Could Improving Your Smile Mean Contouring Your Gums?

When your gum line is even, symmetrical, and healthy looking, you might not pay much attention to it (except, hopefully, when you’re brushing and flossing your teeth). However, if you have a gummy smile, or one where your gum tissues don’t cover all of your teeth the same way, your gums may be the first thing you always notice when you look in the mirror. Fortunately, there’s a cosmetic solution for improving your smile by gently recontouring your gum line to make it more even and symmetrical. Known as gum contouring, the procedure may be able to help you enjoy the healthier and more attractive smile that you deserve!

What is cosmetic gum contouring?

Much like your teeth, your gums are unique. Their alignment, color, appearance, and health are all tied to the uniqueness of your teeth and oral structures, including the nature of your gummy smile. Gum contouring takes all of these aspects into consideration, and involves carefully sculpting your gums to better align with the rest of your smile. This may involve the use of a specially calibrated laser to precisely and comfortably trim away excess gum tissue, allowing for a more efficient solution than traditional gum contouring with a scalpel.

When gum contouring might be a good idea

Improving the appearance of your smile is a common reason for choosing gum contouring, but an asymmetrical gum line might not always be highly obvious. Yet, even if it isn’t obvious, the symmetry of your gums might impact more than just your smile’s appearance. For example, oral bacteria might have an easier time accumulating on your gum line and working their way underneath the tissues, leading to heightened risks of gingivitis and gum disease. The best way to know for sure if gum contouring is a good idea is to undergo a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and oral structures to determine if everything is in proper alignment.

The benefits beyond your smile’s appearance

Because of the many potential impacts of an asymmetrical gum line, improving it with cosmetic gum contouring can have several important benefits for your smile beyond its appearance. The most notable of these is the reduced risks of gum disease, which could potentially lead to more serious oral health concerns, including tooth loss.

Learn if gum contouring is right for your smile

With cosmetic gum contouring, we can improve the appearance of your gum line as well as your ability to keep your smile healthy. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Yelena Popkova D.D.S. in Merrimack, NH, today at 603-595-9400. We also serve the residents of Nashua, Hudson, Manchester, Milford, and all surrounding communities.