Do you think you might show a bit too much of your gum line when you smile? Well, you’re far from alone. Every year many patients choose gum contouring to achieve a more proportionate smile. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is safe, effective, and could be the right choice for you to improve your smile.

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring is a procedure that physically reshapes your gums to adjust the gum line, reducing its prominence in your smile. It’s a simple procedure that takes place in your dentist’s office.

Gum contouring is a permanent procedure. Your gum line doesn’t grow back to its original position over time. This means that you’ll undergo gum contouring only once to have a proportionate smile for good.

Who is a good candidate for gum contouring?

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, meaning it’s mostly about giving you a better-looking smile, so it’s largely up to you to decide whether to choose this treatment. If you believe your smile is disproportionally covered by your gum line, you can reach out to your dentist to schedule a consultation.

From there, they’ll discuss how gum contouring will help improve your unique smile. They may also discuss other cosmetic procedures that might provide you with the results you’re looking for.

Most patients are able to undergo gum contouring treatment if they want to adjust their smile. However, there are some exceptions. Some oral health issues could preclude patients from gum contouring, which is why it’s important to consult with your dentists so they can fully assess and discuss your options.

The Benefits of Gum Contouring

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, but it will provide you with a number of additional benefits. 

Of course, having a proportional smile is one of those. You’ll have a better-looking smile that can give you more confidence in your everyday life. Your smile is the first thing people notice about you, so having the one that you feel fits you best can be a tremendous benefit.

Another benefit is that the procedure is permanent. Many cosmetic procedures, dental or otherwise, are only temporary and require multiple visits to maintain the results. However, gum contouring is a way that you can improve the appearance of your smile with one simple procedure and you won’t have to have it done again.

Gum contouring is also a safe and low-impact procedure. Recovery time is minimal, with only two to three days of noticeable swelling or discomfort for most patients. You can get back to your life very quickly, as opposed to more invasive interventions that involve considerable downtime.

What factors can affect gum contouring results?

The extent to which your gum line is reduced is determined during the planning of your procedure. Your dentist can remove more or less gum tissue in order to sculpt a proportional smile.

Removing the proper amount is important to get a smile that looks right, so you want to choose a cosmetic dentist with experience in gum contouring. During planning, they can also use a special pen to mark where your new gum line will be. This can give you a better understanding of what to expect from your results.

How to Care for Your Gums After Gum Contouring

Gum contouring is a minor procedure, but there are still some requirements for patients to follow during recovery. The recovery period generally lasts between one and two weeks, at which point your gums will be fully healed.

During the first few days, your gums may be swollen and sore. This is normal, and you can take over-the-counter pain medications to manage any pain. However, if your gums are bleeding or the pain or swelling seems excessive, you should call your dentist for advice.

For the first two or three days after the procedure, you’ll need to stick to soft foods. Chewing motions and pieces of food can damage the freshly contoured gum line, so stick to soup, applesauce, yogurt, and other comparable foods for a few days.

Find the smile of your dreams.

If you aren’t fully satisfied with your smile, you can reach out to The Tooth Doc for excellent cosmetic dentistry. We provide a wide range of treatments, including gum contouring, and can fulfill all of your needs as your dentist in West Omaha. Just contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started.