Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Gum Contouring

As you smile, do your upper teeth look proportionally incorrect, maybe because of too much gum tissue showing? Does it look like your upper teeth seem short in comparison to the amount of gum tissue visible during your smile? If so, you may have an aesthetic condition that is commonly called a gummy smile or excessive gingival display.

A smile like this is common and can easily have a negative effect on your perception of your smile. But this smile can be quickly improved and corrected through a simple treatment called gum contouring.

Beginning with your very first visit with Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc., our entire dental team is committed to establishing a relationship with you, acknowledging your unique individual needs, and striving effortlessly to provide personalized oral health care to meet your goals.

We focus on creating the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we will do what is necessary to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options in a relaxed environment. Call Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at (256) 734-8588 with any questions or to make an appointment for a review of the benefits of gum contouring for you.

An attractive smile is more than just white, straight teeth. It is also a proper ratio between your teeth and the visible gums. A gummy smile will display more gum than is considered desirable. If your smile does aggravate you, gum contouring will deliver an aesthetically pleasing balance between your teeth and gums while you smile.

Some Causes for Gum Contouring

A gummy smile does not mean there is anything wrong with your teeth or gums. The balance or ratio between your gums and your teeth is most often a cosmetic issue, and therefore not a problem unless you are self-conscious. It may have happened because your teeth did not emerge correctly, a condition referred to as delayed passive eruption. It may also be the result of your upper lip pulling back farther when you smile.

This can also happen if your teeth are proportionally smaller or are worn down. Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. can address these issues with gum contouring to modify your gum line. Here are a few examples of some causes:

  • The muscle that controls your upper lip is hyperactive, causing your upper lip to lift higher than normal. With this simple movement it exposes more gum tissue during your smile.
  • An excessive amount of gum tissue in your upper arch could be the result of an abnormal eruption of your teeth. Excessive gum tissue will make your teeth look shorter, even though they are the proper length.
  • The way your upper jawbone develops can cause the appearance of a gummy smile. If there is excessive protrusion of your upper jaw, you can experience a gummy smile.

Is It Just an Aesthetic Problem?

The aesthetic zone or your smile line, which is the front teeth showing while you smile, is determined by several factors, including:

  • The proportional balance of your gum tissues.
  • The size and shape of your teeth.
  • Your facial muscles.
  • The size and shape of your lips.

An optimal smile line should naturally reveal a smaller amount of gum tissue. Your gum tissue noticeable during your smile should display a balanced line, with even contours that are in harmony with your upper lip. This is a primary reason people with a gummy smile believe their smile is unattractive, feeling reluctant to smile.

Additional underlying conditions might be present. Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will examine your gummy smile, identifying how your front teeth erupted and how your jaw developed, or if you have an improper bite that may affect your long-term oral health.

Gum Contouring Options

If you think you might have a gummy smile, visit Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. for an exam and a review of your treatment options. Research has determined what is considered an excessive gum tissue display. Studies have determined that healthy smiles are attractive when two millimeters or less of gum tissue is noticeable. At three millimeters or more, the display is considered excessive. Your team at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to determine the extent of any excessive gum display when you smile and the probable causes. This evaluation will include either conventional or digital impressions of your teeth and gums. We will also take X-rays so your tooth roots and jawbone can be examined as well. Your treatment Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. may include one or more of the following:

  • Gum contouring with a same-day laser treatment.
  • Surgical sculpting of your gum tissue and bone to create healthier and more attractive gum contours.
  • Surgical lip repositioning.
  • Orthodontics, or braces, to relocate your teeth into proper positions, in addition to gum contouring.
  • Maxillofacial surgery to reposition the bone.

The professionally trained team at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. could perform a crown lengthening procedure or simple gum contouring to improve the appearance of your smile. During this treatment, we simply remove excess gum tissue and possibly some bone to expose more of the crowns of the teeth. This gum contouring procedure can be performed on one or more teeth easily to create a visually pleasing, even gum line and a more natural-looking smile.

The American Academy of Periodontology declares that the benefits of gum contouring procedures include increased comfort, increased self-confidence and self-esteem when smiling, speaking, and eating, as well as improved periodontal health.

We Change Lives One Smile at a Time

It is our mission at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to educate and provide every patient with the best periodontal and dental care found in Alabama. The attention to detail by our entire dental team achieves quality and successful dental results with healthy and beautiful smiles for all patients. We collaborate to realize a shared vision of excellence. We are committed to:

  • Listening to those we have the opportunity to serve.
  • Earn the trust and respect of every patient, profession, and community.
  • Exceeding your expectations.
  • Ensure a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can find Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at 315 Second St. SE, Cullman, AL, 35055. Or give us a call today at (256) 734-8588.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

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