GUM
RESHAPING/CONTOURING
Your gum tissue is like a
frame that provides form and shape to the top of your tooth. A
less than attractive smile results when the integrity of the gum
is compromised or the actual gum between your teeth becomes weak.
Usually due to poor hygiene (gum disease), you actually begin to
lose gum tissue. Cosmetic dentistry provides many cosmetic
solutions such as composite resin bonding, crowns, and veneers to
create a great smile. These solutions are usually part of an
overall strategy which may involve cosmetic gum surgery. Used to
correct a 'gummy smile' (a significant portion of your gum is
exposed when you smile), cosmetic gum surgery is the procedure of
lengthening your teeth from the neck of the tooth upwards. Your
teeth then appear to be longer and much less gum is seen when you
smile.
There are two primary
procedures for cosmetic gum surgery, depending on your current
smile.
"Gummy
Smile" (Excessive Gingival Display)
A "Gummy Smile" can occur due
to wear of teeth from teeth grinding, a short upper lip, or having
a longer than usual upper jawbone. This smile is when your teeth
appear too small and your gums appear to large.
Cosmetic gum surgery can be
done to reduce the excess gum and bone. The removal of these
tissues allows for normal sized teeth and for a normal gum line
appearance by using an instrument, usually a laser, to remove the
undesirable tissue. Typically your cosmetic dentist will prescribe
an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day for a two-week
period following your surgery.
Gummy
Smile
Before |
No Gummy
Smile
After |
"Long Tooth
Smile" (Gum Recession)
As your gums recede, your
teeth appear longer than normal. While "long teeth" may result in
an unattractive smile, you should also be concerned with root
sensitivity and possible tooth loss. Recent advances in techniques
and materials have resulted in significant improvements in both
comfort, predictability and esthetics.
As your gums recede, your
teeth look much "longer" than normal. Such gum recession exposes
your sensitive root surface which often makes hot or cold foods
and drinks a painful experience. Teeth can become loose as your
gum recedes. The cosmetic gum surgery solution is basically when a
cosmetic dentist or periodontist removes tissue from the roof of
your mouth and then grafts it onto your gum line. This tissue then
reinforces thin gums or fills in areas where your gums have
receded. Typically your cosmetic dentist will prescribe an
antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day for a two-week
period following your surgery.
Gum
Recession
Before |
No Gum
Recession
After |
