Everything You Need to Know About Enamel Shaping

We all know how important it is to have a bright smile. It is for this reason that many of us turn to cosmetic dentistry to fix those little imperfections that keep us from coming up with the perfect set of pearly whites. Often when searching through all of the options cosmetic dentists have to offer, enamel molding comes up.

It's a simple, low-risk cosmetic procedure that will give you a brilliant smile. The simplicity of enamel molding is what makes it so attractive, especially to those looking to get great, but inexpensive, results.

So, if you are into cosmetic dentistry and other dental work, do yourself a favor and learn more about tooth enamel shaping. It can be the right process to help you achieve your perfect smile.

Melt Forming: A Basic Overview

Before we get into the subtleties, let's first look at the basics: What actually is enamel molding?

As mentioned earlier, enamel shaping is a cosmetic dental procedure that improves the appearance of your teeth by reshaping tooth enamel to correct imperfections.

As you probably know, the enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects the soft inside. Imperfections in it can of course be crooked or uneven teeth, as well as damaged or broken teeth.

The enamel molding process is quick, simple and does not require surgery. It's something that you can easily get at your local dental office without anesthesia.

Since the process is similar to your regular teeth cleaning, shaping the enamel can also help reduce the build-up of plaque. That makes it a fantastic way to keep your teeth beautiful and healthy.

Since your dentist is able to reshape the enamel on your natural teeth, this is a great option for people who are a bit hesitant about getting dental veneers. However, it is also important to remember that precisely because enamel shaping is performed on natural teeth, it has its limits.

If your teeth have sustained major damage, it may be better to look for other procedures.

Melting: the before and after

Now that we have explained what enamel molding is, it is time to explain how it is actually done.

Before the enamel molding can begin

Before a dental procedure can officially begin, your dentist must first ensure that your teeth are in good condition. As mentioned earlier, enamel shaping can only be done on natural teeth and for the procedure to work they must be perfectly healthy.

Accordingly, before the procedure, your dentist will do a general exam to assess the strength of your tooth enamel. If it turns out to be too weak or too thin to handle the deformation, they will likely recommend an alternative, e.g. B. Dental veneers.

If your enamel is strong enough, they'll likely order an x-ray of your teeth just to be thorough. An x-ray can show any underlying problems such as infection and tooth decay that don't always appear on the surface of the teeth.

Don't forget that the results of enamel shaping are permanent. Think long and hard about the desired result and discuss it thoroughly with your dentist before starting work.

During the procedure

Your cosmetic dentist will begin smoothing the areas of tooth enamel by gently removing small amounts of it with a sandpaper disc or diamond drill. Because the removal is gradual, you don't need anesthesia to survive the procedure. This is good news for patients who are afraid of needles or who do not respond well to anesthetics.

If your teeth are uneven (i.e., some are longer and others are shorter), the dentist can trim them to even out your smile. Finally, if you have a chipped tooth, your dentist might use a technique called tooth bonding to repair the damage. The process involves adding a resin to the damaged tooth to shape it. Once this resin cures, it will fuse with your natural tooth so you won't even know it's there.

In fact, it's not uncommon for tooth bonding and enamel shaping to be offered as a package.

At the end of the procedure, your dentist will apply a nice polish to further smooth your teeth. This entire process is quick, virtually painless, and requires no more than a visit to the dentist's office.

After the enamel molding is complete

Although enamel shaping does not require extensive aftercare, there are still a few things your dentist will recommend.

For example, many patients feel a slight tooth sensitivity immediately after the procedure because the natural tooth enamel has been thinned. If your teeth feel sensitive, it is best to avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days after the procedure.

If your dentist has also performed teeth bonding, they will tell you not to eat hard foods or chewing gum. Tooth resin hardens after application, but can still be easily damaged shortly after the procedure.

In general, the best way to speed recovery is to use a delicate toothpaste for a while afterwards.

How much does enamel molding cost?

As you probably guessed, the cost of enamel molding can vary. Depending on the amount of work, the price can range from $ 50 to $ 300 per tooth.

Understandably, if the job involves teeth bonding, the price can go up to $ 600 per tooth. While this may seem steep, it is still more affordable compared to the $ 400-1,500 you would have to spend on dental veneers.

Also, as mentioned earlier, the prices listed may vary, especially if your insurance covers enamel molding. So check that your insurance covers you and contact your dentist accordingly.

To summarize

As you can see, enamel shaping is a great way to enhance small imperfections in your smile. It's quick, painless, and could serve as a natural alternative to dental veneers. The procedure costs between $ 50 and $ 300 per tooth.

Note, however, that this procedure is usually done to correct small, aesthetic imperfections. If your teeth require more complex corrections, enamel shaping may not be the best option for you.

About the author:

Gilbert D. Curtis, DDS, is an Associate Professor in the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He teaches in both the Doctor of Dental Medicine Bachelor program and the Advanced Education General Dentistry Residency.