While healthy teeth are generally the focus of dentistry, teeth are not the only contributing factor to an attractive, healthy smile. A straight, symmetrical gum line also plays a significant role in your smile’s appearance. People who are looking to improve the look of their gums may benefit from a laser gum contouring procedure. Gum contouring can address a “gummy smile,” uneven gums, or gums negatively affected by recession caused by advanced gum disease.
Issues Addressed
Gum contouring is used to alter the edge of the gum tissue. When the gums are too high, low, or uneven, they can make a smile appear unbalanced and off-kilter. A “gummy” smile refers to gums that cover too much of the teeth can make the teeth look unusually small. By reducing the gum line, teeth can be fully revealed for a fuller smile. Gums can recede at different places for different reasons, including disease or erosion from brushing, which can make them look uneven.
Who Qualifies?
Patients who wish to reshape their gum line can often benefit from gum contouring treatment. Because the effects are permanent, it is important to have accurate expectations for your results. You and your dentist should fully discuss the treatment before it is done. If you have any health or dental problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease, the problems may need to be resolved prior to treatment. Not managing gum disease can lead to further recession after treatment.
The Benefits of Lasers
With the use of a soft-tissue diode laser, gum contouring is less invasive and more comfortable than gum contouring done with a traditional scalpel. Lasers provide greater surgical accuracy, less bleeding during the procedure, a quicker recovery with less bleeding and discomfort, and no sutures. Laser technology makes it so the gum line is more accurately and precisely shaped.
Are you thinking about laser gum contouring?
Dr. Carmona can help you decide if gum contouring is right for you. To schedule a consultation at Austin Prosthodontics, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.
