What are Contraindication of Enameloplasty?

Enamoplasty simply means to change the shape of the enamel of the tooth, whether from adjusting the bite (occlusal equilibration) or the tips of the front teeth to change appearance.

The only contraindication would be if a tooth was so severely worn that any removal of tooth structure might lead to exposure of the nerve, but in that case, there are bigger issues to address.  One must be careful when adjusting a bite, as it may lead to more involved and expensive treatment.  Often, bite issues are corrected by ADDING to the size of a tooth and not taking away.  A thorough evaluation by an experienced dentist is important.

Generally minimal removal of the enamel (Enameloplasty) is safe but if already too much of your enamel is missing maximum care should be taken to prevent further loss.  The enamel is a very strong material that protects the teeth and once it is lost the tooth becomes more vulnerable to cavities, faster wear of the teeth and potential loss in the vertical bite dimension.  Should a tooth ever require a dental restoration you can always achieve a much stronger bond and seal between the enamel and the restoration.  There are times when enameloplasty is required to re-contour the shape of your teeth to achieve a more favourable appearance or to correct a bite interference.

Enamelplasty as defined by the dental community is completely safe and usually only involves minor reshaping of the teeth.  It is most commonly used in esthetic procedures to create more uniformity in the smille.

Because enameloplasty removes tooth enamel care should be taken in the process. 

Enamel is the hardest tissue in the body and as such allows us to chew effectively with very few problems.  Removing too much enamel can expose the dentin of the tooth which wears more readily than the enamel.  Enamel is also a very good insulator and when it is in tact, can help prevent tooth sensitivity.  When the enamel is thin or the dentin is exposed there is more likelihood that the tooth will be sensitive to temperature, sweets, etc.

The most common reason for enameloplasty is to recontour a tooth to make it look better or to smooth a small chip.  It can also be used to adjust a person's bite (also known as coronoplasty) so that the teeth will fit together and function more harmoniously.  Bite adjustments should also be done carefully so as not to promote TMJ problems by altering the bite.  As long as small amounts of enamel are removed there should be no problem.   

Enameloplasty is usually done in areas that are easily cleaned with a tooth brush and floss.  It would be more risky in a non-cleansable area.  In that situation a tooth could become more susceptible to tooth decay in that area.

Enamelplasty is the process of removing slight amounts of enamel without going into the underlying dentin of the tooth.

Obviously, taking away any tooth structure is not the best. However, if the enamel is de-mineralized or stained, the benefits outweigh the risks. If the enamel is healthy we have to ask why it is being altered. First, if removing some healthy tooth structure will prevent long term damage such as a cavity, it is the right thing to do. Often grooves in back teeth harbor bacteria. These bacteria can lead to tooth decay. By opening up the grooves, and placing some type of restoration material or sealant in them, the long term prognosis for a healthy tooth is excellent.

Now, lets talk about enamelplasty in cosmetic areas of the mouth. Often the teeth can have enamel removed to improve the shape of the tooth. As long as the enamel is not completely removed and it is polished after the adjustment, no short or long term problems will be present. Fluoride after this would be a good idea, though not necessary. Dramatic improvements in a person's smile can be made by reshaping the enamel. Considering the other more aggressive options that patients undergo to improve their smile, this is usually a first option, along with whitening.

The third situation that enamelplasty is beneficial is to correct bite issues. Often, minor reductions of enamel can ensure long term stability of the bite, stop patients from grinding, eliminate headaches and improve jaw comfort. Always ask what option are available to treat you condition and remember that conservative dentistry is always the best.