A gummy smile is an embarrassing trait that causes many men and women to be self-conscious about their smile. Overgrown gum tissue can make the teeth appear short and awkward. Thanks to the advanced cosmetic dentistry procedure called gum recontouring, excessive gum tissue can be reshaped and minimized to reveal the beautiful smile that has been hiding underneath.
Gum recontouring is one of the most underutilized procedures for cosmetic treatments, yet it can provide an effective way to achieve your aesthetic goals. Every case of gum reshaping requires careful evaluation of the problem. While some patients may simply need a gum reduction, others may require bone contouring and reshaping of the gum line.
Gum recontouring is not time intensive or cost prohibitive. This procedure can be completed in just one visit. Topical or injectable anesthesia may be used, depending on your level of sensitivity.
Gum recontouring can be performed by itself or in conjunction with other procedures as part of a smile makeover. At your initial consultation, Dr. Godawa will recommend the appropriate course of action to achieve your desired cosmetic goals.
The soft tissue Diode laser used by Dr. Godawa for gum reshaping is a high-tech piece of equipment that is safe, effective, and comfortable to use. Gum tissue can be dissolved within minutes with little discomfort. The laser seals blood vessels and nerve endings while it removes gum tissue, so the process involves no pain or blood loss. Healing is quick and there are no stitches required.
If bone or tooth recontouring is required, the Erbium YAG hard tissue laser precisely targets bone tissue without affecting much surrounding tissue. The laser light is easily absorbed by an organic compound found in bone and teeth called calcium phosphate.
Genetics and high blood pressure medication are a few of the reasons people experience gummy smiles. You may be a good candidate for gum reshaping if your gum tissue encroaches the front surfaces of the teeth that are visible when you smile. To find out if this treatment can help improve the look of your smile, we invite you to meet with Dr. Andrea Godawa for a personal smile makeover consultation.