Most people do not give much thought to the way their gums look. For some
individuals, however, excess or uneven gum tissue can become a source of
constant frustration. It can make the teeth look stubby and create what many
refer to as a “gummy smile.” At New Haven Dental Group in
Branford, we can correct this issue via our gum contouring and crown
lengthening services. This page explains how these treatments work. If you are
interested in personally speaking to an expert about them, you are always
welcome to
contact us
directly.
Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for Gum Contouring and Crown Lengthening?
- Precision treatment with soft tissue laser
- Experienced dental team
- Outstanding patient care in a comfortable environment
What Are Gum Contouring and Crown Lengthening?
The terms “gum contouring” and “crown lengthening”
refer to basically the same procedure — that is, they involve trimming
the gum tissue with a soft tissue laser. They can result in a much more
proportionate smile that is not marred by excess or odd-looking gums. For
most patients, the recovery time is fairly quick (a few days to a couple of
weeks, depending on the person and the extent of the procedure). Gum
contouring and crown lengthening may be used as standalone treatments to
improve a smile’s aesthetics, or they may be part of a more extensive
smile makeover plan.
What Are Gum Contouring and Crown Lengthening Used For?
While gum contouring and crown lengthening involve the same basic procedure,
the two treatments have different objectives. The goal of gum contouring is
to make the gum line more even. Crown lengthening aims to cut away extra gum
tissue in order to expose more of the tooth, thus making the tooth’s
crown appear longer. While gum contouring and crown lengthening are usually
purely cosmetic procedures, crown lengthening is occasionally necessary to
make room on a tooth for a restorative crown.
Benefits of Gum Contouring and Crown Lengthening
Some of the outstanding benefits of gum contouring and crown lengthening
include:
-
This is the primary benefit of these procedures. They can make the gums a
subtle and attractive frame for your smile. You may be surprised by how
much your gum contouring or crown lengthening procedure boosts your
confidence!
-
Soft tissue laser technology. The laser minimizes pain
and bleeding. It also comes with a very low risk of infection and a short
recovery time compared to similar procedures that use scalpels instead.
-
Permanent results. You will not have to worry about your
gum tissue coming back to affect your smile’s aesthetics again.
How Much Do Gum Contouring and Crown Lengthening Cost?
When you visit us for your consultation, we will provide you with a candid
estimate on the cost for your procedure. The price will depend on how much
gum tissue we must remove in order to achieve the desired results. While
dental insurance does not pay for cosmetic treatments, you may be eligible
for affordable financing through CareCredit to help you manage the cost of
your gum contouring or crown lengthening.