I have four months of Invisalign treatment left. My teeth are straight, but the edges are uneven. The edges take away from the 11 months I’ve spent (and the money) on correcting my smile. Is it risky to ask my orthodontist to fix the edges of my teeth, or should I see another dentist?
Thanks. Rasheida from MS
Rasheida,
The procedure you are asking about is called an enameloplasty. It is also known as cosmetic tooth contouring.
What Is Enameloplasty?
Enameloplasty is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that conservatively removes tooth enamel to reshape a tooth. The procedure can change the shape, length, or size of your teeth.
During the procedure, a dentist completes these steps:
- Clean and dry your teeth
- Confine the reshaping to your tooth enamel
- Polish the enamel
Although cosmetic contouring doesn’t require a dentist to have advanced skills, it does require good judgment. After Invisalign treatment, an orthodontist can complete minor reshaping, but if it’s more involved, find an advanced cosmetic dentist. It’s unlikely that your general dentist has enough experience to reshape your teeth precisely.
At times, cosmetic dentists use composite bonding to finish the case. A cosmetic dentist shaped the edges of the teeth in the photo on the right. The dentist also skillfully applied bonding to the side of some teeth.
Look for an experienced cosmetic dentist and schedule an appointment for a consultation to discuss your options for tooth contouring (enameloplasty) after you complete Invisalign treatment.
Dr. David Finley, an accredited fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in Monroe, LA, sponsors this post.
Did you know that all Invisalign providers—dentists and orthodontists—must complete the same specialized training that is only offered by the Invisalign company? Some patients save time and money by choosing a cosmetic dentist who is also a certified Invisalign provider.
