Gum Contouring Gummy Smile in Dumfries, VA & Washington DC
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic dental procedures that will correct a range of cosmetic issues, including a gummy smile, recessed gums, discolored or stained teeth, crooked teeth, missing teeth, gaps in teeth, teeth that are disproportionately stained, overcrowding, and more.
Gum Contouring for Gummy Smile
It is important to feel confident in your smile, because being confident in your smile means being confident in yourself. Despite this, many people walk around every day, resigned to the fact that their smile is what it is and there is really nothing they can do to change it. But what if that was not the case? What if improving the aesthetic appearance and/or functionality of your smile was easier than you thought?
One of the most common reasons people feel self-conscious about their smile is because there is an imbalance or disharmony between the ratio of their teeth and gums. Individuals with receded gums have an excess of visible tooth, and patients who have an above-average amount of gum that displays above their top teeth when they smile have what is commonly referred to as a “gummy smile.” Gum contouring is a safe and effective method of creating the desired balance between your teeth and gums by either adding or removing tissue.
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of dental procedures, from common treatments like fillings or root canal therapy, cosmetic treatments like veneers or teeth whitening, restorative procedures like dental implants to replace a missing tooth or teeth, and emergency care. To ensure you are comfortable and have as enjoyable an experience as possible, we also offer sedation dentistry so you can remain calm and receive the care you need.
If you are interested in learning more about the quality services we offer, or to schedule a consultation for gum contouring or other methods for treating a gummy smile, contact our office today.
Contact Dental Serenity
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of dental procedures that will correct a range of oral health issues, including a gummy smile, recessed gums, discolored or stained teeth, crooked teeth, missing teeth, gaps in teeth, teeth that are disproportionately stained, overcrowding, and more.
Procedural Steps of Gum Contouring
The gum contouring process begins with an initial consultation to evaluate your overall oral health and determine the underlying cause of your gum imbalance. If necessary, dental X-rays or other diagnostic exams will be taken to assist with the diagnosis and inform your treatment plan. This appointment will also include a review of your medical history to assess risks and avoid unnecessary complications.
If it is decided that you are a good candidate for gum contouring, a follow-up examination will be scheduled. Prior to performing the procedure, we will explain what you can expect during the procedure and answer any questions you might have. If requested or necessary, we will also administer dental sedation (nitrous oxide) to help reduce any anxiety or concern you may have. Once the sedation begins working, we will either remove excessive gum tissue or restore receded gum tissue until the desired ratio between teeth and gums is reached.
What is the Cost of Gum Contouring?
The cost of gum contouring will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your case, whether dental sedation is used, any additional procedures performed along with gum contouring, and whether you are covered by dental insurance. If you do have dental insurance, your final bill will be determined by your dental insurance coverage, co-pay requirements, and annual deductibles, although if the gum contouring procedure is being performed for cosmetic reasons, it may not be covered under your plan, so be sure to contact our office and/or your provider to determine whether the procedure is covered.
Our clinic is in network with most PPOs and accepts all insurance plans. We also offer interest free financing through Lending Club, and CareCredit, or you may consider joining our Dental Serenity Membership Club to save money on treatment and simplify your payments for preventative care. To learn more about Dental Serenity Membership Club, click on the following link: https://dental-serenity.illumitrac.com/
For your convenience, we accept all forms of credit and debit cards, including Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
Is Special Care Required Following Gum Contouring?
Aftercare instructions following a gum contouring smile will largely depend on the severity of your case and what type of contouring is performed. For more severe cases, you may need to apply ice packs for 15-minute intervals and/or take over-the-counter pain-relieving medication to help reduce swelling and minimize discomfort. Following this healing period, the best way to preserve the overall health and cosmetic appearance of your new smile is to follow these simple guidelines:
- Practice good daily oral hygiene habits: Enjoying good oral health requires a personal commitment on your part to consistently brush your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly. If you struggle with flossing on a regular basis, you may want to consider floss picks or interdental brushes.
- Eat healthy: Avoiding unhealthy foods and beverages that are high in starch and sugar is one of the best ways to avoid developing gum disease. It is also important to swish your mouth with water after eating a meal or drinking a sugary beverage to remove food remnants that can cause decay if not removed. Using a straw while drinking sugary beverages also reduces the amount of sugar that is exposed to your teeth.
- Dental cleanings/checkups: To prevent cavities, gum disease, or other issues, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning and checkup at least every six months. In addition to performing a professional cleaning, these checkups also provide an opportunity to identify and begin treating issues before they become worse.
Dentistry with a Gentle Touch
At Dental Serenity™, we understand that visiting the dentist can cause concern and anxiety, which is why we do everything we can to ensure that your experience is an enjoyable one. To help provide you with as enjoyable an experience as possible, our office is fitted with free high-speed wireless internet, flat screen TVs in all of our treatment rooms, soothing music to put you in a relaxed state, aromatherapy, and neck massagers in our waiting room. We are also committed to providing you with services when you need them most, which is why we offer early morning and late evening appointments throughout the week.
To schedule an appointment for gum contouring or consultation for alternative treatment options to correct a gummy smile, contact us today. We look forward to providing you with the best dental care possible delivered in a comfortable and calm environment by professionals who are committed to ensuring that you receive the personalized care you deserve and provide you with a healthy smile that you can feel confident in!