Gummy Smile Correction – Arcadia, CA
Fixing a Gummy Smile
When you look in the mirror, do your teeth look too small? Or are you distracted by an uneven gum line? A gummy smile can be very distracting and make you reluctant to show off your pearly whites. Dr. Canzoneri can get rid of excessive or unsightly gum tissue thanks safe, effective laser dentistry that causes minimal damage to the gum tissue. If you’re tired of your gums overshadowing your grin, contact our practice to ask about gummy smile correction in Arcadia.
What is a Gummy Smile?
When the upper gums are too prominent in your mouth or are out of proportion with the visible parts of your teeth, it’s called a gummy smile. The condition is very common, but there are a few different causes. It might be a result of an overgrowth of gum tissue, or it could simply be that your teeth didn’t erupt properly and thus look shorter than normal even if they’re the proper length. Sometimes the actual proportions of visible teeth to gums is normal and your smile only looks gummy because your upper lip is moving too much when you smile.
How Does Gum Recontouring Work?
Gum recontouring is a procedure that removes extra gum tissue and evens out the gum line. In the past, this procedure had to be done with a scalpel, but thanks to modern dental technology, Dr. Canzoneri can make the surgery easier and more efficient by using a dental laser instead. The gums are anesthetized, and you’ll experience little if any discomfort. Also, since the laser is so precise, we can make sure only the part of the gums that need the treatment are affected, which helps speed up recovery time. After just one visit, you’ll be able to walk away with a much more dazzling smile!
Performing Gum Recontouring with Waterlase®
When it comes to laser dentistry, Dr. Canzoneri uses the Waterlase system. This combines laser energy with a spray of water and air. This allows us to keep the tooth hydrated throughout the procedure. Doing so will greatly increase your comfort levels and help create a virtually pain-free experience. In fact, in some cases Waterlase can eliminate the need for an anesthetic! The laser is also very hygienic; it’ll sterilize your teeth and gums during the surgery (something traditional metal tools can’t do), so there’ll be a much lower risk of an infection afterwards.
Benefits of Gum Recontouring
- The procedure can correct all kinds of cosmetic problems with your gumline and leave you with a more attractive smile.
- A procedure done with a laser is not only safe, it’s also more precise and allows for faster recovery times than a surgery done with metal tools.
- Your gums will be easier to clean after the recontouring, which can help improve your overall health. In the long run, it can even reduce your risk for gum disease.
- A laser gum recontouring is gentle and does not involve any of the vibrations or painful pressure that dental drills often create.
Gummy Smile FAQs
If you are considering gum recontouring for your gummy smile in Arcadia, we understand if you still have many questions about the procedure. Dr. Canzoneri wants all his patients to feel confident when choosing to undergo any type of dental surgery. Although this unique treatment is designed to improve oral health and enhance your overall appearance, it’s natural for questions to remain, which is why you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about gum recontouring below. After reviewing this information, feel free to contact us with any additional inquiries or concerns you might have.
Am I a candidate for gum recontouring?
Only Dr. Canzoneri can determine if you are a good candidate for gum recontouring, but you can expect him to perform a thorough evaluation during your initial consultation. If you possess any of the following, there is a good chance you will be eligible for treatment:
- There is an overgrowth of gum tissue around your teeth when smiling
- You have teeth that appear “too long” because of gum recession
- Your gums appear uneven
What is recovery like after gum recontouring?
Fortunately, because of the use of a soft tissue laser, recovery is very quick. In some instances, there may be very little discomfort that can be easily managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever. However, most patients can resume regular activity immediately following the appointment. Should you experience any serious pain or swelling, you should contact our office immediately.
Does gum recontouring produce permanent results?
In most cases, a patient can expect to enjoy the results of their gum recontouring for a lifetime without any additional surgical procedures. However, it is necessary that the person continue to maintain optimal oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing to avoid any irritation or potential gum recession. Although there will be some slight swelling after the procedure, which is significantly minimized because of the Waterlase soft tissue laser, a person can expect to be fully healed after only a few short weeks.
Will dental insurance cover the cost of my gum recontouring procedure?
Because gum recontouring is usually considered a cosmetic procedure, it is unlikely that your dental insurance company will provide coverage for this type of treatment. Only in cases where it is medically necessary can you expect to receive a financial reprieve from your insurance company. If this is not the case for your situation, you will need to find an alternative way to pay. Fortunately, we partner with CareCredit, which is a third-party financier that offers low and zero interest payment plans.