Much of cosmetic dentistry focuses on the size, shape, and appearance of your teeth. Yet, your smile’s appearance is also significantly affected by the shape and appearance of your gum line. Excessive or uneven gum tissues that cover a disproportionate amount of your tooth structure can make your smile seem “off” somehow. Fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry will also include raising the gum line to allow for a more symmetrical and attractive appearance.
Excessive gingival display or “gummy smiles” are addressed with gum lifts and other treatment options. Current estimates indicate that up to seven percent of men and fourteen percent of women have extra gum tissue. Excess gum tissue creates a disproportionate appearance of a patient’s smile by covering more of the tooth than necessary. Gummy smiles often make teeth appear smaller than they should. If you have a gummy smile, your self confidence is likely affected.
What is a gum lift?
This patient came into our office for a second opinion. She had been sent in by her general dentist to do a veneer on her right front tooth before her wedding. She asked us if there was anything that could be done for her excess gum display and if we could close the spaces between her teeth. Unfortunately, the treatment choices that would improve her smile the most could not be completed before her wedding. She was so excited to finally hear about raising the gum line to improve her smile. She eventually did have a gum lift and 4 porcelain veneers done to close the spaces. We never got to see how her finished smile looked but we have other gummy smile cases similar to this one. And a second fixing a gummy smile example
A gum lift is the process of carefully measuring the gum line covering the roots of your teeth and adjusting it through strategic trimming away of excess tissues. The procedure allows your dentist to shape your gum line into a more symmetrical contour that complements the cosmetic appeal of your smile.
Will Raising the gum line help me prevent gum disease?
In addition to the esthetic benefits of a straighter gum line, you can also enjoy reduced risks of gingivitis, which is caused by oral bacteria gathering underneath your gums. As the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis can pose a significant threat to patients with gummy smiles. A gum lift can reduce those risks by making it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Can a gum lift be performed with other procedures?
Like most other cosmetic dentistry procedures, a gum lift can be performed separately or as part of a larger smile makeover plan. If you are also affected by other cosmetic issues, then your dentist might suggest a more comprehensive viewing. Perhaps the gum correction will be part of a conservative smile makeover.
What should I do?
Thankfully, modern dentistry means you don’t have to settle for a less-than-stellar smile. Gum lifts allow patients to create more symmetrical and stronger smiles. But first understanding the cause of the overgrowth is key to maintaining a lovely smile. We can help determine both the cause of the overgrowth, and whether or not a gum lift would be appropriate. If deemed appropriate, a surgeon we will sculpt the tissue to create the appearance of longer and more symmetrical teeth.
While a gum lift can drastically improve the appearance of the smile, diagnosing the cause of the gum growth, and addressing it, is crucial to ensuring the results of any cosmetic procedures are long-lasting. In some cases, we may refer you to a medical doctor to review the medications that may be causing the overgrowth, or to a periodontist, or gum specialist, for further consultation.
Ask Your Dentist if Raising the gum line Is Right for You
If you have a gummy smile, then raising the gum line can improve your appearance. To learn more about improving your smile, schedule a consultation by calling us in Lake Forest, IL, at 847-234-0517. We also proudly serve residents of Chicago and all surrounding communities in the Chicago Metro area.