Cosmetic Dentistry
Shaping your teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile, boost your confidence, and help you feel better about your teeth.
Some individuals use braces to improve their smile, but tooth reshaping is a low-cost alternative. However, this cosmetic procedure — also known as dental contouring — is not suitable for everyone.
Here’s what you need to know about tooth reshaping, including the treatment process, post-treatment care tips, and whether it’s right for you.
What is Tooth Reshaping?
Tooth reshaping, also known as odontoplasty, is an affordable and effective cosmetic dentistry procedure designed to repair chipped, uneven, misaligned, or cracked teeth.
This quick and painless procedure involves removing some of the enamel and then shaping or elongating the affected tooth.
To achieve the desired shape, your dentist may also use a tooth-colored resin that is applied and hardened on your tooth.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Tooth Reshaping?
It’s important to note that tooth reshaping is designed for minor or subtle imperfections in your teeth. This procedure is not suitable for addressing serious dental issues.
If your teeth overlap or are severely crooked and misaligned, your dentist may suggest braces or another method instead of tooth reshaping.
To qualify for tooth reshaping, you need healthy teeth and gums. The procedure involves removing some enamel, so if you have decayed teeth, unhealthy gums, or infected pulp, your dentist will not perform this treatment.
Drawbacks of Tooth Reshaping
Tooth reshaping has a short recovery time and does not require anesthesia or local anesthetic drugs. In most cases, your dentist can complete the procedure in a single session.
Although tooth reshaping makes subtle changes to your teeth and may eliminate the need for expensive braces, depending on the amount of work required, there may be costs for the patient.
Remember, since tooth reshaping is a cosmetic dental procedure, your insurance may not cover the cost. However, if the damage to your teeth was caused by an accident, it might be covered by insurance.
There is also the risk that your dentist may remove too much enamel, which can lead to sensitivity to heat or cold.
Providing all specialized dental services, including implants, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, surgery, and specialized treatments for children at Dr. Damghanipour’s specialized dental clinic.
