When it comes to your smile, the frame is everything. A beautiful smile requires more than just a healthy set of pearly whites — the gum line plays an essential role in balancing and highlighting your teeth. If your gums cover too much or too little of your teeth, a cosmetic dental procedure called gum contouring can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.
Your dentist can perform a variety of procedures to improve the shape of your gums, such as a gum lift or pinhole gum surgery. During this process, the provider numbs the area with local anesthesia and then trims or reshapes the gum tissue to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. They may also use a scalpel or radiosurgery to remove any excess tissue. Some dentists now offer laser-based gum contouring, which is less invasive and reduces bleeding during the procedure.
The results of gum contouring are long-lasting, and the recovery process is typically very quick. Some patients experience a bit of tenderness and swelling, but this is usually temporary. Once the area has healed, you can eat normally and your gums will be back to their original symmetrical shape.
As people become more conscious of their physical appearance, the smile has become one of the most important features for most individuals when it comes to social interactions and dating. As such, it’s no surprise that the smile is a popular target for cosmetic enhancements. While many people are familiar with teeth whitening and veneers, gum contouring is an underrated cosmetic dentistry treatment that can give your smile a boost of beauty.
Gum contouring is often used as a cosmetic dental procedure to make the gums appear more symmetrical, but it’s also frequently performed to treat certain oral health problems like gum disease. It’s important to consult with your dentist and discuss your goals before scheduling a treatment appointment, so they can advise you on what your options are for achieving the smile you desire.
If you’re tired of having an unbalanced or “gummy” smile, gum contouring can help you get the perfect smile that will build your confidence and enhance your overall appearance. Contact a Northbrook dentist to schedule a consultation and find out more about how you can have the smile of your dreams.