Sometimes in 2020, a do-it-yourself trend emerged on the social media channel TikTok. It involved teeth shaving whereby a piece of sandpaper or nail file is used in shaving down uneven teeth. Similar do-it-yourself hacks have also appeared and existed for years on YouTube and beauty blogs. Teeth shaving exists in dental procedures, but it is not recommended that you do it yourself. It can contribute to long-term damage to teeth that can accelerate decay.
DIY Teeth Shaving is a Bad Idea, Why?
Teeth shaving is able to remove areas of the natural enamel. However, unlike the skin or fingernails, once you have taken out the enamel, it will not grow back. Your teeth' enamel serves a protective function. It is a hard, protective layer covering the pulp and nerve. If you expose these elements, it can lead to prolonged pain until you have restorative dental work performed on the teeth.
In a professional setting, procedures like veneers and crowns require minimal enamel shaving to get a closer, exact fit. The shaving of teeth is performed in a controlled environment and by professionals. However, DIY teeth shaving is not controlled and precise. The results do not last particularly if you grind your teeth.
Also, shaving off too much speeds up decay. A person also has a risk of having tooth sensitivity and irritation or inflammation of the nerve. In addition, correcting a DIY teeth filing job requires much restorative or cosmetic dental work.
Procedures Requiring Teeth Shaving
A dentist may remove a section of your enamel if you are receiving dental crowns, veneers, braces, partial dentures, and recontouring procedures. Another procedure requiring the filing down of teeth is occlusal equilibration. Here, a dentist will reshape the cusps of back teeth. These are the teeth people use to chew and bite food.
If the teeth do not fit well together due to uneven surfaces or lengths, then a patient may have increased wear, muscle spasm pain, and TMJ pain. As a result, teeth shaving helps create more balance and allows the teeth to be able to rest against one another much better.
Talk to us about resolving your teeth problems and avoid shaving down your teeth.
Talk to one of our caring patient coordinators today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Frank Sioda 18676 Willamette Dr. Suite 202 West Linn, OR 97068-1718
Dental Blog | Dentist West Linn | ZenTech Dentistry Dr. Frank Sioda of ZenTech Dentistry has created this informative blog to help educate the community about a variety of dental topics. Learn more here. ZenTech Dentistry - Frank K. Sioda, DMD, PC, 18676 Willamette Dr., Suite 202, West Linn, OR 97068-1718 ~ (503) 765-9699 ~ zentechdentistry.com ~ 10/14/2024 ~ Associated Words: dentist West Linn ~
Appointment
(503) 765-9699
Sometimes in 2020, a do-it-yourself trend emerged on the social media channel TikTok. It involved teeth shaving whereby a piece of sandpaper or nail file is used in shaving down uneven teeth. Similar do-it-yourself hacks have also appeared and existed for years on YouTube and beauty blogs. Teeth shaving exists in dental procedures, but it is not recommended that you do it yourself. It can contribute to long-term damage to teeth that can accelerate decay.