Transform Your Smile in Just Two Visits in Austin, TX!
Do you ever feel like your smile shows more gum than you’d like? A gummy smile can make even the brightest, most aligned teeth appear less balanced, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. At The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin, we specialize in transforming gummy smiles into beautifully proportioned ones with gum contouring treatments. You can have the smile you’ve always wanted in just two visits.
Our dentists are trained in advanced cosmetic techniques. With thousands of smile makeovers and training from prestigious institutions like the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, you’re in good hands. Ready to love your smile again? We’re here to help in Austin, Texas!
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile occurs when more gum tissue is visible than you’d like, even if your teeth are bright, symmetrical, and straight. It’s often something that runs in families, and while it’s completely natural, some people prefer a different look. If you feel like your smile could be more balanced, gum contouring can help enhance your overall aesthetic without changing the things you love about your smile.
At our Austin office, we offer gum contouring treatments that can give you the smile you’ve always wanted, bringing out the best in your natural features.
What Problems Does Gum Contouring Solve?
Gum contouring has helped celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones, and it has helped many of our patients feel better about their appearance. This simple procedure solves problems like:
- Overhanging gums
- Small teeth
- Uneven gum line
How Does Gum Contouring Work?
Historically, gum contouring has been a minor surgical procedure that removes excess tissue with a traditional scalpel method. While this was a common technique for many years, laser dental instruments have paved the way for a faster, gentler approach.
Laser gum contouring can shape gum tissue around individual teeth for a more pleasing look. Because the laser has an immediate vaporizing effect on soft tissue, it can remove redundant gingiva instantly and seal the blood vessels at the same time to minimize bleeding. There’s no need for incisions or stitching, so you can heal much more quickly.
About the Procedure
We’ll start with a consultation appointment where your dentist will discuss your concerns and goals for your smile. If we determine that gum contouring is a good option for you, we’ll schedule a time for you to come back for your treatment.
On the day of the procedure, we’ll administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure you stay comfortable throughout the short procedure.
Once you’re numb, your dentist will carefully shape the gum tissue around each tooth using a precise laser instrument. We’ll trim small sections of tissue at a time to make sure we achieve the exact results you’re looking for.
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of the treatment and the number of teeth being addressed. Best of all, the entire treatment is completed after this visit!
What to Expect During Recovery
Our team will provide specific oral care instructions after laser gum contouring. Here are some of the main things to expect:
- After the local anesthetic wears off, it is normal to experience minor soreness and swelling. These side effects may last a few days or up to a week. You can manage the discomfort with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or a pain reducer like acetaminophen (one or the other, not both).
- Eating softer foods like cooked vegetables, soup, oatmeal, eggs, cottage cheese, and yogurt keeps chewing to a minimum. You may also want to avoid spicy and seedy foods until your gums have completely healed.
- Brushing and flossing are still important because they inhibit bacterial activity, which decreases the risk of infection. However, because your gums may feel tender, you’ll need to follow a special protocol for a few days that we’ll discuss in more detail with you.
You can expect your gums to fully heal within one to two weeks.
What Are The Risks Of Laser Gum Contouring?
The risks associated with laser gum contouring are very low because there are no stitches and because the laser cauterizes blood vessels, so there is minimal risk of bleeding.
The primary risks of laser gum contouring are swelling and allergic reaction to local anesthesia. If you’ve ever had a filling or other dental procedure, you’re already aware of the way your body reacts to numbing medication.
Will Tissue Grow Back After Gum Contouring?
Laser gum contouring removes soft tissue and a minimal amount of bone tissue beneath the gums. This step prevents tissue from growing back over the exposed area.
Can Gum Contouring Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes. Laser gum treatment may be performed as one aspect of a larger smile makeover that includes treatments such as:
Am I A Good Candidate For Laser Gum Contouring?
Good candidates for laser gum contouring are adults who want to improve their smile. It’s ideal to have healthy teeth and gums and to be prepared for permanent results.
At The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin, we prioritize comfort, personal care, and results.
Benefits of Laser Gum Contouring
Laser gum contouring has a range of benefits that make it worth considering, including:
- A Better Smile: Laser gum contouring reshapes your gum line for a more balanced, symmetrical smile, making your teeth look longer and more even.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is quick and gentle, using advanced lasers — no scalpels or stitches, so recovery is faster and more comfortable.
- Lower Infection Risk: The laser sterilizes as it works, reducing the chance of infection, which is great for gum health.
- Instant Results: You’ll see an immediate improvement in your smile right after the procedure – no waiting for weeks.
- Healthier Gums: Removing excess tissue helps reduce the risk of gum disease and makes oral hygiene easier.
- Boosted Confidence: A more attractive smile often leads to a big boost in self-confidence, both personally and professionally.
- Customizable: Your dentist can tailor the treatment to your unique smile, whether you need small adjustments or more extensive reshaping.
How to Prepare for Your Gum Contouring Procedure
Before your gum contouring appointment, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth experience:
- Keep Up with Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep your gums healthy.
- Check Medications: If you take blood thinners, your dentist may advise adjusting them before your procedure.
- Eat a Light Meal: Have a light meal before your appointment since you may prefer soft foods afterward.
- Plan for Comfort: Stock up on soft foods and have over-the-counter pain relievers available for post-treatment.
By taking these steps, you’ll be ready for a comfortable and successful procedure.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
One of the best things about laser gum contouring is the long-lasting results. Once your gums are reshaped, the tissue won’t grow back, so you can enjoy your new smile for years to come. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping up with regular dental check-ups will help ensure your gums stay healthy and look great.
Does Laser Gum Contouring Hurt?
One of the biggest concerns patients have is whether gum contouring will be painful. Rest assured, the procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible. We use a local anesthetic to numb the area, so you won’t feel anything during the treatment.
How Soon Can I Return to Work After the Procedure?
Laser gum contouring has a relatively short recovery time. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work the day after their procedure. While you may experience mild swelling or tenderness, these side effects are generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, and they usually subside within a few days. If your job requires strenuous physical activity, your dentist may recommend taking a bit more time to recover fully.
What Are the Alternatives to Gum Contouring?
If you aren’t sure if gum contouring is the right choice, there are other cosmetic options to consider. Depending on your goals, treatments like veneers, crowns, or cosmetic orthodontics might be a good fit. Veneers can enhance the appearance of your teeth and gum line, while crowns can address issues like uneven teeth. Cosmetic orthodontics can also help by adjusting the alignment of your teeth for a more balanced look. During your consultation, we’ll explore all the options to find the best solution for your smile.
Financing Options for Your Gum Contouring Procedure
We offer easy financing options to make your gum contouring procedure affordable. Our financing specialist will work with you to find the best solution for your needs.
Why Choose The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin?
At The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin, you’ll be treated by one of our highly skilled dentists, who are all experienced in cosmetic and restorative dentistry:
- Dr. John Christian Schiro, DDS: Dr. Schiro is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry with over 20 years of experience. He’s an expert in full-mouth reconstructions and cosmetic smile makeovers.
- Dr. John D. Barras, DDS: With a passion for TMJ and TMD treatments, Dr. Barras brings advanced skills in full-mouth cosmetic reconstructions.
- Dr. John M. Hay, DDS:Â A Fellow of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), Dr. Hay has training in advanced aesthetics and neuromuscular dentistry.
- Dr. Chad Orlich, DMD: Dr. Orlich, board-certified periodontist, specializes in advanced dental implant placements, gum procedures, and periodontal health.
We use the latest dental technology to personalize our treatments to every individual. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a complete smile transformation, you’ll get superior care in a stress-free environment. Your comfort, satisfaction, and stunning results are our top priorities.
Smile Confidently After Laser Gum Contouring in Austin, TX
Laser gum contouring can correct your gums and give you a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing appearance. If you’re ready to improve your smile and boost your confidence, call us at 512.333.7777 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call us today at 512.333.7777 for your complimentary consultation, dental appointment, or if you just want more information about our Smile Makeovers in Austin Texas.