Cosmetic Dentistry

Philadelphia, Main Line, and Ardmore, Pennsylvania Cosmetic Dentist

Gum Recontouring

Are you embarrassed by your smile for reasons other than tooth problems? Perhaps you have bright teeth that are perfectly straight, but you have a gummy smile. Or perhaps your gums are unevenly covering your teeth.

Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Marshall provides gum recontouring for her cosmetic dentistry patients in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. To see results from previous procedures, please go to the Before and After Gallery.

Improving Your Smile Line

The line of your smile and the teeth that show when you smile are determined by several factors:

• The size and shape of your teeth
• The size and shape of your lips
• Your lip movement when you smile
• The amount of gum tissue you have

An optimal smile line reveals the least possible amount of gum tissue. For this to occur, the gum contours must be in balance with your upper lip. By performing a laser gum treatment, Dr. Marshall is able to redefine your gum line and the line of your smile to enhance the appearance of your whole face.

In some cases, if you do not have straight and well-aligned teeth, your laser gum treatment may be combined with the placement of porcelain veneers. Custom-designed veneers allow Dr. Marshall to restore brightness and a pleasing contour to your teeth. The results of these combined procedures show more of your teeth and bring symmetry to your expressions and your overall facial features.

Treating Gum Disease

If gum disease has spread through your mouth, the soft tissue laser we use for cosmetic gum recontouring can also be used to clean the gums and remove bacteria. The laser works by breaking the molecular bonds in gum tissue, vaporizing the tissue instantly. At the same time, it seals the remaining tissue, reducing any chance of bleeding or infection.

The ravages of gum disease can be difficult to repair because once the process starts, it forms a vicious circle. Neglect of dental hygiene allows bacteria to increase in numbers; the increased number of bacteria creates more decay, which creates more space for them to spread, which creates yet more decay … and so on. The process tends to accelerate. Excellent dental hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease from beginning.

If you live in the Philadelphia, Main Line, or Ardmore, Pennsylvania area and you are embarrassed by your gummy smile you can learn more about gum recontouring, by contacting our cosmetic dentistry practice for a private consultation with Dr. Marshall.

602 The Times Building
Suburban Square
Ardmore, PA 19003
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