Every smile is unique, and your smile comes from the unique way that your teeth fit together in your mouth. But if there’s something about the shape of your teeth that bothers you, teeth shaving might be of interest to you.
In this post, we’ll explore what teeth shaving is, how it works, and why you might choose to have a procedure like this.
Teeth Shaving: What Is It?
It’s important to understand that teeth shaving should only be performed by a qualified professional. Even though this practice has recently become popular on social media as an at-home, DIY trend, performing it yourself can cause irreversible damage to your teeth. A dentist has the specialized tools, techniques, and medical training to make the procedure successful. Not to mention, they always have a better view of your teeth than you do.
So what is teeth shaving? A more accurate label would use the words contouring or reshaping; it’s the practice of strategically removing a small quantity of tooth enamel. Tooth enamel protects the sensitive layers inside the tooth and does not grow back, so the process needs a lot of care.
Why Is Teeth Shaving Performed?
You might opt for the procedure to improve the appearance of a misshapen or chipped tooth. If your teeth have rounded edges on the top (called mamelons in dentistry), a dentist can smooth them out for a more even appearance.
Some dental procedures, such as the application of veneers or crowns, require the slivering of tooth enamel. This is so that the adhesive that binds them has more contact with the tooth’s surface undergoing installation. This is also true for installing braces sometimes.
However, another reason you could have teeth shaving is if you have crowded teeth. This can cause a misalignment of your bite, leading to jaw pain, headaches, and even neck pain. An orthodontist will carefully take x-rays and impressions of your teeth and decide how much to take off each tooth. They will then ensure that the adjustments they make allow your bite to come together perfectly. If you have trouble speaking or chewing, a bite adjustment is great to fix those problems.
Fortunately, the procedure does not hurt. Since the orthodontist is not touching the tooth’s inner layers, you should not experience any pain.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve learned something from this post about teeth shaving. It can enhance your smile and improve the appearance of a problem tooth that bothers you. If you have crowded teeth, it can even help you improve your quality of life.
So, if this procedure interests you, get in touch with a qualified restorative or cosmetic dentistry practice. They will help you determine whether teeth shaving is right for you.
At A+ Star Smile Dental, we offer personalized treatment for each patient, with our promise of dedication to excellence. See why we’re the best dentist in Houston, TX! Please feel free to give us a call at (713) 984-4934, and we’ll be happy to help answer any questions or schedule you for an appointment.