This two-part article series focuses on the various cosmetic procedures specifically designed to improve upon the evenness and symmetry of one’s gums and gum line.

Welcome back to our two-part article series on the various cosmetic treatments available for gums that depreciate the overall aesthetics of your smile. As we explained in Part 1 of the series, the gums simply don’t get the attention or credit they deserve as far as smile appearance is concerned, when in fact they make a huge difference! Pink, healthy gums are as important to your smile as symmetrical, white teeth. We spoke to some dentists in Silver Spring Maryland, about what can be done for patients who are in good oral health, but whose gums just aren’t up to scratch.

Here’s what they had to say…

Cosmetic Solutions for Aesthetically “Bad” Gums: A Recap of Crown Lengthening

The first treatment these dental health care professionals explained was Crown Lengthening, which is recommended for patients who have an atypical gum-to-crown ratio resulting in a gummy smile and teeth that appear to be short and stubby. We’ll now take a look at the reverse situation…

Cosmetic Solutions for Aesthetically “Bad” Gums: Gum Grafts

In cases where patients present will gums that have receded unnaturally from the crowns of the teeth, revealing a greater portion of the crowns or even the roots, dentists in Silver Spring Maryland may recommend gum grafting. Gum recession is often the result of gum disease, aggressive brushing or tongue and lip piercings that have wrought localized soft tissue damage. Either way, it will be the priority of your dentist to treat any infection before addressing the damage done.

“Gum grafting, like crown lengthening, is a fairly simple treatment that involves the lifting of a tiny sliver of soft tissue usually from the roof of the mouth,” explains a dentist in Silver Spring MD. “It is then grafted over the location that is lacking gum tissue. This can either be localized around a specific tooth or, in the case of patients who have been “born” with large crowns, along the length of the gum line.”

Gum grafting is performed to restore a more natural and aesthetic gum-to-crown ratio and in this respect it is a cosmetic treatment. However, it also plays an important role in restoring oral health and oral comfort, especially where the roots of the teeth have become exposed due to gum disease or aggressive brushing. By covering the roots up again, they become less vulnerable to decay and to sensitivity caused by temperature extremes. This is more comfortable for the patient.

A Final Note on Cosmetic Dentistry for the Gums

Most people are convinced that a teeth whitening treatment or restorations like veneers will give them the smile they want, when in many cases, it’s the health of the gums that’s begging attention. “What makes a smile beautiful is healthy teeth and gums,” say dentists in Silver Spring MD. “With good oral hygiene and lifelong health, you can get that perfect smile for a fraction of the cost. And if imperfect gums are in your genetic packet, there are simple, inexpensive and straightforward cosmetic treatments available!”