Are you embarrassed by your “gummy smile”? Good news: We can fix a gummy smile with gum contouring. A “gummy smile” is when a significant portion of your gums show as you smile, which makes your teeth look shorter than they are. There is nothing wrong with this type of smile, but some patients who experience this feel insecure about how it looks. A gummy smile or misaligned gum line can be corrected with a cosmetic dentistry procedure called gum contouring.
What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is a surgical procedure that utilizes the preciseness of a laser to reshape your gum line for a more appealing smile. Rather than use a scalpel, the dentist will use a diode laser to remove excess gum tissue with expert precision and exactness. A local anesthetic is applied so you will remain pain-free and comfortable during the procedure. To correct a gummy smile, excess gum tissue is removed — this reveals more of your tooth surface and therefore, your teeth appear longer. After the procedure, less of your gums will be visible while smiling. Gum contouring may also be a good choice for patients who have experienced periodontal disease and have damaged or uneven gums as a result. Patients who naturally have an uneven gum line may opt for gum contouring as well.
Benefits of Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure with the following benefits:
- It can correct a gummy smile by removing excess gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth’s surface
- It can make your smile more symmetrical by correcting an uneven gum line
- It can restore the look of gums damaged by gum disease, thus restoring your smile
- The laser used during gum contouring results in reduced bleeding and recovery time, because it cauterizes as it works
- Your chances of post-procedure infection are also reduced thanks to the laser, because it has antiseptic properties
ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY DENTISTS:
At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling (508) 842-6356 today.
