Can my Front Tooth Be Filed Down? (photo)

Question

I can not afford veneers and those type of things. I got a retainer to straighten them out, and the orthodontist said he will file down the longer front tooth. I am 16 years old. i also want him to file the sharp tooth at the right. He already filed the longer front tooth a little, but said he will do more when my front teeth get fully straight.

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

It is safe to file teeth down, but no more then 0.5mm. In general, enamel, which is the hardest substance in your body, on outside of your teeth usually has a thickness of about 1mm. In order to prevent wear down and cavities we should have no less then .5mm of enamel.

Thomas R. Froning, DDS · Answer

Filing your front teeth can really help with their appearance. I find it common that a patient's teeth need smoothing after orthodontics. It is much better to wait until everything is lined up as your orthodontist suggested. Then you will know where and how much to file. The difference in appearance can be dramatic with just a little recontouring. Veneers would certainly not be needed. You will have a great smile when your work is done.

Keith Blankenship, DDS · Answer

You can file your teeth to haev them result in the same length. I'm actually a little surprised by your photos that the orthodontist didnt better align them in the first place. You really dont want to file teeth too much because they can become sensitive. Your teeth actuallyneeds recontouring to get a better more natural tooth appearance. They are very flat and square shaped and should be a little more rounded on the ends. See a cosmetic dentist for the recontouring. I agree that you do not need veneers, especially at the age of 16!! Your general dentist can also most likely do the recontouring for you.

Neal Nealis, DDS (retired) · Answer

Hi "confusing problems", I am just now seeing your question and find it to be one that many people have. The short answer to your question is that the teeth can be filed down which I assume has already been done. The longer answer is in regard to the parts of teeth and more specifically in regard to the enamel shell that covers and protects the inner parts. We are born with only a limited amount of enamel, and once lost it cannot be replaced. Of course we can place porcelain veneers; however, even though porcelain can be made to look like teeth, its physical properties are very different. Due to the hardness of porcelain, the opposing teeth well might wear over time, and at age 17 you have plenty of time. The healthiest solution for you would have been to allow the orthodontist to intrude that tooth to align its incisal edge with that of the adjacent tooth so that you would not lose any precious enamel.

Dr. Neal

Dr. Neal

David S. Frey, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

The answer is "yes". We refer to the procedure as cosmetic contouring. As long as the amount of tooth structure stays in the enamel and does not go deep into the dentin. Many patients contour their teeth on a regular basis without doing porcelain veneers. Good Luck! Dr. David Frey

Can my Front Tooth Be Filed Down? (photo)

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