When people think of their smile, their teeth are often the first thing that comes to mind – and with good reason. The teeth are certainly the centerpiece of their smile, and their health and alignment contribute significantly to its overall aesthetic. However, in addition to their vital role in overall health, the gums also play an important part in the appearance of a smile. If you were already aware of this, you may be experiencing some concerns with the appearance of your own gums. If this is the case, don’t worry, you are not alone. Many are unsatisfied with how their gums look, and unfortunately, many might even believe that there is nothing to be done about their situation. If you are among the many Americans who wish there was something that could be done to improve the appearance of their gums, you are in luck. With gum contouring, it’s possible for you to achieve the smile you have always dreamed of.
Common Gum-Related Concerns
There are two common issues people often take with the aesthetics of their gums.
- Receding or receded gumlines. Whether someone was born with a minimal amount of gumline or it has receded due to age or periodontal disease, some are self-conscious about the resulting appearance of an “overly toothy” smile.
- Excessive gingival display. Excessive gingival display means that a large portion of a person’s gums are highly visible, meaning that a lot of gum tissue is present in their mouth. Some may refer to this as a “gummy smile.”
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental process that allows a dentist to reshape the gums and gumline based on the goals and desires of the patient. It can also be known as tissue sculpting or gum reshaping. Whether you have too much gum as a result of health conditions, genetics, or prescription drug use, or not enough gum as a result of advancing age or periodontal disease, gum contouring is a great option for dental patients that are self-conscious about the appearance of their gums and how it affects their smile.
What Does Gum Contouring Entail?
The first step in the gum contouring process is an initial consultation. In order for a dentist to understand the patient’s key issues and goals to determine the best treatment plan and course of action, they must understand the issue of the patient and how to best map out a solution. This also provides an opportunity for the patient to learn more about what to expect during the procedure. Once an understanding on issues and goals has been reached, the dentist will map out the patient’s mouth and gumline to pinpoint the best approach. Finally, the dentist will perform the procedure using a combination of traditional dental tools and advanced technology to shape the gums, either by adding tissue to receded gumlines or scaling back the tissue from excessive gingival presence.
If you are self-conscious about how your gums affect your smile, call us today at (720) 308-9798 or contact us online .
