When you think of cosmetic dental procedures designed to improve the appearance of your smile, you may immediately think of teeth whitening or straightening. Colour is not the only important factor, though, and teeth are not the only element that can be adjusted. Don’t overlook the shape of your teeth and gums.
Contact UsWhat is Gum & Tooth Contouring?
Many people are dissatisfied with their teeth because they are unusually or inconsistently shaped. There are several cosmetic dental services that can transform the shape of your teeth, including veneers and contouring.
Veneers work differently than contouring. Whereas veneers project a new shape to outside observers, contouring physically changes the shape of your teeth by removing material.
Contouring involves polishing small areas of your teeth enamel, then shaping that tooth via grinding and polishing until it is in the preferred shape in relation to its neighbouring teeth.
Your gums provide a seal around your teeth which protects the roots and interior structure of your jaw from bacteria and the underlying nerve from exposure.
The shape, consistency, depth, and general appearance of one’s gums varies from person to person.
Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that alters the shape and depth of your gums — a “gum lift.”
Gum & Tooth Contouring in Calgary
Gum and tooth contouring begins with drawing a line on your gums to show you the new profile that can be achieved.
Your gums will be contoured — re-shaped — using lasers, radiosurgery, and/or scalpels under local anesthesia.
Key Points About Gum & Tooth Contouring
- Gummy smiles can be caused by genetic influences or health problems and can be a side effect of some prescription drugs.
- It can take several weeks to recover from contouring of gums and teeth, depending on how extensive the gum-related procedure was and how it was performed. During that recovery period, carefully following the after-care instructions provided by your dentist will be very important.