What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring can also be referred to as gum lifting or gum reshaping. Basically this is a cosmetic procedure that it is really about your smile. The smile is an extremely personal asset that is too often taken for granted. Your smile is literally the foundation of your self-esteem and your self-confidence. If there is something about your smile that you don’t care for you can become self-conscious of this perceived flaw and it will have a negative effect on both personal and professional relationships. Called a gummy smile, this is when your smile reveals more gum than teeth. The proportions are out of balance. A common occurrence and one easily corrected with the gum contouring procedure.

Defining the Gummy Smile

The perception of a gummy smile will vary from person to person, but most dentists will agree that if you have four millimeters more of gum tissue showing than the proportions are out of balance with the length of the crown of the tooth. This condition if far more prominent with the upper gums. An ideal smile has no more than two to three millimeters of gum showing above the teeth.

What causes a Gummy Smile

This excessive amount of gum being displayed under the upper lip. Initially this perceived defect is indeed genetic. The position of your upper lip during a smile is primarily genetic as well. As you age you may possibly wear down your teeth and this will change the proportions as well.

The Gum Contouring Procedure

The procedure, even though mostly for cosmetic reasons, can also be used to counter decay, tooth loss and gum disease. Depending on the objectives it can also be called crown lengthening with the same end results. A local anesthetic is used to numb the tissue and most often a soft tissue laser can then trim away the excessive gum tissue with very little bleeding. As the dentist trims and sculpts the tissue the laser also cauterizes the removal minimizing the bleeding. A surgical scalpel can be used as well but the procedure most likely will be done in portions to allow proper healing time.

The Healing Time and the Benefits of Gum Contouring

You may experience some minor swelling in the days to follow the gum contouring. Depending on the amount of tissue removed you might even feel a little pain and some increased sensitivity with a few teeth. You will be advised to avoid smoking for a while as well as alcohol and drinking through a straw. Follow the care instructions given to you and you will be healed in no time.

It is hard to put a monetary value on your smile. A few smiles in the mirror and you will immediately notice the difference. More white teeth, less gum tissue. The gum contouring might improve some of the pockets around your teeth improving the overall health of your gums. You might also find it easier to brush. Establish good habits with your oral hygiene moving forward and enjoy your new, beautiful smile.

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