What To Do If You'Re Not Happy With How Your Gums Look

Many people's gums are a non-issue. They do their job well and help to frame teeth, but the same can't be said for everyone. If you're unhappy with your gums due to either their length or shape, there is help to be had from a cosmetic dentist. Here's how they can assist you.

Shortening

Some people are born with longer gums than others. Gums are only supposed to cover the part of the tooth that is lacking dental enamel, but on some people, the gums can extend far beyond that. When this happens it makes the teeth look shorter than they actually are and can contribute to a childlike smile.

To combat this problem, visit a cosmetic dentist. Your cosmetic dentist will be able to assess your gums, and if they're eligible for shortening, here's what they'll do.

Your dentist will numb your teeth and gums before beginning so that you don't experience any pain. Then, using a surgical scalpel, they'll carefully cut away thin strips of the gum to bring it to a more normal length. Then, the edge of the gums will be stitched shut so that they can start to heal at their new length. After the healing process is complete, you'll come in one more time to have the stitches removed, and that's it. Your gums are finished and will make your teeth look like their proper length, making your smile look more elegant and refined in the process.

Lengthening

For every person who has overly long gums, there's someone who likely has overly short gums. This is usually because of receding gums, which can happen due to gum disease or smoking cigarettes.

To lengthen your gums, the dentist will perform the opposite of what they do for shortening gums. A small strip of tissue will be taken from a donor or from the roof of your mouth. If it's taken from you, rest assured that no one will be able to see the area it was taken from, and the roof of your mouth will heal back to normal shortly.

From there, the strip of tissue will be shaped and sized to match your existing gums, and then it will be attached to the base of your gums. Over time, the new tissue and the old gums will gradually integrate into one piece, and will make your gums look longer. As an added bonus, they'll also be more effective at protecting your teeth, as they'll cover the entire stretch of tooth that lacks dental enamel.