Tooth Reshaping

Tooth reshaping, also known as odontoplasty, is a minimally invasive, quick, and painless procedure that significantly enhances the appearance of the tooth and general dental health. It involves removing a portion of the tooth enamel using a laser or drill to change the tooth's length, shape, or surface.

How Is Tooth Reshaping Done?

A dental X-ray is done before tooth shaping to verify the tooth's health. If the enamel is too thin or the pulp is too near the surface, the aesthetic dental operation might not be possible.

Following the X-ray, the dentist will mark the tooth, highlighting areas that require sculpting. Then, a diamond bur is used to remove a small amount of enamel and eliminate or minimize imperfections on the tooth.

For faults between the teeth, apply a sandpaper-like strip.

The final polishing and sanding step complete the process. There is no need for additional care or a follow-up session if the reshaping is performed independently without adding another cosmetic operation unless an issue develops afterward.

Who Can Undergo Tooth Reshaping?

Tooth reshaping is ideal for people who wish to make minimal changes to their teeth. People with decaying teeth, infected pulps, or unhealthy gums are not candidates.

Moreover, like any other treatment, tooth reshaping has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware and weigh down the pros and cons of the procedure before subscribing to it.

What Are The Advantages Of Tooth Reshaping?

One of the benefits of tooth reshaping is that it is less expensive than many cosmetic dentistry procedures. Depending on the task performed, it can range from $50 to $300 every month. Additionally, your insurance or discount plan can fully or partially pay for reshaping a chipped or broken tooth due to an accident or trauma. Consult your insurance company for more information.

As mentioned above, cosmetic dental treatment is a quick and painless procedure that only involves the removal of the enamel. It requires no anesthesia and will generally cause no discomfort.

Tooth reshaping also improves oral health by removing tartar and plaque that may have built up, lowering the risk of dental problems like tooth decay and periodontal disease.

The treatment can substitute expensive procedures like dental braces as tooth reshaping eliminates minor overlapping and misalignment and makes the teeth appear straighter. However, this may only be true with minor imperfections.

With the advantages come the disadvantages of tooth reshaping, which include minor alteration and sensitivity.

Disadvantages Of  Tooth Reshaping

Tooth reshaping may be quick and painless, but it also offers less dramatic changes than other cosmetic treatments. In addition, the procedure only eliminates minor imperfections. You might consider getting dental veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants, or dental bridges for significant enhancements.

The tooth's outer covering may become thinner due to the removal of the enamel, exposing the dentin. Dentin exposure can lead to tooth sensitivity.