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What Is Teeth Filing, Why Do I Need It and How Much Does It Cost?

Contributors:  Amanda Napitu
Medically reviewed by:  Dr. Joshua Hong

Think you can't afford cosmetic dentistry to fix a chipped tooth or even up your smile? Think again. With teeth filing and contouring you can improve the appearance of your teeth without spending a fortune.

If you have chipped, fractured, or uneven teeth that are making you self-conscious when you smile, keep reading to find out whether tooth contouring could work for you. We have information on what the process involves, what the risks are, and how much you can expect to pay for it in the US.

If you are ready to see a dentist about teeth filing, you can find one by calling 866-383-0748. You'll be connected to a live operator who will put you through to a dentist who offers filing dentistry procedures near you.

Do you need teeth filing? Find a dentist available now for filing near you.

Click here to get connected or call 866-383-0748 (toll-free, 24/7)

Call A Dentist

What is enameloplasty?

Enameloplasty is the official name for filing, shaving, contouring, sanding, or reshaping of the teeth. This is normally done to make the smile more uniform and improve aesthetics. Although it goes by many names, the teeth filing procedure is relatively straightforward.

Teeth reshaping involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel to fix minor aesthetic issues. It's a quick, pain-free, and cheap alternative to veneers that don't cause lasting damage to teeth.

sanding teeth
Shaving down teeth is quick and straightforward

A dentist uses a sanding tool or laser to remove very small amounts of enamel from the tooth. Thin strips, a bit like sandpaper, can be used to reshape the sides of teeth.

Once the treated teeth have reached the desired shape, the dentist will smooth and polish them, so they look and feel good as new. The whole process usually only takes about half an hour.

Getting teeth filed down shouldn't hurt, since you have no nerves in your enamel. It's therefore not necessary to use any kind of anesthetic for the procedure. However, if you're nervous about experiencing pain you may ask for an anesthetic anyway.

After teeth filing you will have a thinner layer of enamel, so it's important to take especially good care of your teeth. Your dentist will advise you on the best type of toothbrush and toothpaste to use to protect your tooth enamel.

Why get your teeth filed?

You should get your teeth filled to improve the appearance of your smile and oral health. Recontouring teeth is usually a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can help you get that Hollywood smile, but it may have some practical benefits too. More reasons for filing down teeth include:

  • Removing small chips and rough edges
  • Smoothing out fractures
  • Improving tooth alignment and bite
  • Reducing slight overlap
  • Creating a more even smile
  • Reducing the height of long teeth
  • Reshaping pointy teeth (especially canines)

Tooth filing may also happen as part of orthodontic treatment if some extra space is needed to correct the overcrowding of teeth. This is also known as interproximal reduction. In the video below, you can see how a dentist files the upper central incisors.

Enameloplasty Upper Central Incisors, Enameloplasty, Mamelons, dentistry, dental tips and tricks.

Teeth shaving risks

Your tooth enamel is a hard coating that protects your teeth and gives them their biting strength. As it erodes, it offers less protection and exposes the layer of yellow dentin underneath. So what are the side effects of tooth filing? Shaving teeth down can lead to enamel loss which results in:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Increased risk of tooth decay
  • Yellow teeth
  • Greater chance of chips or breakage

Removing a thin layer of the enamel on certain parts of a tooth shouldn't cause any lasting damage. However, since tooth enamel is only 2.58mm thick on average, there is not much room for error.

tooth structure
Tooth enamel protects the dentin and pulp inside the tooth

If too much enamel is filed off, it can weaken the tooth and exacerbate the problems listed above. That's why it's important to find a dentist who is experienced in carrying out enamel reshaping.

If your teeth are already badly worn, you may not be a suitable candidate for enameloplasty. In fact, you should be considering tooth reconstruction procedures that will protect what is left of your teeth before the nerve becomes exposed.

Finally, it should go without saying that this is not something you can do at home! It might sound quite straightforward but if you try to file or shape your own teeth you risk causing greater damage to them.

You also don't have access to the special polishing tools dentists use to smooth any rough surfaces. If not polished properly, these surfaces are harder to clean, so are more likely to experience plaque build-up and decay.

Alternatives to shaving teeth

Dental veneers and bonding are the main alternatives to filing teeth. These both add to the tooth, rather than taking away from it, so the dentist can offer more options in terms of shape, size, and color.

broken teeth need repair
This patient's teeth are too badly damaged for filing; he needs bonding or veneers

If you have stained or yellow teeth then you may want to do a course of tooth whitening in conjunction with your re-shaping. Do be aware, though, that the removal of enamel increases the chances of tooth sensitivity since the tooth pulp is less protected.

Again, veneers and dental bonding are both options if you want to alter your tooth color and shape at the same time.

Enamel contouring is not a suitable treatment for severe dental problems. In the table below you can view appropriate treatments for different types of dental problems:

Dental problem

Appropriate treatment

Minor aesthetic problems such as small chips, fractures and uneven tooth height

Teeth re-shaping

Large chip

Bonding or veneer

Broken or cracked tooth

Crown, inlay, onlay, veneer or extraction

Tooth decay

Filling, root canal or extraction

Misaligned teeth

Orthodontic treatment with braces

Tooth discoloration

Teeth whitening or veneers

How much does teeth filing cost?

Teeth filing costs a lot less than porcelain veneers – and even bonding – since you don't have to pay for any materials or lab work. You pay for your dentist's time, expertise, and specialist tools.

Porcelain veneers
Veneers are a more expensive (but more dramatic) alternative

You'll need to ask your dentist for a personalized quote for teeth shaving since each clinic has different rates for the procedure. Naturally, it will also depend on how much work you need to get done and on how many teeth.

To give you a rough idea though, dentists charge around $50 to $300 per tooth depending on the amount of work. This is unlikely to be covered by your insurance unless the damage occurred as the result of an accident (read more about the best dental insurance policies in the US.

When you compare this with the cost of $900 – $2,500 for a single porcelain veneer, you can see it is a much cheaper way to cosmetically improve your smile. Another benefit is that teeth shaving is permanent, whereas veneers must be replaced every 5-10 years.

If you need to have your teeth filed as part of orthodontic treatment, this procedure should be included in the overall cost you are quoted.

Can you file your teeth yourself?

No, you can't file your teeth yourself. Do not do this. Dentists have special training, years of education in fact, and specific tools that they use to file and contour teeth.

If you try shaving teeth at home, even if you acquire the right tools, you could risk damaging enamel. Enamel doesn't grow back, and its loss can cause pain, intense sensitivity, and an increased risk of all sorts of oral ailments.

Paying for teeth shaving

Although teeth filing costs less than some other cosmetic procedures, the cost can still add up if you want to get several teeth fixed.

One way to pay for this – or any other dental work like veneers or braces – is with a medical loan. A loan gives you a way to pay for your treatment upfront while letting you pay back the loan in manageable increments over time.

Before committing to a loan, make sure you will be able to pay it off by the deadline.

If taking out a loan for cosmetic dental work interests you, you can use SuperMoney's loan comparison tool to compare loans side by side and find the right one for you.

Conclusion

If your teeth have minor cosmetic imperfections that you're conscious of, filing may well be a quick and effective way to even out your smile. Even if porcelain veneers are your ultimate goal, you could opt for tooth reshaping as a short-term measure while you save for the more expensive treatment.

From teeth shaving before and after photos, you can see that the results of teeth filing aren't drastic. However, even a few subtle changes can make you feel much more comfortable with showing off your teeth.

Make an appointment to speak to your dentist about your options, or just mention it at your next checkup.

Find a dentist available now for teeth filing near you.

Click here to get connected or call 866-383-0748 (toll-free, 24/7)

Call A Dentist

Alternatively, you can connect with a dentist live by using teledentistry services to ask any questions and get more information. Find out more about online dentist appointments in our full guide.

FAQs

What do dentists use to file teeth?

For filing teeth, your dentist will use a sanding tool or laser to remove small amounts of enamel from the tooth. Then they will use thin strips of sandpaper-like material to reshape the teeth.

What is enameloplasty?

Enameloplasty is the official term used for the process of getting your teeth filed or contoured at the dentist. This process involves a small amount of teeth shaving with a sanding tool or a laser. This is then followed by polishing for a smooth finish.

Can you safely file your teeth yourself?

No, you can't safely file your teeth yourself, and nor should you try. If you try to shave your teeth at home, you could end up damaging your tooth's enamel, which can cause other problems. Just some of these problems include sensitivity and pain and an increased risk of decay and infection.

What to do if your tooth feels rough?

If your teeth feel rough and it's bothering you, there may be a couple of reasons. Most likely it's caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar. To get tartar removed, you need to go to the dentist because it requires special tools. If you suspect that your teeth are rough for a different reason, you should schedule a consultation with your dentist.

What Is Teeth Filing, Why Do I Need It and How Much Does It Cost?
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Contributors:
Amanda specialises in writing informative content about dentistry. She has been a regular contributor to Dentaly.org since 2017, and collaborates with dozens of dentists to keep this content accurate and up-to-date.
Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Joshua Hong runs a Cosmetic Dental Clinic in Goodyear, AZ with a singular focus on creating true value for patients. He believes in patient education along with providing the best dental care for each patient while making sure that his patients feel comfortable and at ease during each consultation, treatment, and procedure.