Are Uneven Gums Cramping Your Style? How Gum Contouring and Crown Lengthening Can Help

patient in dentist office after getting gum contouring

Your smile is a masterpiece, and just like any work of art, it deserves to be showcased with confidence and pride. If uneven gums are causing you to conceal your smile, it’s time to explore the transformative world of gum contouring and crown lengthening. In this blog, we’ll discover how these remarkable dental procedures can help you achieve a smile that radiates confidence and charm. Let’s get started!

What Causes Uneven Gums?

Uneven gums can result from various factors, each contributing to the unique characteristics of your gum line. Here are some common causes:

  • Genetics: Hereditary factors play a significant role in determining the natural shape and size of your gums, leading to genetic predispositions for uneven gum appearance.
  • Gum Disease: Periodontal conditions, such as gum disease, can lead to gum recession or swelling, contributing to an uneven gum line.
  • Trauma or Injury: Accidents or injuries to the mouth or gums can disrupt the normal gum contours, resulting in unevenness.

Common Gum Line Worries

In the quest for a confident and radiant smile, it’s natural to have concerns about the appearance and health of your gums. Here are some of the common gum line worries that individuals often encounter.

Gum Is Too Long

One common concern is when the gum tissue covers too much of the tooth’s surface, making the teeth appear short. This condition can create an imbalanced smile.

Tooth Is Too Long

Conversely, there are instances where the teeth may appear too long due to receding gums. This can expose the sensitive tooth roots and lead to tooth sensitivity and aesthetic concerns.

How to Fix Teeth That Are Too Long: Gum Contouring

Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping or tissue sculpting, is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to address the appearance of excessively long teeth. During the procedure, a dentist or periodontist carefully removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth’s surface, creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. If you have receded gums, restoring gum tissue is also involved in this process.

Benefits of Gum Contouring

This cosmetic dental procedure, designed to reshape your gum line and enhance your smile, has many benefits which include:

  1. Improved Aesthetics: It enhances the appearance of your smile by creating a balanced and proportionate gum line.
  2. Boosted Confidence: Achieve a smile that you can confidently show off, improving your self-esteem and overall self-image.
  3. Better Oral Health: This reduces the risk of gum disease by eliminating pockets where bacteria can accumulate.

How to Fix Gums That Are Too Long: Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is another dental procedure that focuses on reshaping the gum line. However, its primary goal is to expose more of the tooth’s structure rather than reducing the gum tissue. It’s often used to prepare a tooth for a dental restoration, such as a crown, when not enough tooth structure is visible above the gum line.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening

This versatile procedure can be a game-changer for your dental well-being and can provide you with the following benefits:

  1. Enhanced Confidence: Perhaps one of the biggest benefits is the boost in confidence that comes with a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
  2. Restoration Preparation: It exposes more of the tooth’s structure, allowing for effective restoration and preserving your natural tooth whenever possible.
  3. Enhanced Aesthetics: This can be especially beneficial if you have a “gummy” smile, where your gums dominate your smile’s visual appeal.
  4. Minimize Tooth Decay: Oral hygiene and maintenance are made more manageable, reducing the risk of oral health concerns like tooth decay.

Smile Wide with Stehl Family Dental

Don’t let uneven gums cramp your style or hinder your smile’s potential. At Stehl Family Dental, we specialize in gum contouring, crown lengthening, and a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you achieve a beautifully balanced and confident smile. Your journey to a more harmonious smile begins here.