Have you dreamed of having your perfect smile? Oftentimes, we let our insecurities get the best of us when it comes to our smile, but cosmetic procedures can also make someone feel more beautiful and confident too. From simple teeth whitening, veneers, braces, or even gum contouring are among the most popular dental cosmetic procedures that insurance can help to pay for, plus they’ll help you feel more confident every time you smile.
Among the numerous dental cosmetic procedures available, gum contouring is becoming more popular where people can have their gums sculpted to show more of their teeth and make them feel more confident when they smile or talk to people. This can involve removing or reshaping the gum tissue in your mouth–and while it seems like an intimidating process to go through, worrying about the average price of the procedure and insurance can be even more stressful.
Learn more about gum contouring and how much it costs, insurance, and other crucial information to consider before scheduling your appointment!
What is Gum Contouring?
Take a look at a deep dive into gum contouring and the average cost you’ll pay for this procedure!
There is no doubt that a dental procedure, such as gum contouring, can give you the confidence boost you always wanted whenever you smile. It’s important to get to know more about the procedure, how it is performed, what you should expect once it’s completed, and the average cost of it.
The Overall Procedure of Gum Contouring
Many people have excess gum tissue in their mouth, which gives them the “gummy smile” that they may not feel confident in. Gum contouring is taking that excess gum tissue and removing or reshaping it to show off more of your teeth, whereas before the surgery, they can be short and boxy. Many other people don’t have gummy smiles, but a gum line that is uneven–where it is high in some places and low in others. This type of procedure can help to give you an even gum line and show off your teeth in a flattering way to give your smile a more uniform look.
There are three main reasons why someone may wish to get the gum contouring procedure done:
- To get rid of their gummy smile
- To even out their gum line
- Fix any gum overgrowth from wearing braces
When first meeting with your dentist or periodontist, they will ask you about your preferences and how you would like your smile to look. Then they’ll check for any cavities that need to be fixed beforehand, if you’re suffering from any dental diseases such as gum disease, and measure out your gum-to-tooth ratio and the bone levels around your teeth.
Once the initial appointment is completed, you will be rescheduled for the actual procedure where they’ll use a special pen to mark where your new gum line will be. You’ll then be put under an anesthetic and they’ll use a scalpel or handheld laser to remove the excess gum tissue and bone from each tooth if necessary–and finally reshape your gums to finish the complete look.
What is the Aftercare for Gum Contouring?
Once the numbness from being put under anesthesia wears off, most people will experience soreness in their gums. Because this isn’t a wildly invasive surgery, it means that over-the-counter medications are the most useful for any aches and pains you may have. It is also recommended that you stick to soft diets, such as smoothies, milkshakes, soups, and even ice cream, stay hydrated, and use a soft toothbrush to carefully brush your teeth until you’re fully healed.
What is the Average Cost of Gum Contouring?
Get familiar with the prices and how your insurance can play a vital role in this cosmetic dental surgery!
There are many reasons that people want to undergo gum contouring as it will make their smile more even, less gummy, and their teeth longer and not boxy. While this is a beneficial surgery for many people, it is seen as cosmetic since it is changing the way that your smile looks. Cosmetic procedures are always handled a little differently under your insurance, so it’s important to get familiar with the average price that you could potentially pay.
What is the Average Cost of Gum Contouring?
Many people opt for gum contouring because of the benefits that it can have on their smile and self-esteem. While this isn’t a type of procedure that poses any health risks if not completed, many people find it essential to feel better about themselves. Since it’s considered a cosmetic surgery, it tends to have higher prices too.
On average, most people can pay anywhere from $50 to $350 per tooth or a total of upwards of $3,000 to get gum tissues on all of your upper teeth removed or reshaped. For more complex cases–such as those with uneven gum lines–this procedure can cost even more to achieve the smile of your dreams. This also doesn’t include any sedation, the dentist or periodontist that you go to, and the region of the country you’re getting the procedure done in. Also, if you need dental work done beforehand, such as filling cavities or getting veneers–this could hike the cost up even more.
Can Gum Contouring Be Covered Through Insurance?
Gum contouring may seem like something that can easily be covered by insurance, but in many instances, it can’t be. Unless under certain circumstances that are medically necessary such as if the patient has gum disease or a recession of the tissue, it is usually deemed a cosmetic procedure. Under many insurance policies, cosmetic procedures and surgeries aren’t deemed medically necessary–so oftentimes it isn’t covered with insurance.
It is possible that dental insurance can cover some of the costs of gum contouring, but in most cases it isn’t covered and patients are forced to pay out of their own pocket for the procedure. If you’re interested in gum contouring, it’s important to talk to your dental insurance provider first to gain insight on what can possibly be covered, and then see what options your dentist or periodontist has.
In many cases, dentists and periodontists understand that it’s nearly impossible for people to pay for this procedure up front since it can cost thousands of dollars, plus more depending on if you’re getting extra work done–like veneers, which usually go hand-in-hand with gum contouring. Many dentists offer financing options to make the gum contouring procedure feel within reach. Instead of paying all of the money right up front before the procedure is completed, instead patients can make monthly payments to pay the dentist back for the work.
Is Gum Contouring Worth it?
Gum contouring can be a life changer, and it’s a simple procedure that can give you a smile that shines!
It’s important to thoughtfully consider your options when showing interest in gum contouring. There’s no doubt that gum contouring can have a huge impact on your confidence and give you a beautiful smile, but the financial setback can be what drives others away.
Positive: Cosmetic and Oral Health Benefits
While gum contouring is mainly a cosmetic procedure, it can offer many oral health benefits if completed as well. Some of the most common health benefits from the procedure include:
- Can reduce areas where plaque and bacteria build up
- Make brushing your teeth easier
- Can prevent bacteria build up
- Reduces risk for gum disease
- Quick and easy recovery
Negative: Risks of Gum Contouring
With every cosmetic procedure comes positives and negatives, and it’s important to talk about the risks that come from it. Some of the health risks that can come from undergoing the gum contouring procedure include:
- Increased sensitivity of your teeth
- Dentin is exposed more and can develop a greater risk of tooth decay
- Recession of your gums due to aggressive brushing or a hard-bristled toothbrush
Gum contouring is a procedure that can provide a lot of benefits to one’s own confidence and self-esteem, creating a beautiful, bigger, and better smile that you’ll be proud to show off. If you’re interested, talk to your dentist or periodontist today to see if it’s the right procedure for you and go over your financing options today!If you’re in the Washington, PA area looking for gum contouring procedures and costs, consider contacting Elizabeth L. Wakim where 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.
