Gum contouring to improve smile

Do you find yourself hiding your smile because you're self-conscious about the way your teeth look? If so, you're not alone. Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, whether it's because they're stained, yellowed, or gapped. And while there are a variety of ways to improve the look of your smile, one of the quickest and most effective is gum contouring.

Gum contouring is a simple procedure that can be completed in just one visit to the dentist. Using a laser, your dentist will gently remove any excess gum tissue, resulting in a more balanced and polished look. So if you're ready to ditch your gummy smile and show off your pearly whites, gum contouring may be right for you.

Uneven Gums: What Causes Them?

Various factors can cause gums that are too low or too high. Gums that cover a significant portion of your teeth can make them appear small. This could be due to genetics, a medical condition, or the use of certain prescription medications.

Gum recession, a condition in which gum tissue pulls back from a tooth and exposes the tooth's root, is a common cause of gums that are too high and make your teeth appear longer.

Gum recession not only makes your teeth appear longer but it can also lead to serious dental issues like decay and tooth loss. Periodontal disease, or the deterioration of the teeth's supporting structures, can cause gum recession (gums and bone).

How much does gum contouring cost?

The cost of gum contouring is based on how much work needs to be done. Consult your dentist about the cost based on your specific requirements. Dental insurance usually does not cover gum contouring for cosmetic reasons.

What to Anticipate

Laser gum contouring is performed with a local anesthetic in a state-of-the-art practice using advanced dental technology. Your dentist may also use sedation dentistry to alleviate any anxiety or fears you may have about your upcoming dental appointment.

Your teeth and gums will be cleaned and dried first. Your doctor will then use the laser to remove overgrown tissue gradually. Incisions are not necessary because the laser seals the remaining tissue. Your dentist will clean your mouth once your gum line is even so you can see the results.

Laser gum contouring treatments should only take one visit for most patients, which can be combined with your regular cleaning and exam appointment.

Treatment Follow-up

Your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions after your laser gum contouring procedure. Antibiotics may be prescribed by your dentist. For a few weeks, your gums may be swollen.

With a good oral hygiene routine, your gums should heal quickly (daily brushing and mouthwash). Contact your dentist if you have any questions about the signs of infection.

Continue to have bi-annual dental cleanings so that your dentist can keep an eye on your gums and help you maintain a healthy smile.

Enhance the contours of your smile

Laser gum contouring is a fantastic procedure for a variety of reasons: it can improve a gummy smile while also lowering your risk of gum disease. Laser gum contouring may be a good option for you if you want to boost your confidence in your smile or improve the health of your gums and teeth.

Clip on veneers avoid gum contouring

If you have gapped, chipped, cracked, or stained teeth, you may want to consider clip on veneers. Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain that is placed over your existing teeth. Veneers can improve the look of your smile and protect your teeth from further damage.

Clip on veneers are an alternative to gum contouring because they do not require any alteration to your existing teeth. Clip on veneers are also less expensive than traditional veneers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of doctor performs gum contouring?

A variety of dentists, including general dentists and periodontists, can perform gum contouring (gum specialists). Before you have the procedure done, inquire about your dentist's knowledge and experience with the procedure.

Is Gum Contouring Surgery Required?

Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure in and of itself. The majority of the time, it isn't medically required. The majority of people have their gums reshaped to make their smiles look better.

Gum contouring surgery is sometimes performed in conjunction with other periodontal procedures such as crown lengthening, pocket reduction, and regenerative procedures.

Adding gum tissue to a recession and trimming overgrown tissue that has covered part of the tooth crown are examples of non-cosmetic gum contouring procedures.

Do gums regenerate after gum contouring?

No. When patients are concerned about having an overly gummy smile, gum contouring is used to improve the appearance of the gums. Gum tissue is removed during the procedure, and it will not regrow.

Is it possible to treat receding gums with veneers?

While not as well-known as porcelain veneers, gum veneers can be an effective way to restore the appearance of gums after gum disease treatment.

Is the procedure painful?

Patients have reported that their laser gum sculpting treatments were almost painless. A local anesthetic applied to the gums makes the procedure more comfortable, but it isn't always necessary because the laser isn't particularly painful.

Some side effects, such as swollen or sensitive gums, may occur after the procedure, but these should subside after a few days.

Don't forget to check out the cost of a partial denture.