Does your tooth have an irregular shape? Does your smile seem uneven? These aesthetic concerns can serve as a blow to your confidence. And you might wonder if you can fix these issues by shaving or filing down your teeth.
Do not try to accomplish this yourself. You might irreversibly damage your tooth this way. But you can talk to our dentist about a process that can achieve your smile aesthetic goals called tooth recontouring.
Not all patients can benefit from this cosmetic dental treatment, so you should schedule a consultation with our dentist to learn if this process will suit your unique smile. Read on to learn details about professional tooth recontouring and how it can impact your overall oral health.
Are There Benefits to Shaving a Tooth with a Dental Professional?
Tooth recontouring or reshaping refers to a dental procedure in which a dentist will file or shave a tooth by removing a small amount of enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth. The process is painless and can serve cosmetic purposes. You can enhance the size, shape, and alignment of the tooth to get the smile of your dreams.
Dental recontouring can also improve your oral health. The dentist may shave down a tooth to reduce overcrowding in the mouth caused by a small jaw size or large teeth. Then you can see more space in your mouth which can enhance oral function and allow for more patient comfort.
Dentists might also reshape a tooth this way to fix bite problems. Irregularly shaped teeth can distribute uneven pressure when you bite or chew. Then this can lead to many dental problems, including structural damage to the teeth and jaw. So fixing these issues can protect your smile in many ways.
Dentists could also use this procedure to make sure oral appliances fit properly, comfortably, and securely in your mouth. They can make room for a dental crown, for instance. Or they might prepare your teeth for dentures or other dental fixtures.
Is Cosmetic Tooth Recontouring Right for Me?
Before you and our dentist pursue tooth recontouring treatment in any capacity, the dentist will need to evaluate your oral health. They will check the structure of your teeth to ensure you have enough healthy enamel to withstand the removal of some of this part of the tooth without consequence. They will also consider your smile aesthetic goals to ensure this treatment can achieve them properly.
If you suffer from enamel erosion, you might not qualify for dental recontouring. But you can work with our dentist to find an alternative cosmetic dental solution for your smile.
For instance, you can try tooth bonding to help your teeth appear brighter, fuller, and more even. The treatment involves applying composite resin to the teeth and molding it according to your desired results. Then the dentist hardens the tooth-colored resin so that it stays on your smile.
You can also ask our dentist about porcelain veneers. These custom-made shells attach to the teeth to make your smile whiter, straighter, and more regular.
Schedule a cosmetic dental consultation today to find the optimal treatment for your unique dental needs. And do not try to alter your smile on your own, or you might severely hurt your teeth.