Gummy Smile Correction Massapequa Park • Long Island
Reveal The Beautiful Smile Hiding Below Your Gums
As highly-experienced cosmetic dentists, Dr. Allan Mohr and Dr. Ariel understand the perfect smile doesn’t rely on the appearance of the teeth but the gums as well. Too much gum tissue can cause what is called a “gummy smile,” in which the teeth appear too short or stubby for a person’s face. An uneven gumline can also make a smile look somewhat off-kilter, which can easily cause a person to feel self-conscious.
Thankfully, addressing these kinds of problems is not out of reach with us. Using the latest in dental technology, we can sculpt the gumline to give a patient that perfectly proportioned look in just one appointment with gum recontouring/crown lengthening and other methods of gummy smile correction in Massapequa Park.
Why Choose Smile Creations for Gummy Smile Correction?
- Painless Soft Tissue Laser Shapes Ideal Gumline
- Patient Comfort and Safety Remain at the Forefront of Dental Care
- Stunning Results in Just One Visit
Gum-Related Cosmetic Issues
As mentioned above, excess gum tissue can result in teeth that look disproportionately small. However, that is not the only aesthetic issue that can arise from the positioning of the gums. If they have receded due to age or gum disease, the teeth can appear too long. Not only does this look unattractive, but it can also present oral health problems, including increased dental sensitivity and a heightened risk of decay. The gums may also look uneven if a tooth has been extracted. Without a tooth root in place, the gums may “sink in” and develop an unsightly indentation. Fortunately, we’re able to address all of these issues.
Creating the Perfect Frame for Your Smile
To make your gums into the ideal frame for your smile, Dr. Mohr or Dr. Ariel may recommend one of the following treatments:
Gum Recontouring / Crown Lengthening
If you have a gummy smile, Dr. Mohr or Dr. Ariel can use a soft tissue laser to painlessly remove excess tissue to reveal beautiful, previously hidden dental structures and increase the length of your teeth. Or, if your gumline is somewhat uneven, the laser will let them even it out to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Crown lengthening is a little different from gum recontouring because it involves removing a small amount of the bone that surrounds a tooth. This exposes more of the crown that is inside it. This is often used as the first step before placing a porcelain veneer or crown on a tooth that is too short to support one.
In any case, thanks to the soft tissue laser, no matter which treatment you need, you can trust that you’ll be completely comfortable the entire time. Dental lasers create very little heat, sound, or vibration, so you’ll be unlikely to feel it during treatment, though you will certainly notice the results!
Root Coverage Gum Grafting
For patients whose teeth look too long due to gum recession, we may recommend a gum graft to cover the exposed tooth roots, thereby protecting them and creating a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Gum grafting can involve a variety of techniques, but the procedure usually involves attaching gum tissue from a donor or from another part of a patient’s mouth to the areas where the gums have receded.
Cosmetic Gum Augmentation
Indentations in the gums often occur after tooth extractions due to changes in the jawbone structure. Therefore, if you have an upcoming extraction, we might recommend that you get a bone graft at the same time to help prevent your jaw from changing shape. A gum graft is also a common part of the procedure. This surgery will prevent indentations in your gums and set you up for the best possible aesthetic results from your future tooth replacement, whether you opt for dental implants or a traditional bridge.
If your gumline is holding your smile back, we know exactly how to fix it, and we can get started as soon as you call to schedule an appointment.
Gummy Smile Correction FAQs
How Much Does Gum Recontouring Cost?
Our team will give you an estimate for the cost of your gum recontouring when you visit us for your consultation. The price will depend on how much gum tissue will need to be removed. Also, crown lengthening may cost more than gum recontouring because it involves a slight modification to the bone. While insurance does not usually cover gum recontouring, low-interest financing is an option for most patients.
How Long Is the Recovery Time After Gum Recontouring?
Because Dr. Mohr and Dr. Ariel use a laser instead of a traditional scalpel, you can expect a fairly quick recovery from your gum recontouring procedure. As long as you carefully follow your post-operative instructions — for example, you should avoid crunchy foods and be very careful when you are brushing and flossing — you can expect your gums to feel normal within approximately 7 – 10 days.
Are the Results of Gum Recontouring Permanent?
Yes, the results are permanent! You will not have to worry about your gum tissue re-growing to interfere with your smile’s aesthetics once again.
How Long Does the Gum Recontouring Procedure Take?
In most cases, gum recontouring requires just one appointment in our office. The exact length of your procedure will depend on how extensive it is. However, it generally takes 1 – 2 hours. Your cosmetic dentist will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of the length of your gum recontouring appointment when you come in for your consultation. Although the actual procedure may be fairly short, we generally recommend that patients take the day off work and relax following their gum recontouring surgery.
Can I Be Sedated During Gum Recontouring?
Because our dentists use a soft tissue laser for gum recontouring, it is a very comfortable procedure that does not usually require sedation. However, we completely understand if you are a little nervous about it. Tell us about your feelings before your appointment, and we may plan to use nitrous oxide to help you feel calm and relaxed.
Gummy Smile Correction Before & After Results
Correcting your gummy smile can have truly transformative results, but you don’t have to take our word for it thanks to the gallery below. There, you’ll see just some of the gorgeous smiles Dr. Mohr and Dr. Ariel have given our patients. You’ll be shocked at the difference they can make!
