There are many people who aren’t satisfied with their smile—and it can be for a multitude of reasons. Lots are now looking at cosmetic dental procedures to give them a smile they’ll be confident in showing off and gum contouring is one of those methods that can have dramatic before and after results.
There are many benefits to undergoing a gum contouring cosmetic procedure, and the results are what make it worth it for many with excess gums. Gummy smiles are something many people look to get rid of, and with a non-invasive procedure with little aftercare—it’s worth the price you pay.
Let’s take a deep dive into gum contouring, why people get this procedure done, and the amazing before and after results!
What is Gum Contouring?
Everything you need to know about gum contouring before procedure day!
One of the most important things to do before any type of surgery or procedure is to consider if it’s really right for you, what are the potential risks, how much it costs, and if insurance can cover it. Gum contouring is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, which could be seen differently in the eyes of insurance companies, but knowing this before you make your appointment is putting you into step in the right direction.
How is Gum Contouring Done?
Gum contouring can sound like a pretty intimidating procedure, but when it’s performed, it’s not as intense as it sounds–especially since there isn’t a hefty aftercare process. First, a consultation is necessary to determine what your goals are for the procedure and how you want your smile to look. Once you have talked to your dentist about your goals for your smile, they will provide their own recommendations based on how gummy your smile currently is and how much tissue they will have to remove, explain how they can even out your gum line, and provide a recommendation for your smile.
For this procedure, you won’t have to be completely put under for it–instead a local anesthetic is used and your dentist or periodontist will use a special pen to mark where your new gum line will be. Once you are satisfied with where your new gum line will be placed, they’ll use a scalpel or handheld laser to remove the excess gum tissue and even bone from each tooth–if it is necessary. After this, your dentist and periodontist will then reshape your gums to create an even and balanced look to your gums that you will notice immediately when you smile.
What is Aftercare Like For Gum Contouring?
After any type of surgery or procedure, it’s important to follow aftercare instructions closely to avoid any mishaps or infections. For gum contouring, the healing process will take a total of up to two weeks–and many dentists recommend over-the-counter painkillers to relieve any discomfort you may have, along with applying a cold compress to your cheeks and using gentle pressure to reduce swelling and bleeding control.
It is also recommended to stick to a soft food diet, such as ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes, or soups to minimize any irritation that hard or spicy foods could cause. It is still important to continue brushing your teeth as normal, but with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing carefully as well–which helps to prevent infection.
The Incredible Before and After Results of Gum Contouring
See just how life changing gum contouring can be for clients who get this done!
The best part about undergoing a dental procedure such as gum contouring is seeing the before and after results. While gum contouring is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, there are many people who sign up and pay for it because of the effect it can have on their smile. Confidence is key and having a smile you can feel proud to show off is essential—and the before and after pictures can prove it!
Before
Often in before pictures for a gum contouring procedure, you’ll typically see that the gum line can be very uneven with lots of teeth covered by gum tissue. Because of the excess gum tissue on your teeth before the procedure, your teeth can appear smaller and can be overshadowed by your gums.
After
When taking a look at what your gums look after a gum contouring procedure, instantly your teeth will look larger and you’ll have a more even and balanced gum line. Compared to the asymmetrical before pictures, the gum contouring procedure is aimed to even out any imperfections where gum tissue is visible when you smile to make your teeth larger and more uniform—eliminating the gummy smile and improving your confidence.
Other Important Information
It is also crucial to know that many people often undergo the gum contouring procedure, along with other treatments to get the smile of their dreams. For example, if their teeth are uneven, they’ll get braces or Invisalign first, then the gum contouring procedure afterwards to finish off the look of their new smile. Many also get the gum contouring procedure done, then get veneers, or receive other dental work—such as cavity fillings, crowns, or root canals.
It’s important to get a proper consultation with your dentist or periodontist first to see if it is recommended to get other work done before or after the gum contouring procedure to get the smile that you’ve been wanting to have.
Is Gum Contouring Right For You?
Talk to your dentist or periodontist today to see if it’s the right procedure for you!
One of the hardest decisions to make is if gum contouring is right for you. If you have excess gum tissue and aren’t confident in your smile, this cosmetic procedure can be a boost to your self-esteem. It’s important to know the benefits and risks of getting gum contouring done too, along with the price and if insurance can cover it or not.
How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?
One of the first things that many people think about before they go into a surgery is wanting to know how much it will cost. Depending on if you want to get your whole mouth worked on or certain teeth is the first question you’ll need to answer. If you’re looking to get only a couple teeth done, it could cost anywhere from $50 to $300, but doing your entire mouth can spike between $500 to $3,000.
Is Gum Contouring Covered By Insurance?
While gum contouring may be something that you want, it is oftentimes considered a cosmetic dental procedure–meaning that it isn’t covered by insurance. It all comes down to if the procedure is deemed medically necessary, and two reasons for that could be due to gum disease or recessession. Besides these two instances, gum contouring is mainly considered a cosmetic dental procedure and those interested will have to pay out-of-pocket for it. It’s important to first check with your insurance company because whether they cover it or not could vary due to your policy.
Benefits and Risks to Gum Contouring
There are many reasons why people consider the gum contouring procedure–but the main objective is to improve their smile. Make sure to check out some of the other benefits to getting the procedure done along with the risks too.
The following are the benefits to gum contouring:
- Makes brushing your teeth easier
- Reduce areas where plaque and bacteria build up
- Can prevent bacteria build-up
- Reduces risk for gum disease
- Easy aftercare recovery
- A perfect, gummy-free smile!
There are also risks to getting the gum contouring procedure which can include:
- Potential sensitivity and discomfort
- Potential for gum recession
- Risk of infection after procedure is completed
- Expensive without the help of insurance
- Potential regrowth of gum tissue
- Allergic reactions to anesthetic
Being insecure about your smile is something that many people struggle with. Whether you have uneven teeth, excess gum tissue, or you feel like they aren’t white enough, dentists and periodontists can work with you to eliminate these issues and gain your confidence back. Gum contouring is a procedure that many people often decide to do to create a more balanced, bigger, and beautiful smile.
If you’re in the Washington, PA area looking for gum contouring procedures and costs, plus routine cleanings and other dental work, consider contacting Elizabeth L. Wakim— exceptional smiles start here!
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim, DDS, is the founder of Enhanced Wellness. She’s a compassionate and highly-regarded dentist with her own practice in Washington, Pennsylvania, known for providing modern, comprehensive dental care, botox and facial aesthetics with a focus on patient comfort and anxiety reduction, serving general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry needs.
