If you feel that too much gum shows when you smile, a gum lift may help create a more balanced relationship between your teeth and gums.
Also known as gum contouring or gingival sculpting, this cosmetic dental procedure reshapes excess gum tissue around the teeth. By refining the gum line and revealing more of the natural tooth surface, treatment can create a more even and proportionate-looking smile.
At Wise Dental, we can assess your teeth and gums to determine whether gum contouring is suitable for your individual smile.
A gum lift involves carefully reshaping or removing selected areas of gum tissue around the upper portion of the teeth. The aim is to improve the shape and symmetry of the gum line while creating a better visual balance between the teeth and gums.
The procedure may be considered for patients who have:
In many cases, gum contouring is performed for cosmetic reasons rather than because of a dental health problem.
A gum lift and a gum graft are different procedures and are used to address different concerns.
A gum lift removes or reshapes excess gum tissue.
A gum graft may be recommended when gum tissue has been lost or the gums have receded.
Gum recession can expose areas of the tooth or its root that would normally be protected by gum tissue. Where this occurs, your dentist may recommend grafting rather than removing additional gum tissue.
An examination of your gums will help determine which type of treatment is appropriate.
The natural proportions of the teeth and gums vary considerably between individuals. For some people, the gum tissue extends further over the teeth, making the visible portion of each tooth appear shorter or wider.
When a greater amount of gum tissue is visible while smiling, it is commonly referred to as a gummy smile.
There can be different reasons for this appearance, which is why an assessment is important before deciding on treatment. If excess gum tissue is contributing to the appearance of the smile, gum contouring may be one treatment option.
Treatment is most commonly performed around the visible front teeth, where changes to the gum line can improve the overall symmetry and proportions of the smile.
Before treatment, your dentist examines the position and shape of your gum line together with the proportions of your teeth. This allows the areas requiring reshaping to be identified and helps your dentist plan a gum line that complements your natural teeth.
Local anaesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area and help keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Excess gum tissue is carefully removed and contoured using an appropriate dental technique, which may include a precision dental laser or scalpel. Rather than simply removing gum tissue evenly across every tooth, the gum line is individually shaped to create a more natural and symmetrical appearance.
In some cases, the position of the underlying bone can contribute to the amount of gum tissue surrounding the teeth.
If there is significant bone beneath the excess gum tissue, removing the gum alone may not provide the appropriate result. Your dentist may therefore recommend bone recontouring in combination with the gum lift.
This isn’t necessary for every patient. Your dentist will assess the structure around your teeth before treatment and explain whether additional treatment is required.
Depending on your individual teeth and gum line, treatment may help:
The amount of gum tissue that can be safely reshaped varies from person to person, so treatment needs to be individually planned.
If you’re unhappy with the amount of gum showing when you smile or have an uneven gum line, Wise Dental can assess your teeth and gums and discuss the cosmetic treatment options available.
Your consultation will allow your dentist to examine the cause of your gummy smile, determine whether gum contouring is suitable and identify whether any additional treatment may be required.
Book a consultation with Wise Dental in Sutherland Shire to find out whether a gum lift could help create a more balanced and proportionate smile.
Book a ConsultationAny surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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