Filing down teeth

[vincent168]

Has anyone had experiences with the ortho filing down your tooth/teeth to make it look better?
I feel a little uncomfortable doing this as we are damaging the tooth.
Is it supposed to be a sensitive procedure?

[Ashybear]

My ortho did that a couple of times, but I never really questioned it as I trust him and they definitely do look better for it. I can't say it was uncomfortable, but it didn't give off the nicest smell! My ortho did it without asking me, which was fine by me, but it's a bit weird that he didn't ask... I suppose he just assumes I will let him do whatever if it means straight, nicer looking teeth

[vincent168]

Yeah I had this done today and I felt it was sensitive and so worried the ortho filed down too much?

[seagull]

Mine filed between a few of my front teeth in order to create more space for movement. It's called interproximal reduction. My understanding is that it is a very common procedure and is not harmful. I was nervous too after it was done-- it really looks like more space than it is! My teeth shifted quickly (a matter of weeks with an Inman) to fill in the space. Try not to worry too much!

[bracesagain2]

I've had this procedure done as well. It didn't accomplish its purpose of closing my gap. But like everyone said, it should be ok and I seem to hear it's very common in adult orthodontics. And sometimes it's also done for cosmetic purposes.

[Marigold]

I've had many teeth filed or evened out as a result of chipping. Sometimes it turned out well, sometimes not. You really have to trust your dentist or ortho to have a good eye because there's no putting it back on! I think the sensitivity depends on how much enamel is left. When you get close to the dentin it gets pretty sensitive.

[19withbraces]

I'm worried about this too, my teeth still have the ridges they get when you get your new "grown-up" teeth so they will have to be filled off. From what I have heard though it doesn't hurt and only takes a matter of seconds.