Before determining who would make a good candidate for gum or tooth recontouring, let’s first take a look at how these two procedures differ. Tooth recontouring is performed to produce a more symmetrical smile—one in which your teeth are of complementary size and shape to those around them. If your teeth need to be reshaped due to being pointy, chipped, or of unequal size, you’re a great candidate for gum recontouring in Anchorage, Alaska.
Gum recontouring, on the other hand, is a procedure that corrects gum recession and other problems related to the gums. Gum recontouring, also referred to as “gum reshaping,” is utilized when people have a “gummy” smile or have experienced some degree of gum recession. With gum recontouring, your gum line is reshaped to provide a more aesthetically pleasing smile by removing tissue that has receded or overexposed tooth or tooth root surfaces. The most common causes of gum recession include:
- Gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Tooth grinding (bruxism)
- Trauma to the gums, as in a motor vehicle collision
- Genetics
- Tooth decay
- Bad habits involving the mouth (chewing inedible objects, aggressive flossing, and brushing)
Gum and teeth recontouring in Anchorage, Alaska, is often performed for cosmetic reasons—to enhance the aesthetics of the smile, but it can also be medically necessary when someone has suffered periodontal disease or tooth decay.
More About Tooth Recontouring
With tooth recontouring, your Anchorage, Alaska, cosmetic dentist will use advanced dental technology including lasers to remove enamel and reshape your teeth to the desired size, shape, and length. After the recontouring is complete, your Anchorage cosmetic dentist will polish your teeth, leaving them with a brilliant, natural-looking shine. Tooth recontouring is one of the fastest ways to improve the appearance of your teeth and leave you with a stunning smile.
Other benefits of tooth recontouring in Anchorage, Alaska, include:
- Your teeth can be reshaped in one quick appointment
- There are no nerves in the enamel of your teeth, so the procedure is pain-free
- Tooth recontouring is permanent, so you won’t have to return for any special maintenance. You simply need to come in for your twice-yearly exams and cleanings and follow any other instructions provided by your Anchorage, AK, general dentist.
After you have tooth recontouring performed, you will want to do the following to ensure that your results will last:
- Avoid sugary drinks and foods
- Brush and floss your teeth gently
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste
- Avoid grinding and clenching your teeth
- Maintain good oral hygiene
You may be a great candidate for tooth recontouring if your teeth are healthy and your enamel is thick enough to withstand some being removed. If you have hot/cold tooth sensitivity, you may not be a great candidate for tooth recontouring, but you won’t know until a cosmetic dentist in Anchorage examines you. If tooth recontouring is not the solution for you, there are many other services your Anchorage dentist can perform to correct your dental problems.
More About Gum Recontouring
If your gums are too high or too low and you’re not happy with the aesthetics of your smile, you may be a great candidate for gum recontouring in Anchorage. For most people, gum recontouring is an elective procedure to improve aesthetics. In some cases, people have advanced periodontal disease or tooth decay, and gum recontouring is performed to save the teeth and gums.
Your Anchorage, Alaska, gum recontouring dentist will perform a comprehensive evaluation, listen to your goals, and discuss a treatment plan specifically designed to create the stunning smile you’ve always wanted.
Using the most advanced dental technology available today, your Anchorage dentist will sculpt, repair, and reshape gum tissue to achieve the desired look. The amazing lasers used in gum recontouring do most of the work, and the recovery time is minimal. As with any minor surgery, there will be risks and specific post-surgery instructions; many people report very minimal discomfort following the gum recontouring procedure.
Have Gum and Tooth Recontouring in Anchorage, Alaska
Why wait another day to have the stunning smile you’ve dreamed about? Please contact Dr. Richard Crosby General & Cosmetic Dentistry (907) 277-1098 to ask about tooth and gum recontouring. You may also fill out our online contact form, so one of our dental team members can reach out to help.