What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is also referred to as gum lifting or gum reshaping. This is usually a cosmetic procedure that is really about your smile. Your smile is an extremely personal asset that is too often taken for granted. Your smile is, quite honestly, the absolute foundation of your self-confidence and self-esteem. If there is a feature of your smile that you do not care for, you may become self-conscious of this perceived flaw, and it will begin to have a negative effect on your personal and professional relationships. Referred to as a gummy smile, this is simply when your smile exposes more gum than teeth. The proportions between the two are out of balance. A common and frequent occurrence, and one easily corrected with a simple gum contouring procedure.
Defining the Gummy Smile
The perception of a gummy smile varies from person to person, but most dentists agree that if you have four millimeters of gum tissue showing during your smile, then the proportions are now out of balance with the length of the crowns of your teeth. This condition is far more prominent with your upper gums. The standard of an ideal smile has two to three millimeters of gum showing above your teeth.
What Causes a Gummy Smile
A gummy smile is when an excessive amount of gum is displayed under your upper lip. Usually, this perceived defect is genetic. The position of your upper lip during your smile is also primarily genetic. As you age, you might wear down your teeth, and this could change the proportions as well.
The Gum Contouring Procedure
The procedure, usually performed for cosmetic reasons, can also be used to address decay, tooth loss, or gum disease. Depending on the specific objectives, it can also be referred to as crown lengthening with the same results. A local anesthetic is first applied to numb tissue, and quite often a dental laser will then be used to trim away the excessive gum tissue with extraordinarily little bleeding. As the dentist trims and sculpts the soft tissue, the laser cauterizes at the same time, minimizing any bleeding. A surgical scalpel can also be used, but the entire procedure will likely be done in sections to allow proper healing time.
The Healing Time and the Benefits of Gum Contouring
You could experience some minor swelling for a few days after the gum contouring. Depending on the actual amount of tissue removed, you could feel a little discomfort or some increased sensitivity with a few teeth. Your dental team will advise you to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for a while, as well as drinking through a straw. Follow the recovery instructions given to you, and you will be healed within 10 days.
It is difficult to put a monetary value on your smile. Looking in the mirror, you will immediately notice the improvement. More beautiful white teeth showing, less gum tissue. The gum contouring could improve some of the sagging pockets around your teeth, which improves the overall health of your gums. You may also find it easier to brush. Establish and maintain good habits with your oral hygiene moving forward, and continue to enjoy your new, beautiful smile.