Most cosmetic dental treatments are designed to address a specific concern with your smile’s appearance in a way that offers maximum results with minimally invasive treatment. For example, if you have a gummy smile, then cosmetic gum contouring can help you specifically improve the symmetry and alignment of your gum line. While uneven gum tissues aren’t as common as some other cosmetic smile concerns, gum contouring can be as important as any other treatment for patients who do have a gummy smile.
When is gum contouring recommended?
Some cosmetic dental treatments, such as porcelain veneers, are more valuable for their ability to address multiple different types of concerns with your smile’s appearance at once. However, gum contouring is only recommended when patients exhibit a gummy smile, or when their smile improvement plans include ensuring an even gum line following one or more other treatments. The cosmetic goal of contouring your gum line is to create an even and symmetrical frame around your teeth, allowing your gums to showcase your smile’s natural beauty. However, an even gum line matters to more than just your smile’s appearance, and contouring your gums could also have significant long-term advantages to the overall state of your oral health.
The gum contouring process
The process of contouring your gum line is also different than many other cosmetic dental treatments, mainly because it focuses on improving your gums rather than your teeth. The treatment process involves gently trimming the areas of your gum tissues that cover more areas of your tooth structure, This requires minor surgery to ensure that the tissues are successfully contoured without any damage to the surrounding healthy gum and oral tissues. Once completed, the more symmetrical line of your gums will help improve the overall appearance of your smile, and the health of your gums will be easier to maintain.
The long-term benefits to your oral health
The appearance of your gum line isn’t the only potential problem that can arise with your gum tissues when they aren’t even and symmetrical. For some patients, the state of their gums can also make them more susceptible to developing gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). This occurs when oral bacteria accumulate underneath your gums, on the surfaces of your teeth roots. The infection that results in your gum tissues grows progressively worse, leading to significant damage and, in some cases, tooth loss. With a more even gum line, protecting your smile and preventing gum disease development can be much easier and more successful long-term.
Learn if you can benefit from gum contouring
If you have a gummy smile, then contouring your gum line could have more benefits than just improving your smile’s appearance. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI, today at 248-693-6213.
