If you are distracted, embarrassed, or concerned by excess gum tissue, gingival sculpting is a meticulous, customized treatment that reveals more tooth enamel. Also known as gum contouring or gum sculpting, this procedure involves laser technology and is a standalone treatment or the start of a smile makeover transformation that works seamlessly with other cosmetic dentistry treatments from Beachside Smiles in Manhattan Beach, CA.
Are You a Good Candidate for Gingival Sculpting?
You may not be happy with your gum line, but only your Manhattan Beach dentist can determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment to reshape your gums and balance your smile. Here is what you can expect from your appointment with your cosmetic dentist:
- Consultation: All smile makeovers begin with a consultation with your dentist to review your oral health, medical health, and take digital images. This meeting will deliver the information that determines if you are a good candidate for gingival sculpting.
- Preparation: When the time comes to begin gingival sculpting, only local anesthetic is needed to numb the area before the procedure gets underway.
- Gingival sculpting: A dental laser is moved carefully around each tooth to trim unwanted gum tissues and shape it into a symmetrical smile. The process can often take as little as 30 minutes to complete. Once the gum tissue is removed, it will never grow back.
There are many possible reasons for excess gum tissue, and any of the following characteristics could make you a good candidate for gingival sculpting:
- Enlarged gums
- Poorly erupted teeth
- High or short upper lip
- Overgrown upper jaw
There is no one to blame for excess gum tissue – DNA simply delivers the kind of smile a person is going to have, but now you can edit it to look exactly the way you want. Laser contouring allows you and your dentist to determine what you want showing when you smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry After Gingival Sculpting
Many dental patients opt for gingival sculpting as the first part of their smile makeover, following it up with any of the following procedures:
- Porcelain veneers: Teeth that look short or small are often affected by excess gum tissue, but even after this treatment is completed, patients often wish to enhance their smile even more with customized porcelain veneers. These thin, strong shields fit over natural teeth to expand them into a big, beautiful, natural-looking smile.
- Teeth whitening: When more tooth enamel is revealed by gum contouring, professional teeth whitening is often the next choice, so every tooth is the same level of whiteness and there is no illusion of stains or discoloration.
- Porcelain veneers: Some teeth simply can’t be helped, even with the elimination of excess gum tissue, so they must be covered up with a personalized porcelain crown. This cosmetic dentistry treatment makes it so that every discolored or damaged tooth blends in beautifully with the rest of your smile.
Gum Contouring Benefits
Some people are delighted to embrace the space between their front teeth or a noticeable crooked tooth. Other people want smile perfection and are willing to settle for nothing less. Medically, there is nothing wrong with excess gum tissue. Your smile is normal just the way it is. However, if you’re no longer interested in embracing this characteristic, if you want a memorable smile for its beauty and not its quirks, you can achieve balance with gingival sculpting, which delivers benefits like:
- Noninvasive procedure
- Comfortable treatment
- Creates healthier gums and teeth
- Deliver immediate results
- Guarantees permanent results
- Lengthens short teeth
- Corrects an uneven gum line
- Fast healing
Learn About Gingival Sculpting in Manhattan Beach
Dr. Don Mungcal is experienced in the art of gingival sculpting. He and his dental team are ready to help you eliminate unwanted gum tissue and create a beautifully shaped smile with a flawless gum-to-tooth ratio. Schedule a consultation at Beachside Smiles to learn more about this procedure and whether you’re a good candidate.
