Have you noticed that your tooth has an irregular shape? Do your teeth not appear to be the same, even length in your smile? If you see these aesthetic concerns in your smile, you may wonder if it is possible to shave down a tooth to improve its appearance with the rest of your teeth.
You should not undertake this task yourself because you may cause irreversible damage to the tooth. But your dentist can shave or file a tooth in a procedure called tooth recontouring.
Not all patients will benefit from this treatment, so make sure you schedule a consultation with your dentist to learn if this is right for your unique smile. Read on to learn more about the advantages and expectations that come with tooth recontouring treatment from your dental professional.
Are There Benefits to Professional Teeth Shaving?
Teeth recontouring or reshaping is a dental procedure in which a dentist shaves or files the tooth to remove some of the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. The process is painless and can serve cosmetic purposes. It can enhance the size, shape, and alignment of the teeth according to your smile aesthetic goals.
Dental recontouring can also work to improve your oral health. A dentist can shave down teeth to reduce overcrowding in the mouth due to large tooth sizes or a small jaw. This creates more space in the mouth to allow more comfort for the patient.
Dentists can also reshape a tooth this way to amend bite problems. Irregular teeth can distribute uneven pressure across teeth when biting and chewing. This can lead to long-term problems with the teeth and jaw, so fixing these concerns can reduce oral pain and dysfunction.
They may also use this procedure to ensure oral appliances fit properly, securely, and comfortably in your smile. The dentist can shave down a tooth to make room for a dental crown, for instance.
Am I a Good Candidate for Tooth Recontouring?
The dentist will evaluate your existing dental structure and oral health during a consultation appointment before proceeding with this treatment. They will consider your aesthetic goals to ensure you can get the smile of your dreams without compromising your oral health.
The dentist must remove a minute amount of enamel during dental recontouring. So the patient needs to have enough strong, healthy enamel to ensure the tooth remains protected after the procedure. If you suffer from enamel erosion or other dental problems, you might need to pursue alternative dental solutions.
For instance, a dentist can use tooth bonding to make teeth more even, fuller, and brighter. The treatment involves applying composite resin to the teeth and molding it to achieve the desired results. Porcelain veneers, custom-made shells attached to the teeth, can accomplish similar goals and endure for a longer period.
Patients can see permanent results with tooth recontouring, but they will need to check with their dentist to ensure they qualify for this treatment. They could seriously hurt their oral health if they attempt to do this on their own without professional supervision.