What is Gum Contouring?
When you smile, do you think your upper teeth seem out of balance, maybe because of too much gum tissue? Do you believe that your upper teeth seem too short compared to the amount of gum tissue displayed when you smile? If you answered yes, you may have a condition that is commonly referred to as a gummy smile, or excessive gingival display.
A smile like this is common and can have a negative effect on the perception of your smile. But this smile can be easily improved and corrected through several different treatment options, one being gum contouring.
Nothing but absolute perfection is acceptable at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. The entire staff focuses on a warm, patient, and caring experience for your dental care. Every day, every appointment, every procedure, the team concentrates on earning and maintaining your trust. We are proud to work with you and your family, and each team member participates in continuing education to always apply the recent innovative technological advancements in the dental industry. Whether it is a regular checkup exam or a procedure for Gum Contouring, simply call us at Rock Hill - (803) 324-8141 or Charlotte - (704) 275-3750, and schedule your appointment today. You can easily find us at 1144 India Hook Rd., #D, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 or 3111 Springbank Lane, Ste F, Charlotte, NC 28226.
An attractive smile means more than just straight, white teeth. It also is the proper ratio between the teeth and the visible gums. A gummy smile will show more gum than is considered desirable. If your smile bothers you, gum contouring will restore a more aesthetically pleasing balance between your teeth and gums during your smile.
eddy periodontics & implant dentistry
Our Highly Skilled & Compassionate Team
Our team, led by Dr. Nelson Eddy, a Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology, and his son, Dr. Joseph Eddy, combines decades of experience with advanced training to provide exceptional care for every patient.
Some Causes for Gum Contouring
A gummy smile does not mean there is anything fundamentally or functionally wrong with your teeth or gums. The ratio or balance between the gums and the teeth is most often a cosmetic issue, and even then, it is not a problem unless you feel self-conscious. However, it might happen because the teeth did not emerge properly from your gums, a condition called delayed passive eruption. It can also happen if your upper lip pulls back farther than normal during your smile.
Your smile can also look this way if your teeth are proportionally small or have become severely worn down. Regardless, Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry can correct these issues with gum contouring to modify your gum-line. Here are a few examples of some causes:
- The muscle that controls any movement of your upper lip can be hyperactive, which then causes your upper lip to lift higher than normal. With this simple movement more of your gum tissue is now exposed during your smile.
- An excessive amount of gum tissue in your upper jaw might be the result of an abnormal eruption of your teeth. Teeth that are covered with excessive gum tissue appear shorter, even though they might completely be the proper length.
- The way in which your upper jawbone developed can also cause the appearance of a gummy smile. For example, if there is an excessive protrusion of your upper jaw within the gum tissue, you might experience an obvious gum enhanced display when you smile.
Is It Just an Aesthetic Problem?
The smile line or aesthetic zone, the front teeth that are showing during your smile, is determined by several contributing factors, including:
- The shape and size of your teeth.
- The balance of your gum tissues.
- The size and shape of your lips.
- Your facial muscles.
The ideal smile line appearance should naturally reveal the least amount of gum tissue possible. Your gum tissue visible when you smile should have a balanced line, with even contours that are in harmony with your upper lip. It is for this primary reason that many people with a gummy smile think their smile is unattractive, often feeling reluctant to smile.
More serious underlying conditions could be present. If you have a gummy smile because of how your teeth erupted and how your jaw developed, you could also have an uncomfortable or improper bite that might ultimately affect your long-term oral health.
Gum Contouring Options
If you believe you have a gummy smile, visit Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry for an evaluation and a review of treatment options. There have been research studies done to determine what is considered too much gum tissue display. They have proven that smiles are attractive when two millimeters or less of gum tissue are visible. At around three millimeters or more, the display was excessive. Your team at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to determine the extent of the excessive gum display and the probable causes. This examination could include conventional or digital impressions of your teeth and gums. We will also need to capture X-rays so that your tooth roots and jawbone can be carefully examined as well. Treatment at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry may include one or more of the following:
- Gum contouring with same-day laser treatments in minor cases.
- Surgical sculpting of the gum tissues and bone to create healthier and more attractive looking gum contours.
- Additional surgical lip repositioning.
- Orthodontics, or braces, to move the teeth into more suitable positions, in addition to gum contouring.
- Maxillofacial surgery to reposition the bone.
The professionally trained team at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry can perform a crown lengthening procedure, simple gum contouring, to correct the appearance of your smile. During this procedure, we remove the excess gum tissue, and possibly even bone, to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This gum contouring procedure can be easily performed on one or more teeth to create an even gum line and a more natural looking smile.
The American Academy of Periodontology declares that the benefits of gum contouring procedures extend to include increased comfort, increased self-esteem and self-confidence when smiling, eating, and speaking, as well as improved periodontal health.
Bone Grafting
When teeth are extracted or oral cysts are removed, the underlying jawbone can deteriorate. This can result in a sunken facial appearance and make dental implant placement more difficult. A bone graft is a straightforward procedure that promotes the growth of new bone cells, helping to restore your oral health and prepare you for further treatments.
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Sedation Dentistry
Patient comfort is a top priority for us. To ensure your procedure is both safe and pain-free, we offer various sedation options. Depending on the specifics of your procedure, we may recommend nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation. We hope these options provide you with peace of mind as you prepare for your treatment.
We Offer A
Variety Of Services For All Your Needs
At Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our goal is to give each patient personalized attention, taking the time to thoroughly understand their needs and concerns. We offer detailed evaluations and comprehensive care to ensure our patients leave feeling positive and in excellent oral health. Explore the treatments we offer to learn more.
Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry Earns Your Trust with Our Warm and Caring Focus
Our team is methodical in our approach, concentrating on your well-being through your procedure and your daily life. We appreciate the anxiety and apprehension that often comes with dental care, and therefore we take the time and effort necessary to make you comfortable throughout. Call us today at Rock Hill - (803) 324-8141 or Charlotte - (704) 275-3750 with any questions you may have or to schedule a Dental Implant restoration, and we look forward to seeing you at 1144 India Hook Rd., #D, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 or 3111 Springbank Lane, Ste F, Charlotte, NC 28226.