Do you ever look at your teeth and wish you could fix something about them? Feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth can affect the quality of your social interactions and self-esteem. But, there are many dental procedures available that can improve your smile. Braces, teeth whitening, and bonding are just some of the readily available methods. But have you heard of odontoplasty? In this article, we'll be discussing what this is, how it works, and how to take care of your teeth after this treatment.
What Is an Odontoplasty?
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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications
What is Odontoplasty?
The American Dental Association reported that 38% of young adults find their lives less satisfying because of dental issues. Cosmetic dentistry not only improves the aesthetic of your teeth, but it can help you feel good about yourself too. Treatments include the correction of teeth misalignment, whitening, and reshaping teeth size and shape. Odontoplasty is a dental cosmetic procedure known as enameloplasty, dental recontouring, or tooth reshaping that enhances the overall appearance of your teeth. Some dentists may recommend this cosmetic treatment as part of your orthodontic journey.
What Happens During Odontoplasty?
An odontoplasty is a noninvasive procedure with minimal to no discomfort. Dentists use a sanding disc or diamond bur (drill) to remove small amounts of tooth enamel (the outer layer of teeth). Helping to adjust and reshape the length, size, and/or shape of teeth. Odontoplasty can also create symmetry in the teeth, particularly for people with uneven teeth length. Once the dentist has reshaped the teeth, they will polish the area to complete the treatment. The procedure is generally complete in one appointment with immediate changes in the appearance of your smile.
Do I need Odontoplasty?
If you have minor teeth alignment issues, you can improve these with this procedure and smile confidently. You may be a candidate for odontoplasty if you have:
- A slight overlap between one tooth and another
- Chipped tooth
- Uneven front teeth
- Pointed tooth/teeth
- Minor crowding
- Bulges in tooth enamel
After Care Tips
Because odontoplasty thins out tooth enamel, it's important to take special care of your teeth after this procedure. You can start by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine; brush your teeth twice a day, and remove plaque and bacteria between teeth and gums with an interdental cleaner. You may want to avoid biting and chewing into any hard foods after the procedure.
You deserve to have a perfect smile. Fortunately, with dental cosmetic treatments like odontoplasty, you'll be well on your way. This procedure is a great option if you are looking to straighten and enhance your teeth in one dentist's appointment. Remember to speak to your dentist to determine if this is the right treatment course for you. They may recommend odontoplasty to correct a slightly chipped tooth, uneven teeth, and minor crowding. Once you've improved the appearance of your teeth, you should keep to a good dental care regimen. This will protect your smile and assist in preventing dental health issues.
Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
