What Is Enameloplasty?

The term “enameloplasty” refers to a range of procedures that take away tiny amounts of enamel to reshape and correct the appearance of teeth. This involves using specialized tools to file, sand, smooth out, and eventually polish surfaces. To access areas between teeth, dentists may also use strips coated with abrasive material.¹

Following the removal and reshaping process, teeth undergo a final polishing and whitening to remove discoloration and add a lustrous quality to them. This leaves your smile bright, even, and attractive. Enameloplasty is used for the following:

• Removing chips and correcting sharp edges
• Fixing the appearance of fractured teeth
• Correcting smaller issues with bite, overbite, or underbite
• Shortening teeth that are too long and tall
• Evening out the smile
• Fixing pointy teeth
• Correcting crowding of teeth as part of orthodontic treatment

Does It Hurt?

Since there are no nerves within the outer enamel of teeth—the portion that is sanded, filed, or otherwise removed—enameloplasty is a painless procedure.¹ Anesthetic is generally not needed, but if you feel anxious about the procedure, you can request it.

How Long Does It Take?

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

What Is Recovery Like?

Since enameloplasty is a painless, noninvasive procedure, there’s no need for anything specific during recovery. You can go back to eating and drinking as before, though you will want to be mindful of adverse side effects, such as temporary sensitivity to hot or cold.

How Often Do You Need Enameloplasty?

Enameloplasty is an elective, cosmetic procedure, and its results are permanent. The number of procedures necessary to correct unevenness or other issues with your smile will depend on the scope of the work being done. For most people, one procedure should be sufficient.

Recap

Enameloplasty, also known as dental contouring, is a cosmetic procedure that corrects minor irregularities of the shape of teeth. A painless procedure that takes only about a half hour, the enamel of the sides, inner, or outer surfaces are filed or sanded away. Though there may be some side effects, especially tooth sensitivity, no specific steps are needed for recovery.