benefits, costs, and dangers behind at-home filing

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Teeth filing is a professional dental procedure, technically known as enameloplasty. It involves the careful removal of a small amount of enamel from the surface of teeth. Also known as teeth shaving or recontouring, the process requires the skill and experience of a dentist, using a sanding tool, laser, or other equipment to reshape the sides or surface of teeth.  

Here, we’ll cover the most pressing things to know about teeth filing, including the benefits, costs, and the risks of recent TikTok trends.

The benefits—why is teeth-shaping so popular?  

There are a number of reasons you may want to change the shape of your teeth. Perhaps you have minor defects in teeth that you’d like to repair. Maybe you have an uneven bite, rough molar surfaces or issues related to the length of a tooth, its surface texture, or shape.

No matter the reason—whether medical or aesthetic—there are many benefits to teeth filing that make it a popular corrective choice.

Medical benefits of tooth contouring include:

• repair of minor defects or imbalances between teeth
• increased room for incoming teeth
• greater dental health—removal of minor tooth overlaps decreases risk of decay
• part of dental preparation for a crown (following a root canal)
• can assist in tooth preparation before the application of braces
• evens out your bite—preventing or relieving jaw pain

As for cosmetic benefits, they include:  

• an improved smile, with fewer imperfections
• a greater sense of confidence in your appearance
• a low-cost solution for minor dental repairs or uneven teeth

In short, teeth filing is popular for both medical and aesthetic reasons. If you’ve got that one tooth that bothers you—maybe it’s a little longer than the others or a bit crooked—you might be the perfect candidate for this low-cost makeover for your smile.

What are the risks of teeth filing?

Thankfully, when a dental professional changes the shape of your teeth through tooth filing, the risks are relatively low.

The primary concern is the risk of tooth damage through the loss of enamel. This hard, outer layer of the tooth protects the dentin layer inside, as well as the tooth nerve. Enamel protects against cavities and tooth decay as well. 

Unfortunately, this hard-working layer does not regenerate. Once you’ve lost your enamel, it cannot be replaced. If too much enamel is lost, you can suffer from:

• excess tooth sensitivity
• fragile teeth (which are more prone to tooth structure damage) 
• greater risk of decay

In other words, it is important that this delicate procedure is performed by a skilled professional andsomeone who understands the nature and fragility of your tooth enamel.

A dangerous trend – DIY tooth filing with a nail file

Dental and orthodontic professionals across the country are horrified by a new trend on social media in which people are filing their own teeth using nail files. As these inexperienced people use improper files to smooth out any bumps or imperfections, they are risking permanent damage to their oral health.

This TikTok trend has dentistry professionals crying foul.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, teeth filing has irreversible consequences if not done properly. Once you wear away the protective enamel on your teeth, it is gone for good.

Without your enamel, you’re at risk of tooth sensitivity or even losing the tooth itself. This is especially true if the tooth is fragile in the first place.  

Even popular TikTokers have expressed their regret over shaving down teeth in a public forum, asking their followers not to act as they have in becoming “DIY dentists.”   

If you are considering reshaping your teeth for any reason, be sure to consult a dental professional for their advice and skilled service.

Common questions about teeth filing

As you consider whether or not to have tooth reshaping done as part of an overall dental care plan, you likely have a number of questions.  

Here are a few answers to common questions about enameloplasty:

Why is it done before braces or clear aligners?

Shaving or shaping teeth is a common step taken before braces are applied or a clear aligner, such as Invisalign, is used for orthodontic purposes. By removing a small amount of enamel, your dentist or orthodontist will create space within your mouth. 

Even a small amount of room to move will allow your teeth to straighten and align more easily with either braces or a clear aligner.  

Does teeth filing hurt? 

The short answer is—no. There are no nerve endings in your enamel, nor will your dentist touch the dentin or root of your tooth through the procedure. In addition, there are few side effects associated with teeth filing and you are unlikely to need any form of anesthetic.

How much does teeth filing cost?

Thankfully, tooth shaping only requires your dentist’s time, skill, and specialized tools. As a result, it is far more cost effective than other procedures or forms of cosmetic dentistry, which may involve custom implants or extensive work.

Tooth reshaping costs will vary from one dental professional to another and will depend on the amount of work required. Overall, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 to $300 per tooth.  

Does insurance cover teeth filing?

Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of teeth filing unless the required work is the result of an accident or injury. Speak to your insurance provider to ask about their policies and find out if you qualify for coverage.

How much enamel is removed?

Using advanced technology, your dentist can predict how much enamel should be removed with a high level of precision. While the exact amount will depend on your goals and the nature of your teeth, your dentist will most likely remove somewhere between 0.2 and 0.5mm on each tooth. 

If you are concerned about the depth or quantity of enamel that will be removed, speak to your dental professional ahead of time—they can explain in detail and make adjustments, where necessary.  

Which COVID-19 precautions are needed?

Thankfully, the dental industry is well prepared for the pandemic with health procedures that have evolved over time. With standard safety measures in place, you can feel safe having any dental procedure done, from teeth whitening to tartar removal, tooth reshaping or a standard set of x-rays.   

If it makes you more comfortable to know the specific measures your dentist will take to protect your health during the pandemic, speak to them ahead of time so you know what to expect.

Let an expert handle the job

When you’ve researched the benefits and risks of this dental procedure, seen the before and after photos, and considered the filed teeth cost, it’s time to call in the experts. 

A qualified dental professional will assess the structure and health of your teeth, discuss viable options, and safely reshape your areas of concern. Given the risk of permanent damage, it is important to work with a trusted professional for this procedure.  

Across the country, dentists are trained to skilfully do this work. 

Find a dentist in your area to schedule an initial consultation. You will have the chance to ask questions, share your concerns, and find out if this procedure is right for you.

Whether you are interested in tooth contouring for medical or cosmetic reasons, it is important to seek the assistance of a professional. A simple dentist appointment will give you the confidence of knowing what can be done and how the end results can be achieved safely.   

It is critical to avoid the pitfall of trying to reshape your front teeth or lower teeth at home—without meaning any harm, you could easily do lasting damage. In essence, your short-term cosmetic goals could force you into a situation in which you need even more significant dental work down the road. 

Teeth Reshaping Treatments And Costs

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If your teeth are made of strong, organic material, how is it possible for your dental professional to reshape them? What does teeth reshaping treatment cost? We promise it’s all much simpler than it seems! Stick around, and we’ll explain what this procedure is, when it’s used, and how much to budget for it.

Teeth Reshaping: Ins and Outs

Teeth reshaping treatment (also called teeth contouring or odontoplasty) is an effective and painless method for fixing many dental ailments. During this procedure, your dental professional uses a drill or laser to remove some of your teeth’ hard outer layer known as the enamel.

Because enamel is vital to protect the softer insides of your teeth, this procedure is limited by the amount of enamel your dental professional can safely remove without weakening the tooth. If your enamel is thin, teeth shaping may not be a good solution for your needs.

Teeth reshaping can be used to help correct:

• Cosmetic complaints
• Chipping or cracks in your teeth
• Uneven or poorly aligned teeth
• Issues from grinding your teeth (also known as bruxism)
• Imperfections that make it hard to clean between your teeth

Before performing the reshaping, your dental professional will likely employ X-rays to gain more precise insight into the structure of your teeth and guide the procedure. After the reshaping, they will ensure that your bite aligns properly before smoothing and polishing the affected teeth.

It might relieve you to hear that teeth reshaping is often fairly simple and takes under an hour to complete! Because the procedure doesn’t involve your nerves, pulp, or gums, it will typically cause no pain and is typically performed without any numbing agent.

Tooth reshaping is often used in tandem with other methods to address other dental concerns. Read below, and we’ll cover when bonding is used.

Bonding

Bonding refers to a technique your dental professional may employ to add volume and material to supplement the shape or size of your tooth (or teeth). The putty-like resin that matches or improves the shade of your tooth, “bonds” to it before hardening.

Before bonding, your dental professional will apply a conditioning liquid or smooth your tooth using a drill-like tool so the resin can form a strong connection. They will then shape the resin to match your tooth and fit with your bite before shining a light on it to solidify the bond.

Unlike teeth reshaping, bonding may require your dental professional to numb part of your mouth to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.

Teeth Reshaping: Cost

According to American Cosmetic Dentistry, the cost of teeth reshaping (also called contouring) treatment typically is between $50 to $300 per tooth before (and if!) insurance helps cover it. Your insurance may help cover this procedure if it resulted from an injury or your dental professional deems it necessary to prevent dental problems. They may not help cover the cost if the procedure is cosmetic.

Talk to your dental professional to see if insurance will help cover this procedure and for their recommendation on the most effective and budget-friendly options that best fit your need.

Aftercare

Luckily, teeth reshaping shouldn’t have any recovery time at all (unless it’s done at the same visit as other, more invasive dental procedures). This, combined with its other benefits, make it an attractive option for those who qualify.

Caring for your reshaped teeth is like your regular dental routine but is especially important because your enamel may be thinner after the procedure.

Tips for caring for your reshaped teeth include:

• Avoiding chewing on ice and non-food items like pens and fingernails
• Gently brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid wearing down your enamel
• Cleaning thoroughly between your teeth once a day using floss, an interdental brush, or a flossing device
• Skipping out on smoking and tobacco products
• Visiting your dental professional at least every six months

Teeth reshaping is a safe, effective, and wallet-friendly way to confront some cosmetic and structural issues with your teeth. If you’re a good candidate, this procedure could help strengthen your smile and enhance your confidence without recovery time. You’re now prepared to make an informed choice with an understanding of teeth reshaping.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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The history of the development of teeth whitening, which is necessary during the procedure

Home \ Articles \ The history of the development of teeth whitening

The white color of the teeth was not always considered the standard in the palette of shades characteristic of enamel. At different times, among different peoples, you can find examples of repainting teeth in green, turquoise, brown, and even black. The concepts of beauty and norms have changed many times in human history, and even now they differ. But people have always gravitated towards aesthetic manipulations. And the first such manipulation was cosmetic contouring of the teeth, smoothing (like a file) the sharp edges of broken teeth to create a smoother surface.

The Mayan people, who lived 2000 years ago, had pointed teeth, and gemstones were inserted into the teeth for cosmetic purposes. At the height of the Mayan civilization, the system for decorating teeth included filing them into intricate shapes or decorating them with jadeite inlays. The Mayans also painted their teeth blue with turquoise and green with jade. On the island of Bali, when women reached maturity, they polished the enamel of their front teeth – this was considered more beautiful by their standards. And in the Wavira tribe in Africa, men sharpened their teeth, increasing, in their opinion, their attractiveness in the eyes of women. Women in Madagascar file their incisors so that they are sharp like a shark’s.

There were times in Europe when black teeth were the epitome of beauty. The reasons for this were various. For example, in Elizabethan England, sugar was one of the most expensive goods, and black, crooked teeth – a consequence of the irrepressible consumption of sweets – were considered a sign of high society chic. And in Rus’, sugar in the old days was a luxury item. Only relatively wealthy merchants could afford to drink tea with sugar every day. Because of this, their teeth quickly turned black and the merchants were very proud of their bad teeth, as a sign of prosperity. Those that were poorer specially painted their teeth (for example, with soot). If a girl had bad teeth, that suggested she was from a prosperous family! Fortunately, this tradition lasted only until the beginning of the 18th century.

The fashion for a snow-white smile began to be cultivated, primarily in the United States, and many consider it a criterion of well-being and wealth. It has been holding on for more than a decade and does not seem to be going to change in the near future. Exposure of beautiful even teeth during communication is a sign of health, self-confidence and peace of mind.

It was not always possible for people to keep their teeth beautiful and white.

In the history of bleaching, 1884 was an important date, because it was then that hydrogen peroxide was recognized as the basic component of all bleaching systems for the next 100+ years!

In 1990, the results of the first large-scale scientific research were published. The conclusion of the YarboroughD.K. report was: “Teeth whitening technology is safe and does not adversely affect enamel topography.” This conclusion was enough for the second wave of popularity of teeth whitening to overwhelm the world.

Soon, in the early 90s, hits such as Opalescence from Ultradent, Discus Dental released Nite White and later ZOOM technology appeared on the whitening market!

In our clinic you can get services:

• Office whitening – Professional Clinical System “ZOOM AP”
• Home whitening

• Professional Home System – Night NiteWhite (Carbamide Peroxide 10%, 16%, 22%) (custom mouthguard required)
• Professional Home System – DayWhite (Hydrogen Peroxide 9. 5%) (Custom Mouthguard Required)

The effectiveness of the procedure depends on the initial color of the teeth, genetics, the complexity of the case, the duration of the treatment.

Prior to the bleaching procedure, it is necessary: ​​

• consultation with a hygienist
• professional oral hygiene procedure

Teeth whitening can be done after professional oral hygiene after 2 weeks.

After the in-office whitening procedure, coloring products (cola, red wine, soy sauce, coffee, tea, tobacco, mustard, berries, “red” sauces, beets) must be excluded from consumption within 48 hours.

When performing home whitening, these recommendations must be followed throughout the entire whitening period.

The whitening procedure has a number of contraindications.

If you have any questions, please contact your hygienist.

Time passes, fashion, traditions, standards of beauty change, but natural whiteness, well-groomed and healthy teeth will always remain in fashion.

The informational article was prepared by hygienist Sarkisova L.M., SCNT “NOVOSTOM”, Zheleznodorozhny

In preparing the material, the information of the Journal “Prevention” today “was used

Aesthetic restoration of the front teeth