Q: I have big gums and short teeth, so when I smile you can almost only see my gums. I don’t smile very often anymore because I am so self conscious of my gums. Is there a way to improve my smile?
A: Yes, there may be a way to enhance your smile. It’s a good idea to discuss your options with a periodontist first. He or she can explain the best way to create the smile you want, as well as answer any questions that you may have. For example, one procedure that can remove excess gum tissue is called crown lengthening. After the excess gum tissue is removed, the gum line is then reshaped in order to create the right proportion between gum tissue and tooth surface. Your general dentist and periodontist may also work together to coordinate additional treatments such as veneers or crowns. However, your periodontist and general dentist will recommend the best procedure to improve your smile.
Unhappy with the appearance of a “gummy” smile? You may be a good candidate for a procedure called cosmetic crown lengthening.
This periodontal procedure is designed to expose more tooth structure prior to restorative and cosmetic dentistry and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. A frequently asked question is whether we can change the esthetics of a gummy smile because the teeth appear somewhat short. Your teeth can actually be of proper length and just covered with excessive gum tissue. In such circumstances, a crown lengthening procedure will correct this by exposing the shape of your natural teeth.
Crown lengthening can also be done to single teeth to “even out” your gum line and create a more symmetrical smile.
If your teeth are decayed, fractured at or below the gum line or have insufficient tooth structure for new crown retention, a “Clinical crown lengthening” procedure may be recommended by Dr. Britten to enable your general dentist to perform a restorative and/or cosmetic dental procedure.
As a periodontist, Dr. Todd Britten enjoys making a positive impact on his patient’s lives by improving their smiles as well as their comfort and health. He has patients that were once told they would lose all of their teeth, but through periodontal care, even after many years still have every one of them!
Sometimes, a basic understanding of what are teeth are made of, and how they are held in our mouths is the first step in understanding why they are so important, and how to properly care for them.
Please watch this great video about teeth from Spear Education
1st row: The top illustrations show abrasions in the enamel at the gumline from using a toothbrush that was too hard. Defects in the enamel at the gumline are also caused by a bad bite from misaligned teeth, or clenching and grinding habits, or can even be from decay. In the top illustration, the teeth are being filled in with tooth-colored filling, known as composite resin.
2nd row: When bonded to the surface of teeth, porcelain veneers improve the outer appearance by camouflaging discoloration. They can also be used to close gaps or when other cosmetic improvement is needed.
3rd row: Dental crowns are used to repair and restore larger areas of decay or damage for which tooth-colored fillings or dental bonding will not suffice. The crown covers and strengthens the natural tooth. A crown can be made from a variety of materials, based on the location of the repair and patient needs, including porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia.
