Have your gums taken over your teeth and your smile? A smile makeover can make a life-changing difference that boosts your confidence. But the options for beautifully transforming your smile require the skill and talent of an artistic cosmetic dentist.
Treatment Options for Your Smile Makeover
Gum Contouring
Expert cosmetic dentists use gingivectomy, or a gum lift, to remove excess gum tissue around your teeth. Removing the tissue will make your teeth look longer.
- No needles or scalpels are involved.
- Your cosmetic dentist provides painless treatment with a laser that gently removes excess gum tissue.
- Sometimes additional cosmetic work is needed to lengthen tooth structure and complete your smile makeover.
Porcelain Veneers
Your cosmetic dentist may need to prepare your teeth before giving you a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, by removing a small amount of enamel (0.05 mm or less) from each tooth. Your dentist may also remove some of the bone beneath the gums. He or she will position porcelain veneers over the fronts of your teeth to make them look longer but natural.
Dental Crowns
Dr. Brooksher used gum contouring and dental crowns for this smile makeover.
Depending on your case, your cosmetic dentist might recommend crowns to lengthen your teeth. He or she must taper the entire tooth for a crown to fit over it properly without affecting your bite. Your dentist will explain what you can expect with crowns versus veneers.
Orthodontics
In some cases, your cosmetic dentist will recommend orthodontic treatment to level your teeth and provide a smile makeover that highlights your teeth—not your gums. What can you expect?
- Your dentist or orthodontist will provide a treatment plan to move your teeth upward, which will also move your gums upward.
- The vertical position of your teeth will allow your upper lips to hide your gums.
- Less gum tissue will show when you smile.
Which Option Is Right for You?
You should entrust your smile makeover only to an advanced cosmetic dentist. Look for a nearby accredited cosmetic dentist and schedule a consultation. He or she will examine your teeth and gums and explain your options for saying goodbye to your gummy smile.
Steven Brooksher, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.
