DIY methods can be fast and rewarding solutions to many problems, from furniture building to at-home cold remedies. However, some people are exploring the idea of taking their dental care into their own hands.
You may have seen the TikTok trend where a nail file is used to grind down teeth, and maybe you even thought, “Seems harmless!” At first glance, filing your own teeth might seem like a quick and easy way to improve your smile. However, this approach presents significant risks to your long-term dental health and is best left to a trained orthodontist.
What is Teeth Filing and Why Might You Need It?
Teeth filing, also known as enameloplasty, is a dental procedure that carefully removes tiny amounts of enamel to change your teeth’s shape, length, or surface. Orthodontists typically perform this procedure to correct minor irregularities, improve the overall appearance of teeth, or support another orthodontic treatment.
DIY attempts like those seen on social media typically involve using nail files or other abrasive tools, which can lead to irreversible damage to teeth and overall oral health. In contrast, your orthodontist uses specialized tools and techniques to gently reshape teeth while preserving as much of the natural structure as possible.
Why You Shouldn’t File Your Teeth
A quick fix for a less-than-perfect smile may be tempting, but DIY teeth filing holds significant risks that can lead to long-term oral health problems. Here are a few essential reasons why you should avoid filing your own teeth:
- Enamel Damage and Tooth Sensitivity: The enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth, and once it’s removed or damaged, it can’t grow back. DIY teeth filing can easily remove too much enamel, increasing tooth sensitivity and raising the risk of tooth decay.
- Misaligned Teeth and Bite Problems: Professional orthodontic procedures are performed with precision, taking into account the harmony of your bite and jaw alignment. Improper filing can result in uneven teeth, affecting how your teeth come together (your bite) and leading to jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and other orthodontic issues.
- Infection and Long-Term Dental Issues: Using non-sterile tools like nail files to file teeth can introduce bacteria into your mouth, increasing the risk of infection. Moreover, incorrect filing techniques can cause cracks or fractures in the teeth, leading to serious dental problems requiring extensive treatment.
- Irreversible Changes: Unlike hair or nails, teeth do not grow back. Any changes you make through filing are permanent and, if done incorrectly, can lead to a lifetime of dental issues that are often costly and complex to correct.
Orthodontists and dentists undergo extensive training to understand the intricacies of dental anatomy and the safest, most effective ways to improve it. By choosing professional dental care, you ensure not only the beauty of your smile but also its long-term health and functionality.
How Can You Correct Uneven Teeth?
Understanding the risks of DIY teeth filing naturally leads to the question: What are the safe alternatives? Thankfully, modern orthodontics offers several professional and practical options for improving the appearance and health of your teeth.
First, connect with an AAO orthodontic professional. Orthodontists are trained in understanding the structure of your teeth and can determine the cause of your misalignment. They will work with you to decide if you’re a good candidate for professional filing or if another orthodontic treatment would be more beneficial.
Your orthodontist may recommend alternatives such as:
- Braces, Clear Aligners or other Orthodontic Treatments: Braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic treatments are often the safest and most effective choice if your goal is to correct misaligned teeth or bite issues. These treatments gradually and precisely move your teeth to the correct position, improving appearance and function.
- Veneers: Veneers are a popular option for cosmetic changes like altering the shape or color of your teeth. These thin, custom-made shells are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth, transforming your smile. While the placement of veneers only requires minimal removal of natural tooth structure, it is still an irreversible procedure. Veneers require maintenance and replacement throughout your life.
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding improves the appearance of the teeth through the application of a tooth-colored resin material. This method repairs chips, cracks, or minor irregularities in tooth shape, offering a less invasive alternative to veneers.
Fix Your Smile with an AAO Orthodontist
You can work with an American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Orthodontist to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. Orthodontists are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile. Find an orthodontist near you and schedule your consultation today.
