TikTokers are going to great lengths to achieve the “perfect smile” by using a nail file to reshape their teeth. However, the TikTok teeth shaving trend may create dental complications down the road.
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The Cause of Teeth Shaving Among TikTokers
Why do these young TikTokers feel compelled to take permanently modifying their smiles into their own hands? Aside from gaining followers and generating more views, their pursuit of the perfect smile likely stems from insecurities about their appearance. Similar to how young people are influenced by celebrities’ bodies by wanting to be thinner or more fit, celebrities’ picture-perfect smiles can also spark feelings of inadequacy. After all, there are very few celebrities with imperfect teeth. Most celebrities have had cosmetic dentistry work done, whether with veneers, orthodontics, or whitening.
Some people don’t like the three bumps on the edge of their teeth from when their teeth first developed. These bumps are called mamelons. Mamelons often naturally wear away with time, but if they remain into adulthood, they can be a source of dissatisfaction.
Filing down your teeth in the bathroom mirror may seem like an easy and quick way to get better-looking teeth, but there are several detrimental side effects of reshaping your own teeth to consider.
Side Effects of Teeth Shaving
When you file your teeth down or a dentist removes tooth structure, enamel is being removed. Enamel is the mineralized part of the tooth that helps protect your teeth from decay and sensitivity. Any time you remove the enamel, you run the risk of filing your tooth down to the dentin layer. The dentin layer is much more sensitive and less mineralized, meaning it’s more susceptible to decay.
Filing your own teeth could also disrupt your bite because your front teeth should come together in a certain way, called occlusion. You can change your bite’s occlusion by changing the shape of your front teeth, especially the canines. Many people don’t like that their canines are longer than the rest of their teeth, resembling vampire fangs. However, your canines protect your other teeth from side-to-side wear, taking the brunt of the work when you move your jaw laterally. When you file away your canines, that means your back teeth won’t ride as high, so they might start hitting together when your jaw moves side-to-side. That can cause jaw pain, grinding issues, and enamel loss if the canines no longer protect the molars.
Although at-home tooth filing is probably not painful, it’s best to leave recontouring to your dentist. Dentists know how to take away the correct amount of your tooth without impacting your bite. They also have a steady hand to avoid filing down to the dentin layer.
Veneers for TikTokers
In addition to the teeth shaving TikTok trend, young social media influencers are also opting for veneers to improve their smiles. Although veneers provide a very safe and effective option for enhancing your smile when performed by a dentist, young people should consider a few important factors before choosing this treatment plan.
Even when done well, veneers may need replaced every ten to twenty years. As a result, if you get veneers when you’re 18, you could need them replaced up to five or six times throughout your lifetime. This could pose a financial burden. Additionally, every time you remove a veneer, the dentist must remove tooth structure to fit the tooth with the new veneer. For these reasons, at Cedarwood Dentistry, we often opt for a more conservative solution for young patients who want to modify their smiles to preserve more of their tooth structure. For example, we might do orthodontics and then use small fillings to close gaps or change the shapes of teeth to remodel them slightly.
There are many options for modifying your teeth if you are unsatisfied with your smile. Don’t attempt the TikTok teeth shaving trend at home. Instead, consult your dentist about how you can safely achieve your best smile.
Let Cedarwood Dentistry Give You A Beautiful Smile without the Pain or Side Effects of DIY Shaving
If you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth, we offer a variety of cosmetic dental services in Midlothian, VA, to address your concerns. From complete veneers to teeth whitening, we work with you to achieve your smile goals in a way that meets your aesthetic, financial, and family goals.
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we cultivate dental health through personalized care. We offer a variety of dental services, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency care in Midlothian, Virginia. Whether you last visited the dentist six months or six years ago, we can help bring your smile to life. Schedule your dentist appointment today by calling 804-379-9375.