If you believe you may have a gummy smile, visit Traynor Periodontics & Implants for an exam and a review of treatment options. Research studies have determined what is considered excessive gum tissue. They have determined that smiles are attractive when two millimeters or less of gum tissue is visible. At three millimeters or more, the display is excessive. Your team at Traynor Periodontics & Implants will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to identify the extent of any excessive gum tissue displayed and the probable causes. This evaluation could include either conventional or digital impressions of your teeth and gums. We will also capture x-rays so that your tooth roots and jawbone can be examined as well. Your treatment at Traynor Periodontics & Implants could include one or more of the following:

• Gum contouring with same-day laser treatments.
• Surgical sculpting of the gum tissue and bone to create both healthier and more attractive looking gum contours.
• Surgical lip repositioning.
• Orthodontics, or braces, to move your teeth into proper positions (in addition to gum contouring).
• Maxillofacial surgery to reposition the bone.

The professionally trained team at Traynor Periodontics & Implants might perform a crown lengthening procedure, or simple gum contouring, to correct the appearance of your smile. During this procedure, we simply remove excess gum tissue, and maybe some bone, to expose more of the crown of the tooth. This gum contouring procedure can be easily performed on one or even more teeth to create a visually pleasing, even gum line and a more natural looking smile.

The American Academy of Periodontology states that the benefits of gum contouring procedures include increased comfort, increased self-esteem and self-confidence when smiling, speaking, and eating, as well as improved periodontal health.