Treating a Gummy Smile With Laser Dentistry in Newburyport
A large part of cosmetic dentistry is proportionality, making sure that a perfect balance is struck between the teeth, gums, and overall facial appearance. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Paul Mathew has dedicated a significant portion of his career to cosmetic dentistry. If you want to change the appearance of your smile, talking to a dentist like Dr. Mathew is a great place to start, as he can orchestrate a treatment plan that achieves the desired result. For example, if you feel that gums are excessive and not in proportion with your teeth, Dr. Mathew may be able to use laser dentistry to achieve the right proportions.
Not all gummy smiles are made equal, however, meaning that laser dentistry may not be viable for some. Here are some ways the gums can appear out of proportion to the teeth:
Altered eruption – If the teeth fail to emerge from the gums properly as someone leaves childhood the condition is called altered eruption. In a situation like this, laser dentistry can be used to perform a crown lengthening procedure, removing some of the gums and reveal the teeth underneath.
Gingival enlargement – In this case the gums have grown excessively, making the teeth appear smaller in proportion. This enlargement can occur for various reasons ranging from gum inflammation to being a side effect of certain drugs. A laser can be used to perform a gingivectomy, removing gum tissue and revealing the teeth beneath.
Tooth wear – When teeth are worn down due to acid erosion (as in cases of acid reflux) or teeth grinding, the crowns can appear smaller in proportion to the gums. Not only are the teeth worn down to be smaller but the gums and bone shift in order to maintain the bite, compensating for the part of the teeth that is worn, resulting in compensatory eruption. The treatment for a case like this may be more complex than in the previous two cases since the tooth itself has been damaged due to wear. This means that laser dentistry and restorative dentistry, or even orthodontics may be needed.
Regardless for the reason you may be seeking treatment for excessive gums, don’t hesitate to call Artisan Dentistry’s Newburyport location for a cosmetic consultation.