Getting your gums contoured in South East London is easier than you would think

Getting your gums contoured in South East London is easier than you would think

12 / 05 / 2012

Gum contouring is used to treat gummy smiles. A gummy smile is the name given when a person has an outsized amount of gum covering their teeth. It often makes the teeth look short and small and this can make people feel that their smile in unattractive, which may have an effect on their self-confidence and cause them to feel uneasy when they smile in public.

What does the process involve?

Gum contouring, also known as reshaping, is carried out to enhance the aesthetic of the smile. Tiny pieces of gum tissue are removed during contouring, making more of the tooth structure visible when you smile. The procedure is carried out using either a scalpel or laser technology. The gums are numbed first to prevent pain and then your dentist will carefully re-shape the gums and remove gum tissue to generate a more even, aesthetically pleasing smile.

Traditionally, a scalpel was used to remove gum tissue, but laser treatment is becoming increasingly commonplace in modern dentistry. Lasers are preferable because they reduce healing time, decrease the risk of infection and increase accuracy. There is also less risk of damage to the surrounding tissue and many patients feel more at ease with the prospect of having laser treatment, rather than treatment involving a scalpel.

What are the advantages of gum contouring?

Gum contouring may sound rather scary, but it is actually very safe and simple and it can have a massive impact on a smile’s appearance and the patient’s confidence. Gum contouring makes more of the teeth visible, which creates a more even and balanced smile. If you would like to learn more about gum contouring in South East London, contact your dentist.