The process of tooth reshaping can work to improve the appearance of the smile by making patients feel better about the look of their teeth. A good feeling about the smile can provide a person with improved self-confidence and a better self-image. Anyone that is interested in learning more about the pros and cons of tooth reshaping will find the information they desire in this informative article.
Tooth reshaping, which is also known as odontoplasty, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that is designed to fix teeth that have a chipped or uneven appearance as well as teeth that are cracked or misaligned.
In general, the procedure involves the removal of some of the enamel on the tooth and then either shaping or lengthening the tooth that is being treated. In order to achieve the desired shape, the dentist might need to apply a tooth-colored bonding resin that is attached to the tooth so it can harden on the teeth.
The first step of the process is undergoing a dental examination and having X-rays taken of the mouth so the cosmetic dentist can assess the current health of the teeth and gums. The dentist will also determine the state of the enamel on the teeth. If the person has thin or weak enamel, they might be an ideal candidate for another procedure such as dental veneers. If the person needs veneers, the dentist will place a porcelain cover over the front surface of the damaged tooth. Dental veneers can improve the look of teeth that are cracked, chipped, or misaligned.
Once the health of the teeth, enamel and gums are determined, the dentist will start the process of removing some of the enamel on the tooth through the use of a fine diamond bur or a sanding disc. The enamel is removed in order to help minimize the appearance of imperfections in a tooth.
The dentist will also work to trim or shorten the overall length of longer teeth along with shaping and/or smoothing the look of uneven teeth. The final result of this part of the process will help to improve the bite and alignment of the teeth. If the patient has teeth that are chipped or have gaps in-between then, the tooth reshaping process can be combined with dental bonding to achieve the desired appearance.
Bonding is when the cosmetic dentist uses a tooth-colored resin, that is quite similar to putty in its appearance, to mold and shape a tooth. The boding material is applied to the teeth and then it is shaped and molded before it is allowed to harden. Once the bonding material hardens on the tooth, it will closely match the appearance of the natural teeth.
Patients that are ideal candidates for tooth reshaping are those who want to correct imperfections with the teeth that are classified as subtle or minor. It is not an ideal treatment option for major dental problems.
The ideal candidate will need to have healthy teeth and gums and does not mind having part of the enamel of the tooth removed.
Even though tooth reshaping can create subtle changes to the teeth, patient that need major dental work like cosmetic braces or dental implants are not able to use this cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Since tooth reshaping is considered to be a type of cosmetic dentistry, dental insurance might not cover the cost of the procedure. However, there is a chance that dental insurance will help to cover some, or all, of the tooth reshaping treatment if it is being performed to correct any damage that is the result of an accident or trauma to the teeth.
While tooth reshaping is an ideal way to improve the look and shape of the teeth, it is important for patients to practice good aftercare of their teeth in order to maintain the results.
Patients that had a procedure where a bonding agent was placed on the tooth should avoid eating hard foods or biting down on their nails or other hard objects. Because the bonding agent hardens during the procedure, there is a chance that the resin can become cracked or chipped after it hardens.
Patients should also make it a point to not consume food or drinks, such as red wine and coffee, that can stain the teeth. They should be sure and brush their teeth at least twice per day in order to avoid staining the teeth.
Even though there is no real downtime after tooth reshaping is performed on a person, there might still be some minor sensitivity on the treated area of the teeth.
If a person is not sure about the aftercare steps they need to follow once their treatment is complete, it is important to contact the office of the cosmetic dentist to ask any questions to ensure long-term success with the results.
- MA
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