If the shape of your teeth bothers you, or you're set to get a dental appliance that requires a tooth alteration for it to fit correctly, you may be a candidate for teeth shaving. While this procedure has become a bit of an at-home craze in recent times, we do not believe you should ever do it at home! Instead, if you have cosmetic concerns about your teeth, you should discuss them with your dental professional. To recontour or reshape your teeth can achieve therapeutic and cosmetic goals. But that doesn't mean you should take the task into your own hands. Let's go over what teeth shaving is, why your dental professional might think it's right for you, and the dangers of doing it at home.
You may be wondering, why exactly do teeth get shaved down? Teeth shaving is a clinical procedure that has been around for decades. It presents an option to help dental professionals achieve improved results for their patients. Shaving teeth down is typically a painless procedure done by a professional and does not usually need anesthesia. Let's go over the exact reasons for it!
Occlusal Equilibration
As noted by the International Congress of Oral Implantolagists, occlusal adjustment (equilibration) is the "modification of the biting surfaces of a tooth." It refers to reshaping the cusps (pointed tops) on the back teeth biting surfaces. The back teeth have numerous hills and valleys (called cusps and fossae) that help you chew your food. Ideally, your teeth should fit evenly together for a proper bite. If your bite doesn't fit, it can lead to a lot of dental problems. For example, it could cause wear and grinding, muscle spasms, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
When to shave down your teeth depends on your dental professional's recommendation. Occlusal adjustment through teeth shaving may take several dental visits to make your bite even and bring it into harmony. Your bite may feel different for a while, but the benefits will be well worth it!