Transform Your Smile with Quick, Effective Gum Contouring
If excess much gum tissue is covering your teeth, it can compromise the appearance of your smile and make it difficult to smile with confidence. To achieve a more uniform and aesthetic smile, Dr. E. Richard Hughes offers gum contouring treatments at his Sterling, VA, office. Also referred to as a gum lift, gum contouring can eliminate the appearance of a “gummy” smile for a dramatic transformation. Gum lifts are commonly combined with other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers and teeth whitening for a comprehensive makeover.
About Gum Contouring
Excess gum tissue can extend down teeth, making them appear smaller or misshapen. Uneven gum lines can also make teeth appear crooked. Gum contouring can transform a smile that is affected by excess or uneven gum tissues. During this procedure, Dr. Hughes will use advanced techniques to carefully and precisely trim excess tissue and reshape the gum line. He can complete your gum lift in a single appointment at our office.
Gum Lift Candidates
If you have an uneven or asymmetrical gum line, or excess gum tissue that creates the appearance of a “gummy” smile, a gum lift may be right for you. Patients should be in good overall oral health in order to undergo this procedure. Prior to undergoing gum lift treatment, any signs of periodontal disease or other oral health issues must be eliminated. After you have received appropriate restorative and general dental treatment, you can undergo cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance of your smile.
What to Expect During Gum Lift Treatment
Prior to your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Hughes for a cosmetic consultation. During this consultation, he will carefully examine your gums to determine if a gum lift is right for you. Together you will discuss your cosmetic goals, and he may recommend additional cosmetic treatments to better achieve your desired results.
In preparation for your treatment, Dr. Hughes will use a pen to carefully outline your new, uniform gum line. If this gum line is to your liking, we can then provide a local anesthetic to reduce any potential discomfort. Using specialized tools, Dr. Hughes will carefully and gently trim any excess gum tissue, reshaping your gums to the new gum line he outlined prior to treatment.
Following your treatment, your gums may be sore and swollen for a few days, but discomfort is typically mild and fades quickly. You should avoid spicy foods or foods containing seeds during this time, because these can cause irritation. You can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory to help with any discomfort and you should brush and floss gently.
When performed as a standalone procedure, a gum lift can completely transform your smile and improve your confidence.
Benefits of Gum Lifts
A gum lift can provide you with more a more symmetrical gum line and proportionately sized teeth. With our precise treatment, you can achieve an aesthetically shaped gum line with minimal swelling and discomfort following your procedure. When gum contouring is combined with other cosmetic treatments, you can experience even more dramatic results. However, even when performed as a standalone procedure, a gum lift can completely transform your smile and improve your confidence.
Enhance Your Smile
If you feel self-conscious about your smile due to an uneven gum line or excess gum tissue, contact our dental office today to schedule a cosmetic consultation. A customized, conservative gum lift treatment can give you a more uniform and proportionate smile.
