For those of us who have a smile that seems to show more gum than teeth, a dental gum lift may be a viable option. Gum lifts, otherwise known as aesthetic crown lengthening, have been performed for decades but have only recently become popular as a cosmetic procedure.
‘Gum lifts work to reduce gum and increase tooth exposure,’ says Sydney cosmetic dentist Dr Sarkis Nalbandian. ‘It is a highly skilled procedure that requires either a dentist specialised in soft tissue surgery or a periodontist.’
A gum lift involves the removal of excess gum from around the teeth to create a more aesthetically balanced appearance. An even gum line is also attained in this treatment.
During a gum lift, gums are trimmed using a special laser, which seals the tissue as it moves across the gum line and alters the size and shape of the tooth. Usually only one laser treatment is required.
According to Dr Nalbandian, it is important to ascertain the amount of tooth exposure that is required to produce a balanced aesthetic. ‘It is not a “hit and miss” type of situation,’ he says. ‘A template is placed in the patient’s mouth to help determine how much gum is required. The template gives both the patient and the dentist an excellent visual guide.
‘Photos are taken of the patient with the template in and the patient gives feedback – the patient is very important in the decision-making process,’ says Dr Nalbandian. Gum lifts are usually performed under a light anaesthetic, and in the majority of cases the healing is quick and uneventful.
A gum lift is often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic dental procedures such as porcelain veneers/ crowns, composite veneers or teeth whitening. A gum lift not only improves the amount of tooth exposure but also the appearance of the lips and general facial symmetry. acsm
Smile MakeOver - Dental Health Cener Sydney