Cosmetic Dentistry Options for Your Gums

Cosmetic dentistry aims to improve the aesthetics of your smile. It might involve treatments that improve how your teeth appear or treatments that alter the way gum tissues at the base of your teeth look.

Cosmetic dentistry often combines various treatments to address all of the issues that negatively impact the appearance of the patient’s teeth. Some of the treatments used also provide restorative benefits, improving the function of existing teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry treatments that target your gums

Most people think of teeth when a person’s smile is brought up, but that is only half of the equation. Gum tissues also play an essential role when it comes to the aesthetics of a person’s smile. Too much gum tissue being revealed when you beam ruins your smile. The condition is called a gummy smile. Gum tissues receding from teeth roots due to issues like brushing too hard or gum disease also affects the aesthetics of a person’s smile.

Some of the treatments that can be used to improve the way a person’s gum tissues complement their teeth include:

1. Gum contouring

Gum contouring can be used to address issues like receding gums, uneven gums, or a gummy smile. The procedure typically involves using a laser to remove excess gum tissues and shape the gum line carefully. The laser cauterizes while cutting through gum tissues, so it only takes a few days to recover from the procedure.

Some patients might experience some discomfort and swelling after reshaping their gum tissues. This should go away within a couple of days. Over-the-counter painkillers are often enough to manage any pain caused by gum contouring. Dentists often recommend sticking to soft foods for the first few days after getting the treatment to avoid irritating sore gum tissues.

2. Gingival veneers

As the name implies, these cosmetic restorations are used to cover up gum issues like receding gums. They create the illusion of more aesthetic gum tissues that complement the patient’s teeth. Gingival veneers are made from an impression of the patient’s teeth, and they are designed to look like natural gum tissues. These restorations serve as an alternative for people who would rather not deal with gum recontouring.

3. Gum grafts

Gum grafts can be used to address receding gums or replace gum tissues damaged by periodontal disease. The procedure typically involves taking healthy gum tissues from other parts of the mouth like the palate and covering up exposed teeth roots with them. It helps to address the long look receding gums give teeth, improving the patient’s smile.

Your gums are an essential part of your smile

Having a great smile requires having healthy teeth and gums since they complement each other. Issues like receding or uneven teeth can be addressed with appropriate cosmetic dentistry treatments, so they do not negatively affect the way your smile looks. Ready to create the smile of your dreams? Give us a call or stop by our Rockville clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.rockvillefamilydental.com or call Rockville Family Dental at (301) 575-0941 for an appointment in our Rockville office.