What Is Teeth Filing

What is enameloplasty?

The dental procedures of filing, shaving, contouring, sanding, and reshaping are collectively known as enameloplasty.

Usually, this is done to improve the smile's appearance and make it more uniform.

Even though it has numerous names, the tooth filing process is rather simple.

Very little bits of enamel are removed from the tooth by a dentist using a laser or sanding instrument.

The sides of teeth can be reshaped using thin strips that resemble sandpaper.

The dentist will smooth and polish the teeth once they have taken on the appropriate shape, making them appear and feel as good as new.

Typically, the entire process lasts no longer than 30 minutes.

Since your enamel doesn't contain any nerves, having your teeth filed down shouldn't hurt.

As a result, the procedure can be done without the need of any anaesthetics.

However, if you're worried about feeling pain, you might still request an anaesthetic.

You will have a thinner coating of enamel after teeth filing, therefore it's crucial to take extra good care of your teeth.

The ideal toothbrush and toothpaste to use to safeguard your tooth enamel will be recommended to you by your dentist.

 

 

Why get your teeth filed?

 

The aesthetic dentistry procedure of tooth recontouring can give you the Hollywood grin, but it may also have some functional advantages.

Among the causes of filing down teeth are:

• Removing small chips and rough edges

• Smoothing out fractures

• Improving tooth alignment and bite

• Reducing slight overlap

• Creating a more even smile

• Reducing the height of long teeth

• Reshaping pointy teeth (especially canines)

If additional room is required to correct overcrowding of teeth, tooth filing may also be performed as part of orthodontic treatment.

The term "interproximal reduction" also applies to this.

You can watch how a dentist prepares the space in between the two front teeth in the video below so that they can move slightly closer together.

Other teeth with sharp edges receive some cosmetic contouring from him as well.

You might need to have some of your teeth filed if you obtain Invisalign braces.

In order for the teeth to migrate into position, this leaves a tiny gap between them.

The dentist can precisely identify which sections of the tooth need to be thinned because the entire procedure is designed with the aid of a computer software.

After getting braces, you might also want to think about having your teeth filed so you can have a truly beautiful smile.

An orthodontist demonstrates some fantastic teeth filing before and after photographs in the short movie below, demonstrating how one patient's smile and teeth altered after receiving braces and filing.

 

Teeth shaving risks

 

Your teeth are protected by a strong layer called dental enamel, which also provides them their biting power.

The yellow dentin layer beneath is shown when it erodes, providing less protection.

What negative impacts might teeth filing have then?

The loss of enamel brought on by teeth shaving can cause:

• Tooth sensitivity

• Increased risk of tooth decay

• Yellow teeth

• Greater chance of chips or breakage

A tooth shouldn't suffer any long-term harm if the enamel is only partially removed in some areas.

There is little margin for error, however, as tooth enamel is typically only 2.58mm thick.

If too much enamel is removed, the tooth may become weaker and the aforementioned issues may worsen.

Finding a dentist who has performed enamel reshaping before is crucial for this reason.

You might not be a good candidate for enameloplasty if your teeth already show significant wear.

To protect the teeth that are still present before the nerve is exposed, you should actually think about dental reconstruction methods.

The fact that you cannot perform this at home should be obvious by now.

Despite how simple it may seem, if you try to shape or file your own teeth, you run the danger of doing more harm than good.

 

In addition, you lack access to the specialized polishing equipment that dentists employ to smooth any uneven surfaces.

These surfaces are more difficult to maintain and are therefore more prone to plaque accumulation and deterioration if improperly polished.

 

Alternatives to shaving teeth

The two primary alternatives to filing teeth are dental veneers and bonding.

Both of them strengthen the tooth rather than weaken it, giving the dentist greater options for the tooth's shape, size, and color.

If your teeth are discolored or yellow, you may wish to whiten them in addition to having your teeth reshaped.

But keep in mind that since the tooth pulp is less shielded when enamel is removed, the likelihood of tooth sensitivity increases.

Once more, if you want to change both the color and shape of your teeth at once, you have two options: veneers and dental bonding.

For serious dental issues, enamel contouring is an ineffective treatment.

You may view the proper solutions for various dental issues in the table below: