You might not realize it, but symmetry is one of the most important elements of facial appearance. That includes smile symmetry.

An unbalanced smile has a way of standing out, even if you can’t quite put your finger on the issue. Gum contouring can help achieve symmetry and balance for a bright and stunning smile.

Significance of Smile Symmetry 

If you ask the average person what they consider the most important elements of their smile, they’ll likely say the brightness or the straightness of individual teeth. However, that doesn’t line up with how most people see smiles. Symmetry is actually one of the first things most folks look at.

Most people are fairly symmetrical, especially in the face. Facial symmetry is an excellent general indicator of what people consider “attractive.” Ideally, the left and right sides of your face will be nearly identical; any deviations can impact how you and those around you perceive your appearance.

Smile symmetry also plays a role here—if your teeth or gums aren’t symmetrical around the midline of your face, you could benefit from gum contouring or other cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Imbalances have many potential causes, so you’ll need to schedule a consultation to find out which treatment is right for you.

Uneven Gumlines and Aesthetic Imbalance

While most people focus on the teeth, your gums are also an integral part of your smile.

Some people have especially gummy smiles, while others have smiles that don’t show much gum tissue when compared to their teeth. This balance is influenced by many factors, including how you open your mouth when you smile, the size and shape of your lips, or whether you have excess gum tissue.

It’s not just about having too much gum tissue, either. It could be that your gum tissue is unevenly distributed on one side or the other, or from tooth to tooth.

These sorts of irregularities can significantly impact the balance of your smile. They can also make individual teeth appear larger or smaller, further affecting your appearance.

Gum Contouring: Creating Visual Harmony

Depending on your specific features and oral health profile, gum contouring could be an effective treatment to balance your smile. This treatment focuses on adjusting the contour of your gumline to establish balance and symmetry.

The procedure involves cutting and adjusting gum tissue to create a smooth, even contour, sometimes removing significant tissue where there’s excess. The line between too much and too little gum tissue is incredibly fine, often coming down to millimeters.

Depending on the extent of the contouring, sutures may be necessary to ensure proper healing after the procedure. Once you’re fully healed, your gums will look healthy and natural, and your smile will get a big boost.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Perhaps the most important element of successful gum contouring is the customization that goes into your treatment plan.

You and your dentist can discuss potential cosmetic dentistry options to ensure that you get the right treatment. From there, your dentist may take several different approaches to contouring your gums. Their process will involve discussing your goals for your smile and any specific concerns you may have.

Additionally, they’ll carefully assess not just your smile, but your whole face. The midline and symmetry of your facial structure will impact the ideal appearance for your smile, so it’s important to take that into account during gum contouring.

Beyond Aesthetics: Functional Benefits of Balanced Gumlines

Many patients have questions about gum contouring, such as how it will affect their oral health. As it happens, gum contouring helps protect oral health and improves oral hygiene. Irregularities in your gumline can make brushing and flossing more difficult and provide more nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide and grow.

Conversely, a smooth, balanced gumline is easier to care for and reduces your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. You’ll also likely find that you experience greater comfort without excess tissue complicating actions like biting, chewing, and speaking.

Overall, gum contouring can help improve many aspects of your oral health.

Discover how gum contouring can transform your smile.

Gum contouring is an essential aspect of crafting and adjusting the symmetry and balance of your smile. Not only can it deliver a stunning smile, but it can also help ensure that your gums and teeth stay healthy. It’s one of the best things you can do for your smile in terms of aesthetics, function, and health.

If you’re considering gum contouring or other cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve your smile, visit your trusted dentist in Omaha at The Tooth Doc. We’ll develop a custom treatment plan that addresses your unique goals and needs. Schedule a consultation today to start your smile transformation.