Gum Sculpting: Is It the Best Solution for Your Gummy Smile?

Gum sculpting, or gum contouring, is a procedure that reshapes your gums to give them a healthier look and reverse damage.

Who needs gum sculpting?

Gum sculpting isn’t usually medically necessary, though it is effective for improving the smiles of those with “excessive” or receding gums.

People with gums that are too large

For people with gummy smiles, a dentist can remove some of the tissue to give their teeth and gums a more proportioned appearance.

Sometimes a person has a gummy smile because of genetics. Other times, it happens because of the altered eruption of the teeth when adult teeth are growing in.

As the tooth grows out, the gumline extends farther than it’s supposed to and covers more of the tooth than it should. The outcome is the appearance of teeth that are too small, with gums that are too large.

People with gums that are too small

For those with gum recession, a dentist can perform a gum graft for a better tooth-to-gum ratio.

Causes of gum recession include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Brushing or flossing too hard
• Genetics
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Injury
• Misaligned teeth
• Smoking or chewing tobacco

If you have a gummy smile, uneven gums, or receding gums and you’re looking for a dentist in Milford, MA, book an appointment for a consultation at Milford Family Dental today!