What to Expect at the Procedure

Tooth reshaping and contouring is performed by a dentist or cosmetic dentist in the office. Here’s what you need to know about how it’s done:

• Painless procedure: Tooth filing just occurs on the outer, enamel layer of your teeth. Since this layer doesn’t have nerves, it’s a painless procedure. However, you can request an anesthetic if you’re concerned about discomfort.
• Instruments: Dentists have several options nowadays. Alongside traditional drills, specialized lasers can also remove outer layers of enamel, and strips (with an abrasive edge, like sandpaper) can be used to work on the sides of the tooth.
• Polishing: After the tooth is contoured and reshaped, the dentist will often perform tooth polishing. This involves smoothing over and removing discoloration from your teeth to give them an attractive, glossy appearance.