''Gum contouring, a dental cosmetic surgery targeted toward reshaping your gum and restoring your beautiful smile is what you need to have a completely health and aesthetic oral health!''

Dentists while carrying out gum contouring, remove excess gum tissue responsible for unappealing gummy smile. The procedure also restores receded gums causing unappealing tooth exposure, leaving you with even gums that are attractive and appealing.

Whether it’s a gingivoplasty procedure, gum overgrowth, or a gummy smile, just as long as it’s done by gum contouring Turkey experts, or by a professional gum contouring in Antalya, restoring your smile and beauty is not a problem.

Gum Contouring: Definition

Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that involves the arrangement of the amount of gingival or gingiva levels in an aesthetic way and in line with an adjacent tooth. Gum contouring not only takes into account the location and shape of the teeth but also considers the gingival shape and the ideal location.

Dentists do this using plaster model or digital photographs, after which the design of the final shape of the teeth using a predetermined method is done.

Gum contouring isn’t all about creating an aesthetic smile for patients, it also involves providing a solution to gum problems.

Asides from beautiful and healthy gingiva, other restorative treatments that can be done include Emax crowns, Zirconia crowns, Laminate veneers, and so on.

What is Gummy Smile?

Beauty is incomplete without an accompanying smile, but what happens when a gummy smile wants to steal your shine and glow? Well, you go for gum contouring!

A person is said to have great dentition when the lips, teeth, gums, teeth form, and color are all in harmony. A gummy smile, a condition in which the gum lines appear more visibly than normal when a person laughs, talks or smiles does not make for great dentition.

Ideally, gums should only be about 2mm visible when a person smiles, but for a gummy smile, the gums show up to 10mm. The former makes a person appear younger and provides a more aesthetic smile than the latter.

The good news though is that a gummy smile can be corrected using a multi-factor treatment method.

Thus, the best way to correct a gummy smile is by using a multi-disciplinary approach and this is what Gum contouring Turkey and other top dental clinics offer.

They provide treatment options only after thorough examination and exploitation of all options.

Causes of Gummy Smile

A gummy smile can result from several reasons including:

• Short upper lip

• Long or enlarged gums (gingival hypertrophy)

• Partially covered gum tissues resulting from improper gum eruption. This is an indication that the teeth are shorter than normal despite being the proper length.

• Smaller teeth and larger gums result from either genetics or wear

• Bulging and protruding gums (vertical maxillary excess). Persons who naturally have protruding gum tissue are likely to have a gummy smile

• Overly raised upper lips. When the muscles in the upper lips are hyperactive, the upper lips tend to rise higher than usual, resulting in a more visible gum line

When is Gum Contouring Necessary?

Most gum contouring surgeries are done for cosmetic purposes and that’s great. However, there are other times when contouring may be medically necessary and advised.

Such instances include when a person has gum disease. Dentists may recommend gum contouring after all other non-surgical options have been exhausted in treating periodontal diseases.

Nonsurgical options such as the use of antibiotics, deep dental cleaning, root scaling, and so on may not be enough to treat gum diseases.

Gum contouring will help regrow damaged gum tissue and bone, thus restoring the patient’s oral health.

Also, dentists may advise persons with small, underdeveloped, or worn-down teeth to go for gum contouring.

In addition, persons with colored gums, protruding gums, or uneven gum lines can undergo gum contouring too.

How is Gum Contouring Done?

Dentists use several methods in correcting a gummy smile. Some of the most popular methods include:

  • Orthognathic surgery
  • Laser gum contouring
  • Botox gum contouring

Orthognathic Surgery for Gummy Smile

While this is not the first choice for most dentists, it’s still an effective method of correcting a gummy smile. The procedure helps to balance the length of the lower and upper jaws.

Before commencing the procedure, you may need to have one or two mouth scans to determine the extent of growth. In some cases, you will have to wear braces or other devices to ensure the arches in the mouth and the teeth align properly.

How Is Orthognotic Surgery Done?

The procedure involves injecting the patient with an anesthetic after which the surgeon removes a section of bone from the upper jaw, this is done to balance the length of the lower and upper jaws.

The jawbone is then reattached using bits of plates and screws, with the lower jaw adjusted if need be.

Laser for Gummy Smile

Dental laser treatment is one of the most effective methods of correcting a gummy smile. The method involves removing all excess gum tissues and reshaping the underlying jaw bone.

Most experts use gingivoplasty in performing gum corrective surgery.

There are two methods though, there’s the gum contouring with electrosurgery and then there’s the laser.

How Is Gum Contouring with Laser Done?

In laser gum contouring, dentists level the gums using laser after injecting the patient with an anesthetic to numb the gum and reduce the pain.

The process takes between 3 to 45 minutes and will take about four to five days for patients to fully recover after the procedure.

During the waiting period, patients may experience mild bleeding and edema and will need to pay keen attention to their oral hygiene.

Botox for Gummy Smile

This is the most frequently used method and is the easiest too. It’s effective in treating gummy smiles caused by lips problems. The procedure also requires the use of both Botox and lip augmentation.

This procedure requires repetitive treatment up six to eight months. If done properly, patients should not feel any bleeding, swelling, edema, or discomfort.

How is Botox done?

Botox is done by temporarily paralyzing the elevator muscles found around the upper lips. With this, if a person smiles, the lips will not raise and expose the gums. The procedure is ideal for patients with hyperactive lip muscles.

On the downside, the procedure is not permanent, it lasts only about three to four months. Also, there are some side effects to the procedure.

Other Smile Design Procedures

A gummy smile isn’t the only oral problem a person can have. Sometimes, there are issues with the teeth too. Other common oral problems include short teeth, gap teeth, cracks, and so on.

Thus, after undergoing gummy smile treatment, the patient can choose to continue with other smile design treatments.

Smile Design Procedures

Some of the common smile design procedures that can be done to correct oral problems include:

Teeth Whitening

If you have yellow, brown, or colored teeth and wish to correct them, you can undergo teeth whitening. The process involves the application of a gel containing about 25% to 40% hydrogen peroxide.

Another method involves the application of a heating lamp to the teeth for about four to 20 minutes during which the gel is applied at intervals.

Laminated Veneers

Also called dental laminates, laminated veneers are used in treating shortness of teeth and other aesthetic problems. It is usually done after gummy smile treatment. This procedure is commonly used in Turkey to treat dental issues.

Dental Crowns

Persons with damaged teeth can go for a dental crown procedure. Here, the gum contouring analyta or dentist places dental crown caps on the top of the affected teeth.

These caps cover, protect and restore the shape of the teeth. Examples of dental crown include Emax crowns and zirconia crowns.

Lip Repositioning

There are persons whose lips go up to their nose when they smile. To correct this, the dentist may recommend a lip repositioning and gummy smile treatment.

This procedure restricts the high movement of the upper lip. The process involves removing tissue from the upper lip, this is done to reduce the amount of gum tissue that shows when the person smiles.

Extraction

Admittedly, extraction is not the most pleasant way to remedy teeth problems, but it’s very effective.

To make the experience less scary and painful, the dentist will inject you with anesthetics to make you unconscious or numb after which the tooth will be pulled.

This method is usually recommended when a tooth is damaged beyond repair and is at risk of infecting other teeth.

Fillings

Cavities are a common tooth problem. If the teeth’s enamel is overly exposed, acids in the body and food can break down easily. For many cases of cavities, filling the affected tooth is all you need.

Fortunately, the procedure is a quick and easy one. The process will take about one hour and you will likely be numbed. Although you may feel a bit of pressure and soreness, it shouldn’t last for long.

Braces/Invisalign

Many are shifting away from the more traditional braces towards Invisalign, but they both achieve the same goal. The primary purpose of braces and Invisalign is to correct and straighten crooked teeth.

Ideally, braces involve the use of metal wire and other materials to gradually tighten back the teeth.

Invisalign on the other hand while being the same thing is less visible and slower than braces but very effective.

The procedure comes with a bit of pain and ache, but it’s nothing extreme.

Bonding

Persons with chipped or damaged teeth can go for bonding to correct the problem. The procedure involves the use of resin (a form of plastic tinted to the natural color of the teeth).

Bonding is ideal for minimal imperfections and is less invasive than other methods.

Dentists use many layers to secure the teeth firmly and each layer is usually dried with a light. After this, the spot is then cleaned and polished, this ensures it blends with the teeth.

Bonding is time-consuming and a technical procedure, thus it requires more dedication and expetise.

Other dental treatment methods include:

  • Dental bridge
  • Dental implants
  • Dentures
  • Composite bonding
  • Inlays and Onlays
  • Teeth cleaning
  • Root canal

The Pros and Cons of Gum Contouring

Gum contouring also known as gingival sculpting comes with some advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

Gum contouring is a very fast procedure. The whole procedure can be completed in one dental appointment and does not require a long healing time.

Compared to other dental procedures, gum contouring is relatively painless. Before now, the scalpel was the only tool available for gum contouring.

But with the invention of laser gum contouring, the pain is reduced. Also, the application of an anesthetic makes the process less painful.

Gum contouring is permanent and does not require a constant revisit to the dentist. Once the surgery is done, it only requires occasional maintenance and checkups.

It is an effective corrective procedure. Since it removes excess gums effectively, patients can build back their confidence.

Cons:

Gum contouring is not without some cons. They aren’t many though and they include:

While the procedure is relatively painless, you may experience tenderness and soreness in your mouth afterward. This doesn’t last long though and can be managed using mouthwash and painkillers.

Gum contouring is primarily a cosmetic procedure. While a dentist can apply the method to removing holes that can breed bacteria, it’s not a cure for periodontal or gum disease which is best avoided by adhering to good oral hygiene.

Gum contouring isn’t cheap. And since it’s a cosmetic procedure, your dental insurance may not pay for it, hence you may have to pay from your pocket.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring is a surgical procedure done to change the shape of the gums. The dentist can deploy the procedure to remove excess gum tissue which is responsible for the “gummy” smile many people have.

Dentists can also use gum contouring to correct gum recession, a condition that pushes your teeth backward, exposes the gum line, and could lead to tooth loss.

How long does gum contouring last?

If done well, gum contouring can last forever, requiring only occasional cleaning and maintenance to avoid further gum recession and prevent irritation.

How painful is gum contouring?

Gum contouring comes with a bit of pain. However, you will be given a mild local anesthetic before commencing the surgery.

This will numb the gums and prevent you from feeling any pain. But once the anesthetic wears off, you will feel some tenderness, pain, and numbness.

The amount of pain and discomfort you will feel depends on the number of gums removed or reshaped.

How much does gum contouring cost?

The price of gum contouring depends on a lot of factors. Typically, the price of contouring one tooth ranges from $50 to $350. Likewise, the price for contouring the whole front teeth ranges from $100 to $3000.

Gum contouring is generally regarded as a cosmetic procedure, thus, your dental insurance may not cover it, unless otherwise stated by your dentist.

What are the benefits of gum contouring?

Gum contouring is beneficial in many ways. From an aesthetic viewpoint, the procedure shapes the spots with lower tissues than others, thus creating a straight and more symmetrical line. Also, the procedure corrects the high gum line due to gum recession.

But beyond its aesthetic benefits, excess gum tissue can pose a problem for many people. To avoid issues such as tooth decay, gum irritation, and periodontal diseases, dentists can recommend gum contouring.

Is gum contouring permanent?

For many people who undergo this procedure, the results are permanent and do not require repetitions. Ideally, after shaping, gums do not grow back.

However, there’s a need to clean and maintain the teeth, this will help prevent further gum recessions and irritation.

In some cases, though, patients may require extra treatment to achieve the desired result. While it may take several weeks for the gum to fully heal after the gum contouring procedure, this only lasts till the gum is completely healed after which the patient can resume eating without restrictions.

Who needs gum contouring?

Gum contouring is ideal for those with gums that rest too high or too low in the teeth. Generally, if you are unhappy with your gum and your smile, then you can get it corrected through gum contouring.

Otherwise called tissue sculpting or gum reshaping, gum contouring can level uneven gum lines, leaving you with a smile you will be proud of.

Why is my gum separating from my tooth?

When plaques (a thin film of bacteria) continually form on the surface of the teeth, it becomes hard and then form tartar. When this plaque then extends below the gum line, it can cause the gums to separate from the teeth.

When gum separates from the teeth, it causes several harms including unstable and loose teeth, injury to the bone and soft tissue surrounding the teeth, and ultimately tooth loss.

Can I eat after laser gum surgery?

Eating solid meals after laser gum surgery is not recommended as the teeth and gums are still very sensitive at this stage. However, you can take a liquid diet and soft meals.

For the first week after the surgery, we recommend taking soft meals such as ice cream, mashed potatoes, yogurt, pasta, or eggs. Taking any meal that involves chewing is not recommended until the gum is completely healed.

The following is a list of meals to avoid after a laser gum procedure:

  • Seeds
  • Nuts
  • Gum
  • Vegetables and other crunchy food
  • Hot or spicy meals
  • Meals that can shred and get stuck in the teeth (e.g. meat, chicken, etc.)

After the procedure, your mouth tends to be tender and maybe inflamed for a while. Eating soft food will help your gums heal properly without the added pressure of biting down or chewing hard.

How long does it take to recover from gum contouring?

It typically takes a few days to a few weeks for the tissues to heal properly. You should expect a few pain and discomfort after the procedure which may last for a few days.

This is normal though, you should be back to your normal self in as little as one week.

To hasten your recovery process, keep your gum clean, and limit physical activity such as running, jumping, etc., this will prevent blood from rushing to the area.

Also, keep your gum clean and avoid taking aspirin despite the pain you may feel. This is because aspirins thin blood, causing additional bleeding.

Does gum contouring cause bad breath?

There are many causes of bad breath but gum contouring is not one of them. The cosmetic procedure is very safe, with very minimal risks when compared to other surgeries.

Rather than cause bad breath, gum contouring will freshen your breath, remove excess gum tissue, help to create more gum line, and is harmless.

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