Gum Contouring for Small Teeth
Surprisingly, the size of the teeth can have a major impact on the appearance of your smile. Prominent gum tissue can often cause the teeth to seem short, small, or boxy.
Our Montreal, QC doctors perform laser gum contouring, which can bring balance and symmetry to your smile. Here, our team at Smile Montreal explores gum contouring for small teeth and explains how this treatment can help you reach your cosmetic goals.
Why Do I Have Small Teeth?
There are several different reasons why the teeth may appear small. This condition can be caused by:
- Genetics: In some instances, excess gum tissue covers more of the tooth crown than it should. If you have a gummy smile, it likely means your parents or grandparents did as well.
- Bruxism: Chronic clenching or grinding can result in erosion over time, which makes the teeth shorter.
- Trauma: Chips, cracks, or other forms of dental damage can alter the shape and size of the teeth.
- Dental irregularities: Individuals with abnormally shaped teeth often have an improper tooth-to-gum ratio.
How Can Gum Contouring Address Small Teeth?
Gum contouring effectively removes excess gum tissue, revealing more of the natural tooth structure underneath. Once the prominent gums are addressed, your doctor can then shape and contour the remaining gum line for a natural, lifelike appearance.
Gum Contouring and the Cementoenamel Junction
In many cases, gum contouring can correct the appearance of small teeth. However, the procedure is not for everyone. To ensure you qualify for this procedure, your dentist will need to check the location of the cementoenamel junction (CEJ).
This is the part of the tooth where the crown meets the root. Because we do not want to expose any of the root surface, we must avoid raising the gum line too high. During a consultation at Smile Montreal, we can help you determine the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
Benefits of Gum Contouring
One of the most significant benefits of gum contouring is that patients typically enjoy dramatic, instantaneous results. Simply raising the gum line by a couple of millimeters can make a truly remarkable difference. Many of our patients tell us they are more confident and more self-assured after undergoing this procedure.
Gum contouring can also allow patients to have better oral hygiene. For example, bacteria can be underneath gum tissue. When there is an excess amount of it, patients have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Gum contouring eliminates excess tissue so brushing and flossing is easier and more effective.
Combining Gum Contouring with Other Procedures
Performed alone, laser gum contouring can deliver outstanding outcomes. In fact, many patients do not need more than that. However, some individuals choose to combine gum contouring with other cosmetic procedures, such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers, for truly comprehensive results.
Contact Smile Montreal Today
To achieve a balanced, beautiful smile that everyone is sure to notice, schedule an appointment at Smile Montreal. We can help you determine if gum contouring is right for you. Call our office at (514) 937-6558 or contact us online anytime.