Gum contouring is the precise removal of excess soft tissue from the smile. The goal of this treatment is to give your teeth a fuller appearance. As a periodontist, Dr. Brian van Aelst is an expert in altering the shape of your gums.
However, there are a couple key misconceptions about how necessary gum contouring is and how it helps you. Dr. van Aelst wants you to be aware of how this treatment is actually used.
Is Too Much Gum Tissue Bad?
One of the most common misconceptions about gummy smiles is that they threaten your oral health.
From the perspective of your oral health, having more gum tissue than normal is not bad. So long as your teeth are not trapped underneath the gum, your smile is not harmed by having this additional soft tissue. While it is true that teeth being trapped beneath the gums is a serious health problem (pericoronitis), gummy smiles do not cause this condition.
Why Is This Treated?
While having additional gum tissue does not affect your health, it does change how it looks.
A gummy smile makes your teeth look shorter than they truly are. In turn, people associate shorter teeth with worn down teeth. You may look at your truly healthy smile and still not be pleased with its appearance. This perception is not a concern for some patients, but for others, it is a significant disadvantage that hampers a confident lifestyle.
Gum contouring is a form of cosmetic dental care that lets your teeth show in all their glory.
Does Your Smile Bother You?
Dr. van Aelst’s primary focus is your optimal oral health. But, he also understands the role a beautiful smile plays in improving your self-assurance.
As such, Dr. van Aelst provides treatments for your gummy smile when its appearance is the sole issue. He will either ask you how you feel about your smile or, more commonly, listen to you as you bring up your concerns. If you were just worried about how healthy your smile is, there is no need to worry about receiving this treatment. If you establish how much the smile’s image is affecting your quality of life, then our periodontist can help by contouring the shape of your gums.
Contact Us for Gum Treatments
Dr. Brian van Aelst provides gum contouring in Tampa. Our office is conveniently located for patients coming from New Tampa, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, and all other surrounding areas. For more information about how we keep your smile healthy and beautiful, schedule our appointment today.