When most people think of cosmetic dentistry, they think of teeth - whitening, straightening, veneers and bonding - but your gums are important to consider as well. If your gums cover too much of your tooth’s surface, or if they are uneven, they can impact your smile even if your teeth are in excellent shape. Gums can make your teeth look short, disproportionate and crooked so many patients choose to have their gums recontoured to improve their smile and appearance.
Gum contouring can also help with the health of your gums. Let’s take a closer look at what gum contouring is and how it improves your smile and oral health.
Gum contouring is the gentle process of reshaping the gum line that frames your smile. The process involves minor oral surgery to trim away the excess gum tissues, and therefore, you may benefit from dental sedation before your procedure. However, it is still a minimally invasive procedure, focusing only on areas of tissue that extend over too much of your tooth structure. Before recommending gum contouring, your Northmount dentist will carefully examine your gums, teeth and oral health to determine if it is the right option for you.
The immediate benefit of gum contouring is the confidence you will enjoy, knowing that your gum line matches the healthy, beautiful appearance of your teeth. However, trimming away excess gum tissues also provides long-term benefits for the health of your teeth and gums. For instance, gingivitis (the precursor to gum disease) forms when oral bacteria settle underneath your gum tissues, where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach them. A gummy smile can give oral bacteria more places to hide. This means that gum contouring can reduce your risk of gum disease by reducing the opportunity for harmful oral bacteria to hide underneath your gums.
Gum contouring can correct many problems with your gum line including:
Advanced laser technology has proven to be a safe and effective method for gum contouring. Laser treatment is much more precise and provides flawless results. As the laser removes gum tissue, it also kills bacteria and seals the wound during the process. Laser treatment also reduces your chance of infection, results in quicker healing time and offers a smoother recovery.
Laser gum contouring can correct a multitude of gum issues, while providing you with a confident smile. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your gums, gum contouring may be the solution for you.
Make an appointment with your Northmount dentist to discuss if gum contouring may be the right solution for you whether it’s to improve the look of your smile or the health of your gums. We want you to be thrilled with the smile that you share with the world each day!