Can I Make My Gums Smaller?

Can I Make My Gums Smaller?

Jun 01, 2022

Excessive gum tissues can make your teeth look shorter, significantly affecting the appearance of your smile. Similarly, they can encourage plaque and bacteria buildup around the gum line, making you susceptible to gum infections and tooth decay. Several treatment options can help reduce your gum tissues and enhance your smile.

It’s important to establish the right treatment for your condition. The gummy smile is usually an overgrowth of gum tissues. More gum tissue covers a large part of the tooth, making them look smaller. Excessive gum tissues can happen due to genetics, gum disease, or medications.

Similarly, if your teeth aren’t fully erupted, they may give you an appearance of a gummy smile even if there aren’t any excessive gum tissues. Dental misalignments can result in a gummy smile. Additionally, if you have a hyperactive upper lip, your lip can raise too far, exposing too much of your gums.

How to treat a gummy smile

Before establishing a treatment plan, your cosmetic dentist will examine your gums to understand the underlying cause. Common treatment options include:

  • Gum contouring or gingivectomy

Gingivectomy, gum sculpting, or contouring is a gum treatment that involves removing excess gum tissues to expose more teeth. A periodontist or cosmetic dentist can perform the procedure. You’ll be under anesthesia to keep you pain-free and relaxed throughout the procedure.

While not medically necessary, gum contouring will instantly improve your gums and teeth. The procedure takes about 2-3 hours. Contact our team for gum contouring in Concord, MA.

  • Crown lengthening

Your cosmetic dentist might recommend a crown lengthening treatment. The procedure involves lifting the gum tissues and removing excess gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Next, the remaining tissue is placed back and reshaped. Your gums will appear shorter and your teeth longer.

  • Dental scaling and root planing

If your excessive gum tissue results from gum disease, you can use scaling and root planing to manage the condition. Scaling entails removing plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, eliminating deep pockets.

Next, the dentist performs root planing, where the teeth’ roots smooth out to help your gums reattach to the teeth again. While the procedure won’t reduce the gum tissue or regenerate new ones, it will encourage the remaining gum tissue to reattach to the teeth, restoring the health and appearance of your gums.

  • Orthodontic treatment

Suppose your gummy smile results from orthodontic problems such as bad bites and misalignments. In that case, your cosmetic dentist might suggest traditional braces or Invisalign aligners to improve the appearance of your gums. While the treatment won’t decrease your gum tissues, it will make your gums appear smaller and natural.

  • Lip surgery

More of your gums may be exposed when smiling if you have a hyperactive upper lip. While the procedure won’t reduce your gum tissue, a lip repositioning surgery can make your smile less gummy.

Caring for your mouth after gum treatment

After your gum treatment, your periodontist or cosmetic dentist in Concord, MA will give you a few aftercare instructions. You must follow these instructions strictly to facilitate faster healing and recovery. These include:

  • Take your antibiotics and pain medications as prescribed.
  • Eat a soft diet for the next few days. Avoid eating hard, hot, or spicy foods to prevent irritation.
  • Avoid smoking before and after the treatment as it can delay healing.
  • Use a cold compress to control pain and swelling.
  • Rest adequately for the next few days.
  • Avoid touching or brushing around the treated areas. Rinse with warm salt water to prevent infection.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in gum reshaping in Concord, MA? Contact Concord Woods Dental Group to book your dentist appointment today.

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