An enameloplasty is a cosmetic dental procedure that is commonly referred to as “tooth shaping and contouring”. Our Surrey Straight Smile Dentists are here to talk about this procedure and why you might consider it.
What Is An Enameloplasty?
Enameloplasty is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves using a specialized buffing tool in order to reshape your teeth. This tool uses a high-speed abrasive tip that gently removes a thin layer of enamel. While this treatment is sometimes performed on its own, it’s more commonly used in conjunction with dental bonding and other cosmetic treatments. The result of an enameloplasty is a smile that may look straighter.
What Dental Issues Can An Enameloplasty Treat?
Enameloplasty is intended to treat healthy teeth that have only minor imperfections and flaws. It can be used to reshape a pointy tooth so that it fits in with the rest of your mouth. It’s mostly used on the front teeth but can be used elsewhere in certain situations.
Enameloplasty is also often used to treat uneven or irregularly-shaped teeth, contouring and reshaping their appearance so that they fit in with the nearby teeth. It’s also sometimes used to remove very small chips and imperfections from the surface of the tooth.
How Is An Enameloplasty Performed?
Using an instrument such as a burr, drill, or sanding disc, your dentist will remove enamel to shape and contour a tooth to achieve the look the patient is desiring. Once the tooth is shaped, your dentist will polish it.
Will The Procedure Hurt?
Your enamel does not have nerves, so patients are unlikely to experience pain during this dental procedure.
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
The length of time for the procedure depends on how many teeth need to be shaped. That said, it typically takes no more than 30 minutes.
What’s The Recovery Time After An Enameloplasty?
There is no need for recovery. The procedure is simple, quick, and painless.
Will Enameloplasty Damage My Teeth?
Enameloplasty should not damage your teeth. While it does involve removing a small amount of enamel, the extent of the procedure is very limited. The process is very gentle, and should not affect the structural integrity of your teeth.
In fact, sedation and numbing are not even required since this treatment uses a gentle dental tool and only affects the outermost layer of the front tooth’s structure. Rest assured that after your treatment, your teeth will be just as strong and healthy as they were before the enameloplasty procedure.
Is It Covered By Insurance?
Since enameloplasty is primarily used for cosmetic purposes, your insurance plan may not cover it. But you should still check with your insurance provider about coverage.