Sometimes dental health and dental treatments may seem confusing. After all, some dental conditions have scientific names such as bruxing (which simply means grinding and clenching your teeth), or periodontitis (gum disease), and there are so many different treatment areas as well, such as endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, etc. There may also be some confusion when it comes to contouring, another dental treatment. Therefore, today we are going to explain the difference between teeth contouring and gum contouring.
What is Teeth Contouring?
Teeth contouring or dental contouring is an easy, quick, and affordable cosmetic dental treatment. It involves removing small amounts of your tooth enamel to improve the length and/or shape, or the surface of your tooth or teeth. Teeth contouring can help improve imperfections such as:
- Tiny chips
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Slightly overlapping teeth
- Excessively pointy cuspids or “vampire” teeth
- Teeth that are too long
- Ridges or jagged edges
Teeth contouring is done by gently polishing away a minute portion of your tooth. No prep work is required, and it can be completed in one visit.
What is Gum Contouring
While teeth contouring involves improving your actual dentition, or teeth, gum contouring is something altogether different. Gum contouring is a surgical procedure used to reshape your gum line or gingival tissue. This procedure requires a local anesthetic, and the use of a diode laser for comfort and efficiency. Gum contouring is used to:
- Reduce a gummy smile
- Create a more symmetrical gum line
- Help heal gums damaged by periodontal disease
