Amelia Grant

Enameloplasty is a cosmetic dentistry procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed to reshape the teeth. This is also known as dental contouring or odontoplasty.

The dentist essentially files or sands down the surfaces of the teeth during this procedure to correct chipped teeth or to improve the symmetry and appearance of your smile.

Enameloplasty is a popular cosmetic procedure that is painless and noninvasive. If you're thinking about having this done, it's critical to understand the fundamentals of how it works, the risks, and the recovery process, which this article will go over.

Following the removal and reshaping of teeth, they are polished and whitened to remove discoloration and add a lustrous appearance. This results in a bright, even, and appealing smile.

Does It Hurt?

Enameloplasty is a painless procedure because there are no nerves within the outer enamel of teeth (the portion that is sanded, filed, or otherwise removed). Anesthetic is not usually required, but if you are nervous about the procedure, you can request it.

How Long Does It Take?

While much depends on the specific work being done, most enameloplasty procedures in the dental office last about a half hour.

What Is Recovery Like?

Because enameloplasty is a painless, noninvasive procedure, there is no special care required during recovery. You can resume your normal eating and drinking habits, but be aware of any adverse side effects, such as temporary sensitivity to hot or cold.

How Often Do You Need Enameloplasty?

Enameloplasty is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that has permanent results. The number of procedures required to correct unevenness or other issues with your smile will be determined by the scope of the work. For the majority of people, one procedure should suffice.

Enameloplasty Cost

A variety of factors influence the out-of-pocket costs of dental contouring procedures. These are some examples:

- Insurance coverage. Many insurance plans will not cover cosmetic procedures. They may, however, provide partial coverage if the enameloplasty is used to repair teeth that have been chipped due to accidents or falls.

- The extent of the work. The amount and scope of the work required can also have an impact on how much you're charged for contouring. The procedure typically costs between $50 and $300 per tooth.

- Additional procedures. Tartar and plaque on the teeth must be removed prior to an enameloplasty. In these cases, a standard cleaning appointment is required, which can increase costs.

Learn what is covered by speaking with the staff at your cosmetic dentist's office as well as a representative from your insurance company.

Side Effects of Dental Contouring

Although the procedure is painless, some side effects may occur. The enamel layer is only about 2.58 millimeters thick after treatment, leaving little room for error. Side effects include increased tooth sensitivity, increased decay risk, yellow teeth, increased tooth fragility, and easier chipping and cracking.

The Bottom Line

Enameloplasty is a safe and effective procedure for making cosmetic changes to teeth. Overall, the outlook is very positive; most people have no side effects or other issues following this procedure. Typically, no recovery time is required.

Enameloplasty, also known as odontoplasty or dental contouring, corrects minor tooth shape issues. Cosmetic dentists remove small amounts of enamel to correct chips, pointy teeth, and other shape irregularities. Enameloplasty is a painless procedure that takes about 30 minutes and requires little recovery time. Despite the possibility of some side effects, enameloplasty is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure.

Along with other cosmetic dentistry procedures, enameloplasty can help you improve your smile. It is well-tolerated and painless, and it has assisted countless people in correcting minor issues with their smiles. This procedure can help you regain your self-esteem. Discuss with your dentist the benefits of enameloplasty and other cosmetic dentistry procedures.