There are a lot of things that can be said about a person’s smile. Some of these things are very positive. For example, you could say that a person has a beautiful smile, they have an attractive smile or they have an inviting smile. However, one thing that you never want anyone to say is that you have a gummy smile.
When a person has a gummy smile, their gums rest too low on their teeth. And so when they smile, you see more gums than teeth. Or it could be the reverse. There are some people whose gums sit too high on their teeth and when they smile, they almost look like a skeleton and you can barely see their gums.
Gum contouring is a surgery that at times is referred to as tissue sculpting. It is a cosmetic procedure designed to give you an even gum line and leave you with a smile you will be proud to show off to the world. Dr. Jirik uses a laser during his procedures to ensure patient comfort and precision.
There are a lot of reasons why you might have uneven gums. One reason might simply be genetics. If everyone in your family has uneven gums, it is likely you will develop the same issue. In addition to genetics, there are certain health problems that can cause you to have a gummy smile, as well as certain prescription drugs.
If your gums are too high, for example, it might mean that you have gum recession. This is a serious condition because not only does it make your teeth look big, but over time, the recession can also reach a point to where it will expose your roots, it will lead to tooth decay and eventually, you might lose your teeth. Our cosmetic dentist can tell you if your gum recession is a sign that you are battling periodontal disease.
In most cases, gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure. Most people have it done because they want their smile to look better. However, in some rare instances, people do need gum contouring to protect their teeth and to encourage their teeth’s regenerative process.
Let our skilled cosmetic dentist examine your gums during an appointment at the office of Dr. Samuel F. Jirik, DDS in Cabot, AR. Our office also serves the Little Rock, AR and surrounding cities. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more about cosmetic gum contouring.