.
Do not eat anything that may apply excessive pressure to your teeth. Excessive pressure may chip or break your teeth, requiring additional reshaping.
Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day will help you to a great extent. See your dentist at regular intervals.
Avoid acid-rich foods and drinks as they erode your enamel over time. You need healthier gums. They can help promote a stronger foundation for your smile. Acid-rich foods damage your enamel and gums.
Avoid drinking coffee, tea, or red wine excessively as well. They discolor your teeth.
Do not open cans or containers with your teeth.
Sucking on candy, chewing gum, and biting pens may add to unnecessary dental complications. Avoid them.
Citrus juices, wine, citrus fruits, soft drinks, berries, tomatoes, and some dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Too much of them can cause to your enamel.
How much does enamel shaping cost?
Depending on how much treatment you need, the enamel shaping cost may range between $50 to $300 per tooth. The cost may change based on the state or country of your treatment and your dentist’s quality and experience level.
The location of the dental surgery within the same state may also influence the cost.
Besides, the current state of your teeth will also dictate much of it.
Does insurance cover teeth reshaping?
Because tooth reshaping falls under the category of cosmetic dentistry, your insurance company may not cover the cost of the treatment. However, they may pay for the process if you need reshaping after an accident.
Can dental enamel be regenerated?
You cannot regenerate or restore tooth enamel that has already developed a cavity. However, demineralizing teeth with fluoride and practicing excellent dental hygiene can help. To some extent eating a balanced diet can also protect your tooth enamel from cavities before they become visible.
Discuss your cavity risk with your dentist and oral hygienist. They will be able to tell you what you can do to keep your mouth healthy.
Final word
A chipped, broken, or crooked tooth can diminish your self-confidence and cause you to conceal your smile. Enamel shaping can come to your assistance. It is a relatively inexpensive way of enhancing the look of your smile.
Depending on the state of your teeth and enamel, your dentist may recommend another cosmetic procedure, such as braces or veneers.