If you are not happy with your smile, it may be due in part to the overall size and shape of some of your front teeth. Tooth reshaping is an option if this is the issue, which is one of many cosmetic dental procedures to choose from. Here is more information about tooth reshaping and what can be expected from the procedure.
What are the reasons to get tooth reshaping?
Tooth reshaping is a cosmetic dental procedure done to change the size or appearance of a tooth. It is good for minor adjustments of the tooth, such as filing down a pointy edge of a tooth or changing the approximate shape of a tooth. It is not usually done when you have multiple teeth that need to be reshaped, but a small amount of them. If you have two teeth that are pointy like fang teeth, it is a great way to file them down and have all front teeth aligned and matching properly.
How is tooth reshaping done?
When you have your teeth reshaped, also called contoured, the dentist uses a special drilling tool to begin removing tooth enamel from the outer surface of the tooth. It is often a fast procedure that is done in a single visit. It may or may not require an anesthetic beforehand, depending on your tooth sensitivity. It is not usually done on a tooth that has decay or infection, since that tooth is already susceptible to cracking and extra discomfort.
What type of impact does it make?
Tooth reshaping is not meant to completely change your smile. It is often done in conjunction with other cosmetic dental procedures, such as bonding. The tooth is first reshaped, then bonding is done to fix the rest of the imperfections. If you are getting dental veneers to cover imperfect teeth, you may get the reshaping first to reduce the size of the teeth and overall shape, then get the veneers placed over the teeth.
Are there any risks?
As with all types of tooth filing and adjustments, there is a slight risk of tooth damage. Reshaping is not something that can be reversed, so you need to accept the risk of breaking or cracking of the tooth. This is uncommon unless there is already a crack in the tooth or it is being doe with brittle teeth. Your dentist should examine the tooth very carefully before attempting any type of reshaping on it.
For more more information, contact clinics like Adelaide Smile Centre.
Share18 February 2016
I have worked as a school nurse for decades. Children come to me with all sorts of scrapes and bumps and bruises. Black eyes from playing football, sprained wrists from falling off the monkey bars and stomachaches from too many sweets are common complaints. However, the issue that seems to cause the greatest angst is tooth problems. Sometimes a child will have a second tooth knocked out when playing sport and parents arrive in tears. At other times, children come to my office crying because their friends are teasing them about teeth that are discoloured or stick out. I take an active interest in the latest dental news so that I can give parents and children comfort and advice. I have included some of my collected wisdom on these pages. Perhaps this information can help you understand some options when faced with a dental problem. Thank you for reading.