Where tooth reshaping (enameloplasty) is applicable
Also known as odontoplasty, this cosmetic procedure is fast, painless and involves contouring to create the desired shape or lengthening of the tooth.
Not to get confused with shaving teeth down to prepare them for veneers, tooth reshaping is a low-cost, affordable procedure where patients can change their tooth shape.
Dentists use tooth-coloured bonding resin, which is also used in composite veneers to attach to the tooth and harden to create the ideal shape.
What is tooth reshaping used for?
It is imperative to remember that tooth reshaping is only used to correct minor imperfections and not for complete smile makeovers – it is a procedure specifically designed for subtle changes and enhancements.
Additionally, it is not wise to proceed with this procedure for major dental issues; instead, opt for a safer and more secure form of cosmetic dentistry like dental veneers.
How does the process work?
Transform your smile in just 45 minutes
The dentist may remove a small amount of enamel from your tooth, which is irreversible.
Suitable candidates for this procedure should not have decayed teeth or unhealthy gums.
Often completed in a single sitting, tooth reshaping does not require a healing process or anaesthesia.
With this procedure, there is a slight risk involved. If the dentist removes too much enamel, this might increase tooth sensitivity.
Hence, choosing credible, trustworthy, and highly-rated cosmetic dentists is essential.
They will also be able to advise if it genuinely is the correct procedure for you and provide you with safe and secure options.
The procedure
The treatment involves precise and careful sculpting of enamel and uses paper discs to file teeth into shape.
When carried out by an experienced dental professional, the procedure is entirely safe and pain-free.
After having teeth straightened, some patients may wish to make them all one length – this is what the tooth contouring procedure was designed for.
Your teeth will be evenly filed to alter the shape and create balance and harmony to your smile.
Tooth reshaping – is it necessary for veneers?
Tooth reshaping is not to get confused with prep work for veneers.
They are two different procedures, and it’s essential to understand that modern, new veneers do not require tooth shaping.
Highly-rated cosmetic dentists and veneer specialists warn patients that they do NOT need to shave down their teeth to pegs or reshape them because veneers are designed to fit over the tooth’s front surface rather than conceal it entirely like a crown.
See before and afters here.
Know your options
You will not necessarily need a consultation before having this treatment.
However, here at The Perfect Smile, we genuinely care for the thousands of smiles we have designed and crafted.
When pursuing cosmetic treatments, we highly advise you to seek our advice by booking a consultation.
This way, we can show you all the available options so that you can make a well-informed and accurate decision that is not based on what you have read online.
Patient takeaway: What the dentist says
Tooth reshaping or contouring can cost anywhere from £50/£500.
And whilst chipped, cracked, and misaligned teeth can harm your confidence, unnecessary procedures like this can be costly. Plus, a much better alternative would be composite or porcelain veneers, which are much better aesthetically and for your oral health.
Tooth reshaping in some places can represent a low-cost alternative (not accessible on the NHS).
Therefore, it can make much more financial sense to opt for more reliable procedures like wafer-thin veneers, which require little to no prep work.
As the procedure is mainly designed to fix minor issues, the dentist may recommend cosmetic braces or veneers instead.
