Gum Contouring for a More Youthful SmileMost people think of addressing problems with the teeth, when they’re unhappy with their smiles. But sometimes the teeth aren’t the problem at all. In many cases, particularly as people age, the teeth may begin to appear disproportionally small or misshapen due to excessive gum tissue, which has hidden portions of the tooth. This can lead to an asymmetrical gumline that can cause the entire smile to seem small or misshapen. Fortunately, gum contouring provides an effective way to address that issue, and to improve the overall appearance of the smile.

How to Know If Your Gums Are the Real Issue

Along with worn edges and discoloration, another common side effect of aging, is that the gum tissue can begin to appear excessive, and hide parts of the teeth leading to an asymmetrical gumline. This can also cause some or all of the teeth to appear disproportionally small or even oddly shaped. Fortunately, a gum lift is a way to combat this excessive soft tissue, and to provide a more symmetrical, esthetically-pleasing smile. While a gum lift, or gum contouring, is considerably more invasive than many other forms of cosmetic treatment (such as professional teeth whitening or porcelain veneers), in some cases it is the best way to make a smile look younger, and better overall.

So if you’re unhappy with your smile’s appearance, don’t immediately think you need to change your teeth. Instead, talk to your cosmetic dentist about your options. Particularly if your smile appears “gummy,” you may want to ask about gum contouring treatment.