Is Gum Contouring Right for You?
There are a few different reasons that patients might look into gum contouring, though the most common reason is a gummy smile. This is the informal term for excess gum tissue that makes the teeth appear abnormally short or small while smiling; in reality, the teeth are the right size, but there’s an excess of gum tissue covering the gums and obscuring their appearance. Gum contouring can also be used to restore or repair gum recessions or a lack of gum tissue, which can cause the teeth to appear unnaturally long and can also leave the tooth roots vulnerable to bacteria and dental plaque. While this is still a cosmetic procedure, the risks associated with insufficient gum tissue include exposing the tooth roots to bacteria and plaque, which can, in turn, lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bone loss. Gum recession could affect the whole mouth, or it could affect only a few teeth, and it has a few different causes. If gum recession is a result of periodontal disease, your dentist will treat your gum disease before contouring your gums, and if there is a different cause for gum recession, your dentist will discuss ways that you can prevent the gums from receding after gum contouring treatment.
How Would I Know if I Should Get Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is a cosmetic solution that’s a relatively simple way to improve the appearance of the smile. In some cases, however, gum contouring isn’t recommended, for a few different reasons. For patients with gum disease or tooth decay, these conditions should be treated before any cosmetic procedure is performed, as the cosmetic results won’t last long if the oral tissues aren’t healthy. However, once existing decay or disease is removed and the overarching condition is managed, gum contouring can effectively help rebuild a damaged gum line. In some cases, cost can be a deterrent for cosmetic treatments like gum contouring. The cost of this procedure ranges from around $50 to $500 per tooth, depending on the extent of the work that is needed, and, as the procedure is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, it is unlikely that it will be covered by dental insurance. Additionally, gum contouring can only address certain cosmetic issues, making the teeth look smaller or larger by manipulating the gum line. Other procedures may be more appropriate for patients who want to modify other characteristics of their teeth, like color, shape, or alignment. There are other treatment options that can be ideal for these concerns, and it’s worth it to meet with your dentist if you want to improve the appearance of the smile but aren’t sure of the best approach. They can provide referrals to a variety of dental experts who will help you decide on the best way to approach your aesthetic concerns and provide any supplemental or preparatory procedures, and they can also help you understand whether gum contouring is right for you. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your individual plan for designing your own optimal smile, and start your journey toward the balanced, confident smile you deserve.