The Pros and Cons of Tooth Reshaping

Tooth reshaping refers to making subtle changes to the surface of the teeth in order to remove minor imperfections (such as a slightly crooked tooth). The dentist can scrape off some enamel (hard outer tooth surface) in order to make your teeth look different. This article discusses some of the pros and cons of this procedure.

The Pros

It is affordable. The process of reshaping or contouring your teeth is very simple. For instance, the dentist can use a sanding dental instrument to remove a few millimeters of enamel from your teeth in order to make them level. This simple process makes the cost affordable. Additionally, it may be possible to ask your insurance company to cover this cost if the defect resulted from an accident.

It improves your dental health. Tooth reshaping can remove minor imperfections like chipping. This reduces the surface area available for plaque and tarter to build up. You will therefore be at a lower risk of developing tooth decay if imperfections that can trap food particles are removed.

The procedure is painless. Only the surface of your teeth will be affected during a tooth contouring (reshaping) procedure. Thus, the dentist will have no need to sedate you since the procedure is painless.

It takes a short time. Dental reshaping gives results within a very short time. For instance, you can see how the shape of your tooth has changed as soon as you leave the dentist's chair. This is in sharp contrast to interventions such as braces that require several weeks or months to show some results.

The Cons

You risk suffering tooth damage. In case too much enamel is removed from your teeth, they can become weak and susceptible to damage in case of any physical trauma. For instance, your tooth may break easily when you bite a hard substance (such as a nut).

It can only achieve minimal changes. Dental reshaping may not be suitable for people with more pronounced defects (such as severely crooked teeth). Thus, not everyone will qualify for this procedure.

Dental contouring or reshaping is one of the options that you can consider if you have a dental problem such as a tooth that is longer than others are. However, it is crucial that you do not make any decisions on the way forward until you have discussed all available options with your dentist. Let the final decision be a collective effort between you and your dentist, and you will get satisfactory results.