Gum Contouring with Precise Laser Technology Can Enhance Your Smile
Some people have a high lip line, which means when they smile broadly, they show more gum tissue than they would like. Excessive gum tissue can cause you to have an uneven or "gummy “smile. If you want a bigger smile that shows off more of your teeth, consider laser gum contouring.
Since our gum tissue serves as the "frame" for our teeth, this can affect the cosmetic appearance of our smile. In many cases, we can use dental lasers to contour, smooth and shape the gum tissue to make the teeth look more proportional and appealing. In most of our cosmetic cases, we routinely use lasers to eliminate undesired gum tissue up to 2-3mm. With laser gum recontouring, we can reveal more of your teeth, making smaller teeth appear larger, which often has an immediate and profound cosmetic effect.
Are You a Candidate?
You may be a candidate for gum contouring if you have a “gummy smile,” caused by excess soft tissue. The tissue can extend too far down on your teeth, making them look worn or disproportionately small. Gum reshaping may also be appropriate if you have a ragged gum line because uneven soft tissues can make your teeth appear crooked or misshapen. This simple cosmetic procedure can significantly enhance your appearance.
To qualify for gum contouring, you should have good periodontal health. If you are suffering from gum disease, Dr. Van Slate will recommend appropriate periodontal treatment be completed first. He may recommend procedures such as scaling and root planing with gentle laser therapy. Once your oral health is restored, you may qualify for gum contouring.
How Lasers Improve Treatment
Using dental lasers is usually a very simple and conservative procedure. There is no bleeding, no sutures and no discomfort. There is a very short recovery time, and most people only experience minor tenderness in the gum tissue for a day or two. The procedure is done will local anesthetic, and usually lasts less than 30 minutes. To be a candidate for this procedure, you must have healthy gum tissue, with no periodontal disease or inflammation.
The Contouring Procedure
Before undergoing gum contouring, you will have a consultation with Dr. Van Slate. You will be able to discuss your goals for the procedure, and he will create a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Van Slate will determine exactly how much tissue to remove, and he will explain what results you can expect after your gum lift.
Many patients choose to combine gum lifts with other cosmetic procedures. Dr. Van Slate will explain your other options and help you determine if they might be appropriate for you.
With a gum lift, Dr. Van Slate can reveal more of your teeth, making smaller teeth appear larger and increasing the overall impact of your smile.
When you are ready to begin treatment, we will administer local anesthesia. This process is typically quick, and painless because of our advanced technology. Once you are numb, Dr. Van Slate will use our soft tissue laser to remove excess gum tissue. He will work with great precision, trimming off the smallest amount of tissue possible while still providing aesthetic results.
The Benefits of Gum Contouring
Though gum contouring is a conservative cosmetic treatment, it can provide impressive results for your smile. Through this treatment, Dr. Van Slate can reveal more of your teeth, making smaller teeth appear larger and increasing the overall impact of your smile. The procedure can also provide a more even framework for your smile, evening crooked gum lines that make teeth appear misshapen or misaligned. In turn, you may feel far more confident than you have in years, and you will be ready to share your smile with others.
Make An Appointment to Improve Your Smile
Gum contouring can quickly and easily provide significant improvement to a gummy, uneven smile. Contact our office today to find out if this treatment is right for you.
