Oversized gums are often called a gummy smile because when you open your mouth, more gum tissue is visible than teeth. This can make it difficult for you to have a natural-looking smile and may even cause self-consciousness.
Oversized gums can also make the teeth appear smaller than they are and affect the overall balance of your smile. Gum lifting is a great way to correct this problem and improve the appearance of your teeth and gums. Not only does it help to create a more even balance between your gum tissue and teeth, but it can also help to enhance the overall appearance of your smile.
Gum Lifting is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves reshaping and recontouring the gum line to improve the appearance of your smile. During this procedure, a dentist removes excess soft tissue and bone along the gum line to reveal more teeth and make them look longer.
Gum lifting can enhance your smile beautifully. Here are five ways in which this cosmetic dentistry treatment can help your smile:
- Improve the appearance of short teeth: If you have short teeth, then excess gum tissue can make them look even shorter. By removing the excess tissue, your dentist Highett can give your teeth a longer, more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Create symmetry: Many people have asymmetrical smiles, with one side of the mouth appearing higher or lower than the other. Gum lifts can help to create a more symmetrical appearance by evening out the gum line.
- Enhance the results of other procedures: If you are planning to undergo another cosmetic dental procedure, such as veneers or teeth whitening, then a gum lift can help to enhance the results. By removing excess tissue, your dentist can create a more polished and uniform look.
- Improve oral health: In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, gum lifts can also promote better oral health. Excess gum tissue can trap food and bacteria, leading to tooth decay and periodontal disease. By removing the excess tissue, you can reduce your risk of these problems.
- Boost confidence: A beautiful smile can be confidence-boosting, and a gum lift can help you to achieve that goal. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, then this procedure can help you to achieve the look you desire.
The Procedure of Gum Lifting
Gum lifting is typically performed under local anaesthesia and takes about an hour to complete. During the procedure, your dentist will trim away excess gum tissue and bone from around your teeth, exposing more crowns (the visible parts of the teeth).
Your dentist may also use a laser to make precise incisions in the gums to give the gum line a more uniform shape. Once the excess tissue is removed, your dentist will suture the gums to help them heal properly and give you an even smile.
How Long Does a Gum Lift Last?
Gum lifting is a permanent procedure, so the results are long-lasting. However, it’s vital to note that your gums can still shift over time due to age or other factors like genetics or periodontal disease.
To maintain the results of your gum lift, you must practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings and check-ups.
Here are some simple tips for maintaining the results of gum lift:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss every day to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and along the gum line
- Avoid smoking, as it can cause gum recession which can affect the results of your gum lift
Benefits of Gum Lifting
There are many benefits that gum lifting can offer. However, some of the most common benefits include the following:
- A More Balanced Smile: As previously mentioned, gum lifting helps to even out an uneven gum line and make your teeth look longer and more proportionate. This gives you a beautiful smile that you can flaunt with confidence.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Gum lifting can help reduce the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay by removing plaque and bacteria from around your teeth. When your dentist performs gum lifting, they get a better view of your teeth, which can help detect any oral health issues that may be present.
- Helps Teeth Look Longer and Fuller: Gum lifting can make your teeth look longer and fuller, giving you a more youthful appearance. This is especially beneficial for those who have small or undersized teeth.
- The results of gum lifting are immediate: With gum lift, you can immediately see the improvements to your smile after the procedure is complete. With proper care and maintenance, these results can last you for years to come.
- It Can be Completed with a Laser: Gum lifting can be done with a laser, a less invasive procedure requiring fewer stitches and faster healing times. A laser gum lift also helps reduce bleeding and swelling after the process.
- There’s Practically No Recovery Time: With a laser gum lift, there’s no recovery time needed. You can go about your day as usual, though you may experience minor discomfort for the first few days following the procedure. Your dentist will provide specific instructions on how to care for your gums after your appointment.
Gum-gifting is a great way to improve the appearance of your smile and give you more confidence. If you’re interested in learning more about gum lifting or want to see if it’s right for you, contact our team at Studio Smiles today to schedule an appointment.
We will examine your teeth and let you know whether gum lifting can help you achieve the beautiful, even smile of your dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have noticed that your gum line has become uneven or receded, or if your teeth appear to be longer than usual due to excessive gum tissue, you may need a gum lift (also known as gingival contouring). Other gum lift indications include an asymmetrical smile, difficulty cleaning around the gums, or a gummy appearance when smiling.
Your dentist can examine your gums and teeth to determine if you would benefit from a gum lift. They may also take X-rays of your mouth to better look at the structures below the surface and decide if this procedure is correct for you.
If it is, they can discuss with you the treatment options available and the best plan for your situation. Talk to our dentists today if a gum lift could help improve your smile.
No, gum lifts do not grow back. The process of gum lifting involves the surgical removal of the excess gum tissue to reveal more of the teeth and create a brighter, more balanced smile.
Unfortunately, the gums cannot regenerate themselves to their original state after the procedure. However, with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, the gums can remain healthy and in good condition. Additionally, a cosmetic dentist may be able to surgically reshape the gums if further adjustment is needed after the initial gum lift.
If you are considering a gum lift procedure, it is essential to speak with our dentist about any potential risks or side effects associated with the process. Our dentist can also recommend an appropriate post-operative care plan to ensure the best possible results. You can enjoy a brighter and healthier smile for many years with proper care.
Gum lifts typically take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the complexity of your case. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the gums to expose and reshape the tissue, followed by removing excess gum tissue.
Afterwards, sutures will be placed to close up any incisions and help speed healing. The result is a more even gum line and improved tooth appearance. After the procedure, your dentist may recommend that you maintain good oral hygiene habits to help keep your gums healthy and improve the results of your treatment.
In some cases, additional procedures may be necessary to achieve optimum results. Your dentist can discuss this with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your needs. Recovery time for gum lift may vary depending on the individual, but generally speaking, you can expect to take a few days off to rest and allow for proper healing.
Getting a gum lift can involve some discomfort, but the procedure is generally not painful. Your dentist will provide a local anesthetic to numb your gums and reduce any pain you may experience. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the treatment, which typically subsides within a few days.
However, some swelling and soreness can occur, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications. If you experience persistent or severe pain after your gum lift procedure, reach out to your dentist right away. They may prescribe more vital medicines to help manage the discomfort.
In some cases, a laser may be used instead of conventional tools for the gum lift procedure. Laser gum lifts typically have less discomfort because the laser seals nerve endings and reduces bleeding. However, your dentist can provide more specific information about the procedure they’ll be performing and any potential adverse effects.
Generally, the dentist will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and recommend soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes or oatmeal for the week following the procedure. Ice packs or anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to help reduce swelling and discomfort in the area.
The gum tissue must be allowed to heal correctly, so avoiding vigorous brushing or flossing in the area is essential. Additionally, your dentist may recommend a special mouthwash to keep the site clean and reduce the risk of infection. Consuming plenty of fluids throughout the healing process is also beneficial, as this can help speed up recovery and reduce pain.
Finally, your dentist may suggest a follow-up visit to assess the healing process and ensure everything looks as it should. Remember, not following through with your dentist’s instructions can cause further problems, so stick to the plan! The most gum tissue will heal within two weeks or less with proper care and attention.
