Precision matters when it comes to gum contouring.

Do you feel like your smile shows a bit too much gum? If so, you’re far from alone. Gum contouring is increasing in popularity for this exact reason. A skilled cosmetic dentist can remove and sculpt gum tissue to lengthen the appearance of your teeth and balance your smile. 

Gum contouring yields stunning results, whether by revealing more of your smile or by creating a symmetrical smile through gingival sculpting. The difference between a perfectly balanced smile and a smile that shows too much gum tissue is just millimeters. But the right balance for you depends heavily on individual factors, including your smile type, the shape of your teeth, and other facial characteristics. 

These processes require precision, which is why you want a highly experienced cosmetic dentist to perform them. Even small inaccuracies can have a significant impact. This is one cosmetic dental treatment where anything less than perfect just won’t look quite right.

Take advantage of the latest dental technology.

There’s no doubt that skill and experience are key, but you also need to choose a dentist who takes advantage of the latest technology and cosmetic techniques to handle your smile makeover. Here are a few recent developments that you absolutely cannot go without.

Laser Gum Contouring

Traditional gum contouring relies on the use of a scalpel to remove the gum tissue. While this method can produce excellent results, it also has a variety of downsides: more bleeding, increased tenderness afterward, and a longer recovery, to name a few. Today, laser gum contouring makes use of a soft-tissue dental laser to improve the experience and results of the procedure.

Laser gum contouring allows for unmatched precision because a laser removes only targeted tissue while leaving surrounding tissue untouched. In traditional gum contouring, bleeding can sometimes obscure the area being treated. Laser gum contouring produces little to no bleeding to avoid this issue.

Patients are also more comfortable during laser gum contouring and experience a smoother recovery. While local anesthetic prevents any pain during traditional gum contouring, it typically requires sutures, unlike laser gum contouring. The laser cauterizes the tissue as it works, so you’ll heal more quickly and experience far less soreness and swelling.

Digital Smile Design

Planning your smile is just as important as carrying out the treatment itself. Today, a variety of technologies enable digital smile design to ensure that the end result suits you perfectly.

Digital scans can provide high-resolution imaging of your smile that is then used with powerful simulation software to plan your treatment and results. This design tool can also give you an advanced look at all the possible results of various treatment options.

What To Look For in Your Cosmetic Dentist

While the general need for skill, experience, and the latest technology is clear, there are some specific steps you can take to choose the right dentist: one who shows commitment to their patients and delivers results to back it up.

First, trust only board-certified cosmetic dentists. There are a variety of licensing boards for dentistry, including the American Dental Association and state organizations for general licensing. However, certification from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry shows specific accreditation in that specialization.

Taking a look at actual results can also help you make the right decision. You should be able to find a gallery with gum contouring before and after images of real patients. A dentist who delivers results is happy to share them with the world.

Once you’ve identified a potential dentist for your smile makeover, the next step is to schedule a consultation. This will let you find out more about their office, the technology and methods they use, and the way they communicate with patients. You can also discuss gum contouring and find out more about all of your options.

You can achieve a stunning smile makeover.

Gum contouring is an excellent option for achieving a beautiful smile. You can boost your confidence and stop hiding your smile from the world; Dr. Desai at Luminous Smiles can develop your smile design and provide gum contouring for stunning results.

Dr. Desai is the only female dentist in Newport Beach who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She is also a Kois-trained dentist, which means that she takes a comprehensive, science-backed approach to all facets of your dental care. At Luminous Smiles, Dr. Desai offers numerous cosmetic dental treatments. Whether you’re concerned about balance, alignment, brightness, or any other aspect of your smile, we can develop a custom smile makeover that suits you perfectly. Schedule a consultation today to get started.