The beauty of the smile is often affected by the appearance of the gums. In some cases, the gums overlap the teeth, making them appear smaller than they actually are. In other instances, the gums are uneven, giving your smile an unbalanced look. The gums should define the borders of the lower and upper levels of teeth in order to create a mirror image from the right to the left side. Unfortunately, it sometimes becomes necessary to visit your dentist to undergo a process known as gum contouring that can create harmony between the teeth and the gums by reshaping soft tissue to esthetically frame the teeth.
Whether your gums have receded or they’ve always been misshapen, you’ll need an individualized treatment plan in order to correct them. Together, you and your Surrey-Guildford dentist will discuss what can be done to create a more appealing appearance for your gums and teeth. After your initial consultation with your cosmetic dentist, a comprehensive treatment plan will be designed to ensure that the necessary work is completed.
In mild cases, a cosmetic dentist can handle the contouring of your gums, but in severe cases, a dental specialist, known as a periodontist, is needed to properly remove excessive layers of gum or to augment receding gums. Typically, specialized lasers are used to sculpt the gums to a more appealing appearance.
The primary purpose of gum contouring is to enhance the appearance of the teeth by reshaping the gum tissue so that the teeth look better. Gum contouring is also referred to as tissue sculpting or gum reshaping. This procedure is sometimes used as part of a periodontal treatment in which one or more of the following is accomplished:
- Gum pocket reduction
- Gum regeneration
- Crown lengthening
