Do your gums seem as exposed, or more, than your teeth when you smile? Excessive gingival display, or a gummy smile, can sometimes result from an abnormality in the muscles that control your lip movement, though it’s more often caused by too much or uneven gum tissue. Fortunately, gummy smiles aren’t always an immediate dental health risk. However, if you wish to improve your smile’s appeal by correcting the issue, then Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron may be able to fix your gummy smile with the help of innovative laser gum contouring.
Why Your Gums Are Uneven
Gummy smiles can occur for different reasons, depending on each patient’s specific condition. For instance, the improper eruption of one or more of your permanent teeth, or abnormal growth of the jawbone, can cause the gums to protrude noticeably when you smile. In most mild to moderate cases, though, gummy smiles can be fixed with a cosmetic procedure known as gum contouring, which reshapes the gum line for a more symmetrical and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Comfortable, Convenient Laser Dentistry
In the not-too-distant past, gum contouring consisted of scalpels and surgery to trim away excessive gum tissue, and sutures were typically needed to ensure proper healing. Using advanced soft-tissue diode lasers, Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron can now perform gum contouring procedures without traditional surgical tools. The laser is specially-calibrated to avoid damaging the collateral tissues, making laser gum contouring more efficient. The heat from the laser also helps heal the tissue as the doctor passes it over the tissues, minimizing bleeding and significantly reducing the amount of time needed to heal. By reshaping your gum tissue, laser gum contouring can even out the frame of tissue surrounding your teeth, improving the overall appearance of your smile without the need for extensive dental work.
ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE COSMETIC DENTISTS:
As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
