If you never develop a gummy smile, then you may never need cosmetic gum contouring. However, for patients who do exhibit an uneven gum line, the asymmetrical outline of their gum tissues can affect more than just their smiles’ appearance. In some cases, it can also negatively impact the state of their periodontal health, and have a complicated influence on the long-term state of their oral health. Today, we examine three ways in which contouring an uneven gum line can improve your smile and oral health, including creating a more attractive frame around your smile.

1. The overall appearance of your smile

A smile that has an uneven gum line is often called a gummy smile because its appearance is often the most noticeable feature of the condition. Whether your gums are severely uneven or only slight out of alignment, the impact to your smile’s appearance can be a highly motivating factor in choosing to address your gummy smile. With gum contouring, your dentist can carefully trim the areas of your gums that cover more of your tooth structure than other areas, creating a more symmetrical and cosmetically appealing outline for your smile.

2. Your chances of preventing gum disease

The development of gum disease can result from numerous factors depending on the unique state of your oral health. Yet, when your gums are uneven, the risks of it occurring are even greater. Gum disease forms when oral bacteria work their way underneath your gums, which allows them to form plaque on the surfaces of your teeth roots rather than on their visible crowns. From here, it’s impossible to remove the bacteria by brushing and flossing it away, and before long, they can lead to the beginning of gum disease. When your gum line is straighter and more even, it’s easier to keep them consistently clean of bacteria and control your risks of developing gum disease.

3. The long-term health of your smile

The formation of gum disease can occur easier when your gums are uneven, but straightening them with gum contouring can improve other aspects of your oral health as well. For example, if your gums cover more of your tooth structure in some areas, it can make it more difficult to keep the tooth structure itself consistently clean and healthy. Your risks of developing issues such as tooth decay or missing signs of other trouble may be higher until you straighten your gum line with gum contouring.

Learn what gum contouring can improve for you

By carefully contouring your gum line, you can improve several different aspects of your smile and oral health. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smile in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.