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What is Tooth Reshaping?

By Deneatra Harmon
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 15,082
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Tooth reshaping, also called tooth recontouring, odontoplasty and enameloplasty, is a dental procedure that involves moving around tooth enamel to improve overall appearance. This cosmetic procedure corrects chipped or crooked teeth, and adults may sometimes consider reshaping to alter the length, surface, or shape of their teeth. Dentists typically use laser or sanding techniques to correct one or more teeth. Other techniques, such as bonding or applying veneers, may also be combined with tooth reshaping. Tooth reshaping is generally quick and painless, but the procedure may cause the enamel to thin out and cause decay or other problems.

The tooth reshaping procedure involves removing small segments of tooth enamel to reposition the length and shape as well as refinish a tooth's surface. This procedure helps to improve a person's smile by making the teeth appear more normal and healthy. Dentists may also use a tooth-colored laminate during the procedure to create whitened teeth.

Some adults may prefer to undergo odontoplasty instead of braces to correct the form and alignment of the teeth. Tooth recontouring may be effective for those who have crooked teeth, overlapping teeth, or bulging of the enamel. Recontouring or reshaping may also be needed if a person's tooth appears cracked or chipped because of an accident.

Tooth reshaping should be intended only for subtle changes to normal, healthy teeth. As with most medical procedures, recontouring should always be discussed with a dentist to determine if it is appropriate for the patient's mouth. More serious tooth imperfections or other complications may require major cosmetic surgery.

Prior to the procedure, the dentist typically takes an X-ray of the teeth to determine their overall health and the need for tooth reshaping. Criteria depends on the strength of each tooth's enamel, and the size and location of the tooth's pulp, i.e., the center of the tooth including the blood vessels and nerves. At the start of the process, the dentist marks the teeth that need to be reshaped. During the procedure, the dentist applies a laser or a sanding drill to slowly remove some of the surface enamel. Next, the dentist uses abrasive strips to reshape the sides around each tooth, followed by a polish that smooths it out.

Recontouring sometimes may be combined with additional procedures designed to align and whiten the smile. Dental veneers help to reverse discoloration with porcelain specially shaped to be glued onto the tooth. Bonding involves applying a thin coating of plastic substance onto the front of each tooth. This particular procedure covers flaws found on the tooth's surface.

Anesthesia is usually unnecessary because tooth reshaping does not hurt the pulp. Follow-up visits may not be required unless the procedure was combined with other techniques like bonding or dental veneers. Otherwise, the process may take up to three visits.

Almost every cosmetic dental or medical procedure has pros and cons. Enameloplasty allows for the opportunity to customize teeth for an improved smile. The procedure is also inexpensive, quick, and pain-free. Some disadvantages include the risk of tooth decay or breakage if too much enamel gets removed. Tooth sensitivities to heat or cold may also arise if the enamel becomes too thin.

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Discussion Comments
By Spotiche5 — On Dec 09, 2014

@talentryto- Definitely avoid any dentist who tries to sell you more dental work than you really want. In my opinion, a dentist that takes a conservative approach to fixing teeth and tries to save his or her patients' money is the best provider.

By Rundocuri — On Dec 08, 2014

@talentryto- I think that you should definitely avoid the type of dental veneers that involve a lot of sanding and reshaping of the teeth. From my experience with friends who have them, they really wear the teeth down and can cause a lot of tooth sensitivity.

There are dental veneers that are simply placed over top of natural teeth. While they change the shape of the teeth to look better, they do not drastically alter them.

When getting veneers, you also need to shop around with different providers, since costs and experience will vary. This will help you find the right cosmetic dentist for you who you will feel comfortable with when he starts to work on your teeth.

After you get your dental veneers, you will want to avoid very hot and cold foods at first. This will give your veneers time to form to your teeth, and help you avoid any pain while you are recovering from the dental work.

By Talentryto — On Dec 07, 2014

I'm thinking about having dental veneers applied to my teeth, so I'm looking for some tips on what I should avoid and what I need to do to get good results.

By Heavanet — On Dec 07, 2014

I had never heard of tooth reshaping when my oral surgeon recommended that I have it done. After having other extensive dental work, he thought that reshaping would be a nice final touch to my smile, because my teeth were very square-shaped.

Though I was skeptical at first, I had the procedure done. I love the results, because my teeth are more rounded now and give my smile a softer, more feminine look. There was also very little discomfort to having tooth reshaping done, and it wasn't too costly.

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