Aesthetic Gum Recontouring Monterrey
The smile is one of the most important facial expressions that sets humans apart from other animals. We use it as part of our language and to express an endless range of emotions. That’s why smile esthetics matter so much.
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Gummy smile correction: Procedures and techniques
Even if teeth look square and short, they may actually have adequate length and a more triangular shape but be covered by excess gum and bone. This condition is commonly known as a gummy smile, since it’s most noticeable when a person smiles. Its cause is often a genetic predisposition to altered tooth eruption, though certain immunosuppressant medications and orthodontic treatment can also lead to gum overgrowth.
A gummy smile can be corrected with aesthetic gingival (gum) recontouring, performed by one or a combination of two techniques: aesthetic bony remodeling and gingivectomy.
With aesthetic bony remodeling, the excess gum is removed and the height and volume of the bone are reshaped to expose more tooth. It’s usually done on several teeth to level their margins and create a harmonious smile. In general, results are immediate with minimal postoperative discomfort.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy is performed when only excess gum needs to be removed without reshaping the bone. As with aesthetic gingival recontouring, the results are immediate and uncomplicated, enhancing smile esthetics by revealing the teeth’s normal length when smiling.
Frequently asked questions about aesthetic gingival recontouring
Preguntas frecuentes sobre el recontorneo estético gingival
When people think of Cosmetic Dentistry, they often focus only on the shape, color, and uniformity of the teeth and forget that the gums are fundamental to a beautiful smile.
Gums that are too large, long, or uneven can make even the nicest teeth look short, wide, and unappealing. Correcting gum defects can boost the smile’s natural beauty and improve overall appearance.
Surgery lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and is performed under local anesthesia. If the patient wishes, it can also be done under conscious sedation for added comfort.
Aesthetic gingival recontouring is a quick, simple, and predictable procedure with immediate results, so complications are rare.
There are no major contraindications. The only drawback is that the gums may appear bruised for about a week after the procedure.
This procedure has one of the best postoperative courses among oral surgeries: it’s neither painful nor uncomfortable.
The day after surgery, the patient can brush with a surgical toothbrush, which helps break up the blood clot that tends to form at the gingival margin.
Although bruising and swelling can occur, these discomforts usually begin to fade within a week. Analgesics may be prescribed during this period.
After two weeks, the gums are typically fully recovered.
If the periodontist performs proper bony remodeling, gum regrowth is very unlikely. However, certain medications, inflammatory processes, and tooth malposition can cause gum enlargement after surgery.
Yes. Orthodontic treatment does not prevent gingival recontouring.
In fact, it can help the orthodontist by revealing the teeth’s full anatomy, allowing for a more esthetic finish to orthodontic treatment.
Gingival recontouring can even speed tooth movement thanks to bony remodeling and shorten overall treatment time.
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If your gum-to-tooth proportion affects your smile’s harmony, aesthetic recontouring is a safe solution.