I just got my braces off. While I really like how straight they look, I am a bit concerned how jagged some of the teeth are. Can my orthodontist fix this or do I need to see someone else?
Carlee
Dear Carlee,
Smoothing out the edges of jagged teeth is generally called cosmetic contouring. You may also hear dentists refer to it as enameloplasty. This entails reshaping then polishing the enamel. If the reshaping you need is minor, then your orthodontist can do it. However, if there is more than a simple reshapment needed, then you are much better off seeking the help of a cosmetic dentist.
The above image is an example of a more complicated case. While there are some jagged edges, the gaps create an additional aesthetic issue. In this case, the reshaping had to be combined with composite dental bonding. This would be beyond the abilities of an orthodontist. In fact, not even all dentists would be capable of this type of work. What you would need is to find a dentist who is experienced in cosmetic dentistry, specifically in dental bonding, which is a more advanced procedure because it has to be done freehand.
Do not hesistate to ask a dentist whether or not they have post-doctoral cosmetic training. You will also want to look at their smile gallery to see what type of results they get. If you are not impressed with their smile gallery, which should be their best work, then move on to another dentist. If they don’t have a smile gallery, then they are not serious about cosmetic work and you would be better served elsewhere in that case, as well.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.