Enameloplasty – The conservative tooth reshaping procedure

Enameloplasty, known as enamel shaping, is the least invasive dental procedure performed for aesthetic purposes. This cosmetic treatment involves removing or stripping parts of tooth enamel to modify the tooth’s appearance. The main aim of this treatment is to create beautiful and shapely smiles. Likely, it helps in repairing minor flaws like tooth chipping.

This dental procedure is also known as dental contouring, odontoplasty, tooth reshaping, and tooth stripping.

When does a dentist recommend Enameloplasty?

Dentists prescribe tooth contouring procedures when they discover a person’s smile is compromised due to minor imperfections in the front teeth. Dental contouring can help with the following problems:

• Pointy teeth
• Irregularly shaped teeth
• Sharp edges of a tooth
• Minor chips
• Teeth that are larger than normal

Enamel shaping is performed on front teeth in most cases. However, it is done on other teeth if the circumstances call for it.

What are the steps involved in Enameloplasty?

Enamel stripping is typically painless and can be completed within 30 to 45 minutes in most cases. In certain circumstances, the treatment duration elongates depending on the extent of the problem and the number of teeth.

Dental doctors use specialized buffing tools like sanding discs, burr to strip the unwanted portions of the enamel. Dentists prefer the right burr depending on the type of dental contouring. When the burr is placed on a tooth’s surface, the air rotor attached to the appliance strip enamel to the required extent.

Once the unwanted enamel parts are removed, the treated regions are polished to smoothen their surfaces.

Is there any risk associated with Enamel shaping?

Tooth contouring is one of the least invasive dental procedures, but it should be performed under the supervision of a dental specialist. It is because enamel does not have any living cells. If there is any mishap in enamel shaping, it will cause irreparable damage. Poor craftsmanship in dental contouring is linked to the following problems:

• Increase the risk of cavities
• Expose a tooth’s soft layers like dentin
• The teeth become weak

We have witnessed many patients who damage their teeth badly due to various damaging dental trends on social media. Filing teeth is an example. It involves stripping their teeth enamel with sharp utensils. As many people practice enamel stripping without proper supervision, they injure their teeth drastically.

Who can get Enameloplasty?

Enamel shaping is prescribed for people who have healthy teeth. Minor imperfections in a healthy tooth can be addressed with dental contouring. However, enamel stripping cannot be performed on decayed teeth, severely damaged teeth and loose teeth.

If dentists find such issues while analyzing the troublesome tooth, alternative remedies are advised.

What alternative solutions are suggested for those who cannot undergo enamel shaping?

You have various alternative options to address the esthetic difficulties that enamel shaping resolves. Cosmetic dentists recommend the following solutions:

• Dental Bonding
• Dental Veneers
• Dental Crowns

Bottom line

Enamel shaping is one of the fastest dental procedures that tend to eclipse minor flaws in the teeth. Being a cosmetic solution, t is used in fixing orthodontic issues sometimes.

No one should engage in email stripping activities themselves, as dental experts strongly suggest. Otherwise, it will cause considerable irreversible dental damage. If you encounter minor cracks in your front teeth, don’t treat them yourself. Visit your dentist instead.