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Even Gums (Gum Contouring)

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Key Points

  • For patients who have a disproportionately large gumline or a “gummy” smile, laser gum reshaping can restore greater balance between the teeth-to-gum ratio and create a more symmetrical look.
  • Unlike more traditional techniques that require invasiveness, scalpels, or contact with the gums, laser techniques can reshape a more proportional gumline without surgery, invasiveness, bleeding, or anesthesia.
  • Laser gum reshaping is considered a gentle in-office treatment performed at our La Jolla dental practice. There is little to no downtime necessary and patients can often drive themselves home after their appointment.
  • The results of laser gum reshaping are designed to be permanent, improving the balance of a patient’s smile for a lifetime.

There are many elements that meld together to create a great smile. Among the most important of these factors are the shape and size of the teeth, especially in proportion to the mouth and gums. For patients with particularly “gummy smiles,” their teeth may appear short or irregularly shaped. Fortunately, there is a solution. Through gum contouring, our cosmetic dentist can reposition the gumline to reveal more of the teeth. By incorporating our advanced laser dentistry technology, we can ensure beautiful results that lend itself to a completely natural-looking smile. The results of gum contouring are permanent, so patients need never worry about having excess gum tissue affecting their smiles again.

If you are self-conscious about having a gummy smile or an uneven gumline, we invite you to explore the possibilities of gum contouring at our office. Simply contact Scripps Center for Dental Care today to schedule a consultation with a member of our esteemed team of dental specialists.

What are the Benefits of Laser Gum Reshaping?

Laser dentistry provides a more advanced approach to gum recontouring by eliminating the need for anesthesia or direct contact. By reshaping the gums based on the unique dimensions of your teeth and smile, our cosmetic dentist can reveal more “tooth show” and make the teeth look fuller, healthier, and more youthful.

  • Lifetime results
  • Completed using laser dentistry techniques — no incisions, scalpels, or cutting
  • Greater proportion between the gums and teeth
  • No bleeding or invasiveness
  • No general anesthesia required
  • Little to no downtime after treatment

Whether performed alone or as part of a full Smile Makeover, laser gum resculpting can be a conservative treatment to enhance the appearance of your teeth. Thanks to the minimally invasive nature of treatment, laser gum recontouring does not usually cause discomfort and can be successful for a wide range of patients.

Is Laser Gum Reshaping Right for Me?

While a dominating gumline does not present any medical or oral health concerns, obvious disproportion between the teeth and gums can cause embarrassment or self-consciousness. Excess gum tissue can often make the teeth look short or aged, which is why individuals with a “gummy” smile may consider laser treatment to balance their gumline. In general, you may benefit from gum reshaping if you:

  • Have good oral health with no signs of gum disease
  • Hide your smile due to self-consciousness about revealing your gumline
  • Want to improve your gum-to-teeth ratio
  • Would like a more symmetrical smile

Our gentle laser system doesn’t require any oral surgery or general anesthesia, so a broad range of patients can likely be good candidates for treatment. Our dental team would be happy to evaluate your teeth and gums to determine whether laser treatment can help reduce your gumline.

How Can Laser Technology Reinvent My Smile?

Gum contouring, also known as gingival contouring, involves the use of a laser to sculpt a patient’s gumline into a more visually pleasing shape. The use of advanced laser technology is essential to producing the best possible results. Not only does a dental laser allow our dentists to sculpt the gumline with greater precision than was possible in the past, but it also makes the procedure far more comfortable for patients. The laser is remarkably gentle; it removes soft tissue while causing little to no bleeding or discomfort. When the procedure is complete, patients experience far faster healing than was required by more invasive, non-laser methods of gum contouring. In short, laser dentistry makes the entire process more pleasurable from beginning to end.

There are very few risks associated with laser gum contouring, and the benefits are substantial. Fortunately, patients of our practice have the opportunity to preview their smile design via our digital imaging system before they commit to a treatment plan.

Does Laser Gum Recontouring Require Any Aftercare?

Your cosmetic dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions so you know what to expect after your treatment. Gum reshaping uses a contactless dental laser to reduce tissue in the gumline, automatically sealing any blood vessels to prevent excessive bleeding. There are no sutures, incisions, scalpels, or surgery during treatment, therefore only a brief period of downtime is necessary after gum reshaping. You can drive yourself home following your appointment since only local anesthesia (a numbing agent) is utilized. Most patients are able to resume their normal routines immediately, but swelling, tenderness, soreness, or sensitivity in the gums is common. These minor symptoms gradually subside as the gums heal within approximately 7 to 10 days.

How Long Do Laser Gum Reshaping Results Last?

Laser recontouring offers a long-term and permanent improvement to the appearance of the teeth and gums. Patients can enjoy a more harmonious, balanced smile for a lifetime, as excess gum tissue does not regenerate or “regrow.” In order to preserve the gumline and prevent the possibility of gum recession in the future, we encourage patients to maintain excellent oral hygiene consisting of daily brushing and flossing. Good care, as well as maintaining your semi-annual dental appointments, can minimize bacteria buildup in the mouth and help preserve the integrity of your final results. We also recommend cleaning your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and light pressure to avoid excessively hard brushing, which may potentially lead to gum recession.

How Much Does Laser Gum Recontouring Cost?

The price of gummy smile treatment in San Diego usually varies according to a patient’s needs, such as the extent of one’s concerns and the techniques required to achieve the desired outcome. Our friendly office team can provide you with a cost estimate tailored especially for you after a consultation. Many individuals find our dental financing options helpful, which can allow qualified patients to pay for their treatment in smaller, low- to no-interest installments rather than a lump sum. Don’t hesitate to contact our office in La Jolla for more information about the cost of laser dentistry.

Are There Alternatives to Laser Gum Recontouring?

Laser gum reshaping can provide beautiful results, but it may not be the best treatment for every patient’s concerns. In some cases, the gums may appear dominant — but actually be of normal proportion — due to the size of the teeth. If your teeth appear short or small, porcelain veneers can be another minimally invasive solution to improve symmetry in the smile. A veneer is a thin, yet durable shell bonded over the front of a tooth to hide dental imperfections, including gaps, misalignments, stains, and wear and tear. They can also restore the proportions of a fuller, healthier tooth to achieve a more balanced smile. During a consultation, our knowledgeable team can help you determine whether your goals would be better fulfilled with gum contouring or porcelain veneers.

Additional Laser Gum Reshaping FAQs

Does laser gum reshaping require anesthesia?

Laser gum reshaping is typically a comfortable procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia. That said, a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area can be utilized to ensure a patient feels little to no discomfort during the procedure. The use of a dental laser itself contributes to a more comfortable experience compared to traditional surgical methods, as it precisely removes excess gum tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels and nerve endings. This often results in reduced bleeding, less swelling, and a quicker recovery period. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how gentle and efficient the process feels.

How old do you have to be to undergo laser gum reshaping treatment?

There is no universal age requirement for laser gum reshaping, but candidates are typically individuals whose oral structures have fully developed. In most cases, this means patients in their late teens or older, provided their gums and teeth have reached a stable, mature state. For younger patients, dentists may recommend waiting until growth is complete to ensure long-lasting and predictable results. However, each case is unique and candidacy depends on factors such as oral health, the condition of the gums, and a patient’s specific goals. A consultation with our team can help determine whether the timing is appropriate for treatment.

Are there any risks associated with laser gum recontouring?

Laser gum recontouring is considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure, especially when performed by an experienced dental professional. However, as with any treatment, there are potential risks to be aware of. These may include temporary sensitivity, mild discomfort, slight swelling, or minor irritation in the treated area.

The precision of laser technology significantly reduces the likelihood of complications compared to surgical methods, but maintaining proper oral hygiene and attending follow-up visits are important for the best possible healing and results. Overall, complications are uncommon and most patients experience a smooth recovery with highly satisfying outcomes.

Enjoy a More Proportional Smile — Contact Us Today

Please contact Scripps Center for Dental Care to schedule an appointment today.

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