When you smile into a mirror and see chipped, uneven, or misaligned teeth smiling back at you, tooth reshaping can provide some improvements to your smile. In fact, this reshaping of your teeth is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways of fixing your teeth. Therefore, what do you need to know about enamel shaping before and after the procedure?
Preparing for Your Enamel Shaping Before and After
To prepare for your enamel shaping before and after, see your dentist in Tupelo. Ask about reshaping and how this procedure, sometimes combined with dental bonding, will improve your smile. Your dentist uses X-rays, an exam, and other methods to determine whether these methods fit your needs.
The “before” of reshaping starts with taking X-rays. Using these images, your dentist checks the location of your teeth for which you seek reshaping. He also examines the amount of pulp in these teeth.
The next step is trimming of misshapen areas of each tooth or shortening long teeth. Your dentist also alters misshapen teeth to properly align them for a better bite and appearance. After these steps of contouring, the dentist smooths and polishes your teeth.
Most reshaping takes place in one 30-minute appointment. So your “before” steps involve:
- Dental visit for a routine exam
- X-rays
- 30-minute shaping visit
- Bonding, if needed
- Costs of between $50 and $300 per tooth
- Preparation for after your reshaping
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding after reshaping fills in gaps and chips in your teeth. This material also improves the shape and color of your newly reshaped teeth. For this, your dentist applies a resin putty that hardens.
Before applying this resin, the dentist selects the right color to match your surrounding natural teeth and restorations. Also before applying the bonding material, your dentist etches the tooth surface to help the resin adhere well. Sometimes this part of the overall procedure involves local anesthetic.
If you undergo bonding of your shaped teeth, this adds about 30 minutes to your appointment, as well as added cost. However, the results are a nicely improved, yet natural-looking smile.
Bonded and reshaped teeth can suffer damage. Such damage includes chipping and staining. Therefore, avoid biting your fingernails, pens, hard foods, or ice. Also be sure you brush with fluoride toothpaste twice each day and floss your teeth regularly. If you treat your reshaped teeth well and visit your dentist twice yearly, the results should last for years.
Beyond enamel shaping and bonding, you need other dental services for yourself and your family. These services include:
- General dentistry
- Restorative dentistry
- Some cosmetic dentistry
- Invisalign and veneers
- Implant restoration
- Teeth whitening
- Emergency dentistry
