Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Reshaping

Tooth reshaping is a painless procedure whereby your dentist uses dental instruments to sculpt your tooth by removing some of its enamel. Doing so, corrects minor imperfections of your teeth that are chipped, uneven, misaligned, or cracked.

Prior to the procedure, an X-Ray will be done as this will give your dentist a precise understanding of your teeth’s structure as well as the health of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will also ensure that your teeth’s enamel is healthy. If you have ticked all the criteria for healthy teeth, gums and enamel, your dentist will proceed with reshaping your teeth.

While this is a quick procedure, there is also a risk of removing too much enamel, which can lead to tooth sensitivity as well as weaken it. This is why it is important that you are under the care of an experienced dentist to ensure that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

Tooth reshaping can be helpful in the following situations:

• Fix minor chips and/or cracks on your tooth
• Shorten the length of your tooth and give your teeth a more even look
• Smoothen an uneven surface of a misshapen or chipped tooth
• Help with teeth grinding issues
• Reduce minor teeth overlaps and misalignment that may cause bite issues or a buildup of plaque

Tooth reshaping can make a huge difference in the way you feel about your smile but that is not all. Oftentimes, other cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers and teeth bonding are combined with tooth reshaping to improve teeth imperfections and ultimately help you achieve a more confident smile.

Unfortunately, not everyone makes a suitable candidate for tooth reshaping as you might have weak or thin enamel. This procedure is best to address minor tooth imperfections due to the limitation of reshaping your tooth’s enamel. Good dental hygiene is also another criterion for tooth reshaping. If you have decayed teeth and unhealthy gums, tooth reshaping may not be suitable either.

Nonetheless, there are other options available to correct tooth imperfections accordingly. They include:

For crooked teeth

If you have severely crooked teeth, orthodontic treatment is a better solution to help you achieve your dream smile. Some of the options you may discuss with your dentist are:

• Invisalign – A modern orthodontic choice, Invisalign’s unique feature is its virtually invisible clear plastic aligners that are customised specifically for your orthodontic needs. That is right, there is no need to worry about having to look different while undergoing orthodontic treatment!
• Braces – This orthodontic option needs little to no introduction. Braces is a traditional treatment method that typically uses metal wires and brackets to shift your teeth to their ideal position. It is a more pocket-friendly option and a suitable treatment option for almost all types of malocclusion.

To conceal major teeth imperfections

If you are looking to conceal a major imperfection or have weak enamel that tooth reshaping might not be suitable for, here are some possible options to be considered too:

• Veneers – Typically made out of porcelain, veneers are a customised solution that helps to conceal tooth imperfections such as chipped teeth or gaps in between your teeth. Opting for veneers will require multiple visits to the dentist prior to having them fitted onto your teeth as each veneer is custom-made to ensure that it looks natural and blends in well with the rest of your teeth. Therefore, giving you a more natural smile.
• Teeth bonding – Teeth bonding, on the other hand, is a quick and cost-effective option to conceal teeth imperfections. Your dentist will apply a special material known as resin to the affected tooth. It is then molded by hand and lastly, hardened using a special light. While it sounds almost ideal, some disadvantages of teeth bonding as compared to veneers is that it may not blend in well with the rest of your teeth. Secondly, it is generally not as durable as porcelain veneers.

The options are many and it is best to discuss with your dentist to explore the best possible option for your teeth.

Tooth reshaping is a cost-effective and convenient dental procedure that can make you feel more confident about your smile. Speak to our friendly dentists to learn if you are a suitable candidate today.