image man and child smiling at each other

Gum Contouring & How It Can Restore Your Smile!

August 31, 2023

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental treatment aimed at reshaping or restoring your gum tissue and enhancing your overall smile. While we often focus on our teeth, the condition of our gums is equally important. 

Ever felt like you have a gummy or uneven smile that affects your confidence? Gum contouring can help treat this and more! Let’s dive in and explore this incredible treatment, when it can be used and if you may be the perfect candidate for it:

When is gum contouring necessary?

Here are some common instances we may recommend gum contouring to restore your smile:

Gummy smile

You may have a gummy smile, which is when a large/disproportionate portion of your gums is visible when you smile. Gum contouring can address this issue by carefully trimming the excess tissue, revealing more of your teeth and creating a more proportional smile.

Uneven gum line

An irregular gum line can affect the symmetry of your smile. Gum contouring can reshape the gums to create a more harmonious result that allows you to smile with confidence. 

Exposed tooth roots

Gum contouring can be used for more than cosmetic purposes. Receding gums is a condition that can expose the sensitive roots of your teeth, bringing you discomfort and altering the appearance of your smile. Gum contouring helps restore this gum tissue.

Cosmetic Enhancement

For those seeking aesthetic improvements and a smile makeover, gum contouring can be one of the treatments used to refine the appearance of your smile by creating a better balance between your teeth and gums.

Preparation for restorations

Before getting dental veneers, crowns or bridges, gum contouring might be necessary to ensure your mouth is healthy and able to support a dental restoration.

Benefits of gum contouring

This transformative treatment isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about revealing your smile’s true potential. 

With this remarkable procedure, you can enjoy:

  • Enhanced symmetry – Achieve the perfect balance between gums and teeth, ensuring your smile is in harmony.
  • Instant results  – Experience an immediate transformation in just one visit, leaving you with a stunning smile to flaunt.
  • Pain-free process – Gum contouring is a minimally invasive treatment making your experience a smooth and comfortable one.
  • Optimal oral health – Achieve gums that are easier to clean, maintain, and better equipped to support your teeth and dental restorations. 
  • Personalised precision – Each treatment is tailored to your unique facial structure, ensuring a smile that’s solely yours. 
  • Quick healing time – It only takes 1 to 2 weeks for your gums to heal after gum contouring.

What does gum contouring involve?

Gum contouring is a straightforward procedure at Melton Dental, here’s how it works:

1. Evaluation

Your journey starts with a detailed assessment by our experienced dentist. We’ll examine your gum line, teeth, and overall health to craft a personalised plan just for you.

2. Local Anesthesia

Before treatment begins, a local anesthetic is applied to ensure the area is numb and you’re completely comfortable throughout the process.

3. Precision reshaping

Using advanced tools, the excess gum tissue is carefully removed and reshaped. This reshaping creates a balanced and proportionate gumline that compliments your teeth beautifully. 

4. Smooth finish

Once the contouring is complete, your gumline is refined and contoured for a smooth and natural finish.

5. Recovery 

Recovery is usually quick and easy. You may experience slight discomfort or swelling for a short period of time but it’s natural and usually quite manageable.

Interested in our gum contouring services? Book in an appointment to get started!

Gum Contouring Aftercare

To ensure your gums stay healthy and look fabulous, proper care and maintenance should be carried out. Here’s how to take care of your gums after your contouring treatment:

Gentle care

Be extra gentle when brushing and flossing around the treated area for the first few days. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and be careful not to irritate your gums.

Rinse well

Avoid using mouthwash with alcohol as it can cause discomfort. Opt for a gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash or a warm saltwater rinse to keep your mouth clean.

Avoid irritants

Avoid spicy, hot or rough-textured foods for the first few days. Give your gums time to heal without unnecessary irritation.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water can help keep your mouth clean and promote healing. It also prevents dry mouth which can slow down the healing process. 

Avoid smoking

Smoking can hinder the healing process and impact your gum health. It’s best to avoid smoking. 

Regular Check-ups

Keep up with your regular dental check-ups every 6 months. Our dentist can monitor your healing progress and address any concerns promptly.

With a little TLC, your newly contoured gums will settle into their new gorgeous shape. 

Whether you’ve chosen gum contouring to enhance your smile, boost your self-esteem or simply indulge in a little self-care, at Melton Dental we are honored to be a part of your journey. 

Call us to get started on your new smile today!