Gum Contouring
Give Your Smile the Perfect Frame
When you smile, do you see mostly your gum tissue instead of your teeth? This aesthetic issue is commonly referred to as a “gummy smile” or “crowded smile.” If you are dealing with this problem, we invite you to come in for a consultation. You may be a candidate for gum contouring, which is also known as gum recontouring or gingivoplasty. Read on below to learn more about this cosmetic procedure.
Why Choose Mark Gray, DDS Cosmetic and Family Dentistry for Gum Contouring
Benefits of Gum Contouring
During a gum contouring procedure, we use a soft tissue laser to gently and precisely remove excess gum tissue. This exposes more of the dentition underneath, thereby making the teeth appear longer and revealing a more proportionate smile.
Of course, an improved appearance is not the only benefit offered by gum contouring. Some other advantages of this procedure include:
- It can make room on the teeth for other treatments. For example, you might be able to receive porcelain veneers. Gum contouring can also make it possible for your dentist to place a restorative crown.
- It can protect your gum health. Overgrown gum tissue may be more likely to attract food debris and bacteria. By trimming it to its proper proportions, we can help you to maintain a clean and healthy mouth.
- Laser-based gum contouring is precise and minimally invasive. Some practices use a traditional scalpel to perform gum contouring. Laser-based treatment is superior because it causes little to no bleeding, comes with a fast recovery time, is extremely precise, and has an extremely low risk of infections.
Indications for Gum Contouring
You may be a candidate for gum contouring if:
- More than a few millimeters of gum tissue are visible when you smile. (This issue should be caused by overgrown gums, rather than an upper lip that retracts farther than normal.)
- You have an uneven gumline.
- Your gums often seem to trap food.
- You would like to get veneers or crowns, but extra gum tissue prevents you from moving forward with your desired treatment.
Understanding the Cost of Gum Contouring
The cost of gum contouring depends on a few factors. For example, you are likely to pay more if you need to have your gums trimmed near several teeth, rather than near just one or two. If you are sedated during the surgery, that will also have a bearing on cost. Additionally, it is possible that the bone surrounding your teeth will also need to be modified. This surgery, known as crown lengthening, may cost more than procedures that only affect the gum tissue.
During your consultation, our team will be happy to provide you with a cost estimate for your treatment. We will also assist you as you learn about your payment options. Dental insurance usually does not cover gum contouring. However, most patients are eligible for low-interest financing through CareCredit. The application process is fast, and approval usually takes just a few minutes.