A smile makeover may begin with the gums rather than the teeth when the gumline affects the balance, shape, or health of the smile. Teeth can, for example, appear too short, uneven, or long when the gum tissue does not frame them evenly. A periodontist assesses the relationship between the lips, teeth, gums, and supporting bone before recommending any changes. By working with this periodontist, you can achieve a confident, healthy smile.
Many patients think of dental veneers, crowns, bonding, or teeth whitening as the first step in a smile makeover. However, a periodontist may need to address gum concerns before the cosmetic dentist starts work on the teeth. This is because when the gums cover more enamel than expected, the teeth may appear short or be hidden. Or when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposed roots may make the teeth look longer and create an uneven appearance.
The sequence of treatments in a smile makeover also matters because the gums can change as they heal. If a dentist places veneers or crowns before the gumline has reached a stable position, the final restorations may not align with the healed tissue. Planning the gum (periodontal) treatments first can help the care team create more even margins around restorations and avoid a smile makeover result that looks unfinished later.
An evaluation with a periodontist may include gum measurements, digital images, X-rays, bone assessment, and a discussion about the patient’s goals. With this information, they can work with the patient's other dental providers to decide which treatment to perform first and how long the patient needs to heal.
To support a smile makeover, a periodontist may recommend gum contouring or crown lengthening. Gum contouring focuses on reshaping soft tissue; crown lengthening involves adjusting both the gum tissue (and sometimes the bone) to expose more of the natural tooth structure. These treatments may help with:
Note that removing excess tissue can change the visible proportions of the teeth without changing the teeth themselves.
A smile makeover may involve adding support to areas where the gums have receded. Gum recession exposes part of the tooth root and can create sensitivity, make teeth appear longer, and change the shape of the smile. The exposed root may also look darker than enamel, which can become more noticeable when the patient smiles.
Fortunately, soft tissue grafting can help cover exposed roots and strengthen the gumline. During this procedure, the periodontist places healthy tissue near the area of recession to improve coverage and support. As the tissue heals, the gumline may look fuller, more even, and more aesthetically appealing.
Sometimes, smile makeovers involve periodontal services. A periodontist can evaluate excess gum tissue, gum recession, uneven contours, and other concerns that affect the look and health of the smile. Schedule an appointment at our Boca Raton office to learn more.
Request an appointment here: https://bocaperio.com or call Boca Perio at (561) 763-1066 for an appointment in our Boca Raton office.
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