A smile is more than just teeth; the balance between your gums and teeth is what contributes to your overall appearance. When you smile, if your upper gums are visible too much, it may be due to excessive gum tissue, a condition commonly referred to as a gummy smile. For others, this can wreak havoc on confidence and social relationships. Luckily, modern dentistry provides precise treatments that correct the problem effectively.

Laser gum contouring has become a safe, minimally invasive procedure to give patients a more balanced smile. Through meticulous molding of excess gum tissue, your dentist can uncover more of your natural teeth without major surgery. With laser dentistry, there is no need for drilling your teeth. Instead, focused treatment in a controlled environment removes excess gum tissue with less discomfort, less bleeding, and helps the patient recover faster.

How Laser Gum Contouring Works

Laser gum contouring targets the sites where the excess tissue is. Following a comprehensive examination to determine the optimal gum-to-tooth ratio, the treatment begins. During treatment, concentrated beams of laser light gently clip or reshape the tissue. The laser’s energy closes off the blood vessels simultaneously as it cleans and disinfects the area, which minimizes infection risk and facilitates quicker healing.

Patients generally notice a cosmetic improvement right away. Gum tissues are reduced, the teeth appear longer, and the smile becomes more proportionate. While the procedure is brief, the results are permanent, especially when combined with a good oral hygiene regimen and regular dental care.

Benefits Beyond Appearance

In addition to its cosmetic benefit, laser gum contouring also has a utilitarian benefit. It can reestablish oral function by making brushing and flossing easier and more effective. In some cases, gum tissue may be the root cause of periodontal disease or make teeth appear crowded. Gum remodeling not only beautifies your smile but also benefits overall oral health.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery is quite fast after laser gum contouring. There may be mild sensitivity or swelling, which may take a few days to go away. Strict adherence to post-operative instructions from the dentist, such as usual brushing and only eating foods that optimize wound healing after dental surgery, ensures optimal outcomes. Most patients can get back to normal activities the next day.

Is Laser Gum Contouring Right for You?

Not all gummy smiles are caused by excessive gum tissue. There are other contributing factors like tooth size, jaw development, or muscle activity. Whether or not laser gum reshaping is the ideal treatment can be identified by Dr. Phan in a consultation appointment. Your anatomy and aesthetic goals are analyzed during the consultation appointment in order to provide a tailored plan.

Laser gum reshaping is appealing for those who want to see results without undergoing surgery. It is a quick, precise, and non-intimidating way to achieve a harmonious smile.

If your smile shows too much gum and you’re curious about your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Phan. Discover how laser dentistry can help balance your smile and restore confidence. Contact Woodlands Dentistry and Orthodontics today to learn more about smile transformation.