Enameloplasty, also known as “tooth shaping and contouring” is a common cosmetic dental procedure done by our Delta Straight Smile Dentists. Learn more about the procedure here.
What Is Enameloplasty?
Enameloplasty is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves using a specialized buffing tool 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 used on its own, it’s more common for it to be used alongside dental bonding and other cosmetic treatments. The result of an enameloplasty is a smile that may look more straight, even, and beautiful.
What Dental Issues Can Enameloplasty Treat?
Enameloplasty is intended to treat healthy teeth that have minor imperfections and flaws. For example, 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 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 the desired appearance. Once the tooth is shaped to the desired appearance, your dentist will polish it.
Does it hurt?
Your enamel does not have nerves, so there is no pain associated with this dental procedure.
How long does it 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?
There is no need for recovery. The procedure is simple, quick, and painless.
Does Enameloplasty Damage My Teeth?
Simply put, no. While enameloplasty does involve removing a small amount of enamel, the extent of the procedure is very limited. The process is very gentle, and will not affect the structural integrity of your teeth at all.
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 purposed, your insurance plan may not cover it. But you should still check with your insurance provider about coverage.