Gum Contouring – Mission Viejo, CA
Reshape Your Gums for a More Beautiful Smile
Often, patients have healthy teeth, but they are dissatisfied with the way their smile looks. In many cases, the problem is related to their gum tissue. If the gums are uneven or unusually large, they can make the teeth appear short and stubby, resulting in a disproportionate smile. Dr. Palmer and our team can address this issue through a service known as gum contouring, which is also called gum recontouring in Mission Viejo.
Why Choose Palm Dentistry for Gum Contouring?
- Dentist Who Is a Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Friendly & Experienced Team
- Conservative Treatment
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring may be referred to by a number of different names. For example, it may be called gum recontouring, gingivectomy, gummy smile correction, or crown lengthening. (Technically, crown lengthening is a different procedure because it can involve modifying the bone beneath the gums. However, the name of the treatment is often used interchangeably with gum recontouring.)
During the procedure, we numb the mouth before Dr. Palmer uses precise tools to remove excess gum tissue. She is careful to be as conservative as possible. After gum contouring, you can expect your teeth to appear longer and to be able to enjoy a smile that is no longer “gummy.”
Depending on the extent of your procedure, it may take one or more appointments to complete. Recovery typically takes a couple of weeks.
Do You Need Gum Contouring?
Here are some signs that you might benefit from gum recontouring:
- More than a few millimeters of gum tissue are visible when you smile.
- The disproportionate appearance of your teeth and gums bothers you.
- You are interested in undergoing other cosmetic treatments, such as veneers, but your excess gum tissue makes it impossible or inadvisable for you to do so.
In some cases, the purpose of gum contouring goes beyond mere aesthetics. For example, it may be used to make room on a tooth so a restorative crown can be placed. It can also reduce the number of food particles and bacteria that get trapped in the gums, resulting in a lower risk of oral health problems.
Benefits of Gum Contouring
The top benefits of gum contouring include:
- The results are natural-looking. Palmer is a skilled cosmetic dentist in Mission Viejo who approaches treatment conservatively and carefully, all with the goal of providing patients with the beautiful, natural-looking smile they deserve.
- The results are permanent. In the vast majority of cases, the trimmed gum tissue will not regrow, so you will likely be able to enjoy your new look for the rest of your life.
- It can be part of a smile makeover. Often, gum recontouring is a preliminary treatment for veneers, which can disguise imperfections in teeth and give you a “Hollywood” smile.
- It may be covered by insurance. This is sometimes the case if the procedure will have substantial oral health benefits for a patient.
Are you ready to learn more about gum recontouring? Contact us today to schedule your cosmetic consultation. Dr. Palmer and our team look forward to serving you!
Gum Contouring FAQs
Do you feel that your smile is too “gummy” or your gumline is uneven? Gum contouring could be the solution that you’ve been looking for, but it pays to be well-informed. We’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about gum contouring in Mission Viejo. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, give us a call. We’d be happy to answer your questions and get you started with a consultation.
Is Gum Contouring Painful?
The gum contouring procedure is relatively minor. Your cosmetic dentist will use a local anesthetic – just like when you get a cavity filled. Next, they will carefully reshape your gumline to be proportionate with your teeth and symmetrical. While the procedure itself shouldn’t hurt, you may experience some soreness afterward. Fortunately, this is temporary and can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
What Can I Eat After the Procedure?
While this is a straightforward procedure, you will need to make some adjustments to your diet for a few days following your treatment. During the recovery period, stick to softer foods, like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Avoid foods with seeds or sharp edges, like chips, popcorn, and kiwi. It’s also a good idea to avoid foods that are spicy.
Is Gum Contouring Covered by Dental Insurance?
Just like most cosmetic dental procedures, gum contouring isn’t usually covered by dental insurance as it is considered to be elective. However, dental insurance plans can vary, so it is best to reach out to your provider to confirm your benefits. In some cases, gum contouring isn’t purely cosmetic, as it can be used to address other issues, like gum disease. In this case, you may receive some coverage. Talk to your insurance provider and our dental team to learn more about your benefits.
What Leads to Uneven Gums?
There are a variety of factors that can cause gums to be uneven. The most common cause of uneven gums is genetics. However, other things, like gum disease, medications, and trauma can also result in an uneven gumline. If your uneven gumline is due to medications or gum disease, this will need to be addressed before you can move forward with gum contouring.