Cosmetic Dentistry for a Gummy Smile
Countless people rely on cosmetic dentistry services to correct dental imperfections and enhance the appearance of the smile. Cosmetic dentistry is able to address issues beyond those that directly affect the teeth. One common issue that can be treated through cosmetic dentistry is a gummy smile.
A gummy smile refers to one with a disproportionate amount of gum tissue for tooth structure. A gummy smile does not pose any oral health concerns, but it can have a dramatic effect on the aesthetics of the smile. At his Montreal, QC, dental practice, Dr. Patrick Casey offers cosmetic dentistry for a gummy smile, to improve the balance between the teeth and gums.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is the most common treatment for a gummy smile. Gum contouring eliminates excess gum tissues and sculpts the gum line so that it is more even. The procedure lifts the gum line so that more of the natural tooth structure is revealed, achieving better proportions between the gum tissues and the teeth.
Gum contouring may sound like a complicated procedure, but that is actually not the case. Dr. Casey offers laser gum contouring to his Montreal patients. During treatment he uses a high powered laser (rather than a handheld scalpel) to remove unwanted gum tissues. The laser offers greater precision and control than a scalpel. The laser further benefits patients by cauterizing blood vessels as it cuts away excessive tissues. This minimizes bleeding and eliminates the need for stitches. Ultimately, laser gum contouring offers more accurate treatment, a faster recovery time, and a lower risk of post-treatment complications than traditional gum contouring treatment.
Once the appropriate amount of gum tissue has been removed, the gum line will appear straighter and the teeth will appear larger. Gum contouring treatment allows the gums to act as the frame for the teeth, as they should be, rather than taking over as the focus of the smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Many of our Montreal patients who undergo laser gum contouring choose to further enhance their smile with porcelain veneers. Gum contouring brings greater balance to the smile, but sometimes the tooth structure that is revealed during treatment doesn’t blend in with the rest of the tooth. Newly revealed enamel may be slightly off in color, or patients may simply still desire larger or more uniform looking teeth. In any case, porcelain veneers are a great compliment to laser gum contouring.
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells that bond to the facial surface of the teeth. Veneers hide dental imperfections and enhance the size, color, and/or shape of the teeth. Traditional porcelain veneers require at least two dental appointments that are spaced several weeks apart. Dr. Casey offers same-day porcelain veneers, so patients can enjoy all the benefits of veneers in just a single dental treatment.
Contact Smile Montreal Dentistry
If you feel self-conscious about your smile because of excess gum tissue, the cosmetic dentistry treatments offered at Smile Montreal Dentistry can help you say good-bye to a gummy smile. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Patrick Casey, contact our dental practice online, or call (514) 937-6558.
