Gummy Smiles
Calgary, Alberta
A gummy looking smile is one that shows too much gum and not enough teeth. This could be a result of your teeth being proportionally small, or it may just appear that way because your gums are overgrown. If you suffer from gummy teeth, you may smile less and may lack the confidence you desire to make it through the day with other people. Regardless of why your gums overwhelm your smile, Dr. Chee has cosmetic treatment options to help in correcting gummy teeth.
Causes of Gummy Teeth
Issues with gummy teeth can occur for a number of reasons, including:
- Unusually small teeth
- Late eruption
- Long maxillary bone
- Gum disease
- Gapped teeth
- Extensive smile
Depending on your specific issue, Dr. Chee will decide on a treatment plan to restore your smile to where it belongs.
Gum Re-contouring
Expansive gums can be removed with a process called gum re-contouring. The excess tissues are removed using laser technology under local anesthetic. This option is growing in popularity over traditional surgery because it is less invasive and helps cauterize blood vessels during the procedure, minimizing bleeding.
The gums may be tender for up to two weeks following surgery. Pain is controlled with over the counter medications and salt-water rinses.
Porcelain Veneers
If your teeth are especially small, or the gums appear large because of gaps in your teeth, a good option may be porcelain veneers. These thin appliances are adhered to your teeth, giving them a new surface. Short teeth can be elongated in order to appear more proportional. Gaps can also be closed by artfully filling in the spaces between your teeth. An added benefit to porcelain veneers is that they can also be used to whiten and brighten your smile.
To find out more about the cosmetic treatment options for correcting a gummy smile, please contact, Dr. Chee at Aesthetic Dental Studio in Calgary to schedule an initial consultation. The dentist will show you some before and after pictures of successful gum treatment and help you get your old smile back.
