Having attractive teeth is not the only requirement of a beautiful smile. Your gums effect a smile’s appearance tremendously.

We have addressed procedures for correcting a ‘gummy smile’ previously in our blog. This is when too much gum tissue is visible over the tops of teeth in a full smile. Katie Couric, for example, has a gummy smile.

While a gummy smile can be corrected by removing the excess of gum tissue, crown lengthening is a procedure that adds gum tissue. This is done to even out the gum line in a smile when porcelain veneers or crowns are placed.

Today’s crowns and veneers are beautiful, even reflecting light as natural teeth. When crowns or veneers are placed on teeth most visible in a smile, the arch of gum tissue above each tooth forms a frame. When some teeth have a higher arch than others, it makes the teeth or restoration (crown or veneer) appear long. Although the restorations may be beautiful, this mismatch of gum framing tends to detract from a smile’s appearance.

The best time to have crown lengthening performed is promptly following placement of the final restoration. Once the gums have an even line of ‘arches,’ those veneers or crowns will make your smile even more fabulous!

For more information, call us at (828) 274-9440 and request a Consultation appointment.

Gum contouring, or gum reshaping, is a procedure in periodontal dentistry that evens out the gum line that borders teeth. This is most commonly performed in order to create a more attractive smile.

Gum contouring is typically performed with a scalpel to trim away excessive gum tissue overlying the teeth. The procedure takes very little time while patients enjoy an optimal comfort level. The procedure is also used to remedy a ‘gummy smile’.

A gummy smile is when there is a high percentage of gum covering a person’s front teeth and is commonly a genetic trait. However, it can also be due to certain health conditions or as a side-effect to some medications. Because too much gum tissue detracts from the appearance of one’s smile, this condition can affect a person’s self-esteem, self-confidence and cause them to ‘hold back’ a smile or cover a laugh with their hand.

We start by administering a local numbing medication. Once you are fully numb, the excess gum tissue is trimmed away and remaining gums are reshaped for a natural arch over each tooth. This provides a smile line that blends naturally and attractively with neighboring teeth. Healing is typically a quick process and any discomfort can be easily controlled with over-the-counter medications.

In some instances, a portion of bone that supports teeth must also be removed so an ideal result can be achieved. Although this sounds like an involved procedure, it is actually not one we consider major. Recovery time is minimal.

Gum contouring can greatly improve the appearance of your smile and boost self-confidence. You’ll likely find you smile more often and project a more upbeat personality to others.

If you are interested in gum contouring, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation. I’ll be happy to provide more details and answer your questions.

Your smile is a significant part of your facial appearance. A wide, attractive smile shows confidence and projects an upbeat personality. When people are unhappy with their smile’s appearance, they often smile less or cover their mouths when smiling or laughing. This indicates a feeling of insecurity or shyness that is often not the true nature of the individual.

While today’s porcelain veneers and crowns give an exceptionally natural appearance, the gum line bordering your teeth also plays a significant role. Showing too much gum tissue above teeth when smiling is referred to as a ‘gummy smile.’ This can be seen on Katie Couric when she smiles fully. Too, when gums have receded and reveal dark areas, it not only detracts from the appearance of your smile, tooth roots are more vulnerable to bacteria.

Several options are available to restore the gum line to an even and flattering line. This applies to crown lengthening procedures as well. When crowns are placed, a smile may be greatly improved when the gum line is contoured to blend attractively with gum tissue bordering neighboring teeth.

In smile enhancements, don’t just consider your teeth. Your gums are the icing on the cake! Begin with a consultation so we can discuss your options. Call (828) 297-9440.

If you began 2014 with a resolution to “get fit,” you may be finding your enthusiasm is waning about now. As we age, losing weight and keeping in shape is a daunting task for most of us.

Findings of a survey of over 1,000 American adults were recently shared by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The survey assessed how today’s consumers invest in their appearance.

A whopping 80% of those polled said they would invest to minimize the effects of aging. And, while 48% claimed they would spend on weight loss measures, 62% said they would spend money on their smile, with females more likely to invest in their smile than males.

About half felt the appearance of a smile can conceal the effects of aging while only 10% felt a physique could conceal one’s true age. Adults age 50 & over claim a smile is a better feature at camouflaging the years than adults in the 18-29 age category.

As a Periodontist, I specialize in the health AND appearance of gum tissues. Two procedures I regularly perform involve gum recontouring. Most contouring is performed as a gingivectomy that removes excess gum tissue around teeth. This is frequently done to repair a “gummy smile,” for example.

Gingivectomies are also performed in crown lengthening. This enhances the appearance of a smile for people who have porcelain veneers or crowns placed. This gives an even line of gum tissue for a smile that is flattering and attractive!

The appearance of your smile can be a major factor in self-esteem, self-confidence and of course, appearance. It is important to have both a healthy smile and one that makes us feel good from the inside out! To discuss your smile, feel free to contact us at (828) 274-9440.