Contouring gums is a worthwhile investment for people who want to improve the look of their smile. For health and cosmetic reasons, gum contouring can enhance your oral health. It also reshapes your gumline to bring symmetry to your appearance.
What are the benefits of gum contouring?
Gum contouring offers numerous health advantages if you have periodontal disease. But the treatment is most often used for cosmetic dentistry to bring dramatic results.
Some of the advantages of gum contouring:
- Reduces infections and decay due to periodontal disease.
- Evens out gingival displays, or “gummy smiles”
- Brings uniformity to your smile.
- Enhances symmetry to an uneven gum line.
- Makes small, boxy teeth appear larger.
- Eliminates extra gum tissue covering your teeth.
Gum contouring for cosmetic dental treatment
If you are among the 10 percent of the population with a gummy smile, gum contouring can enhance your smile. Other people have a ragged or irregular gumline that detracts from an otherwise pleasing smile. Cosmetic gum contouring reshapes your gumline to bring more uniformity.
Gum contouring to treat oral health problems
Gum contouring for oral health reasons is recommended mostly for patients with advanced periodontal disease. Receding gums create pockets which can lead to bacterial buildup and plaque formation. Reshaping and restoring gums staves off infections, decay, and cavities. When prescribed for health reasons, gum contouring is usually covered by insurance. Always speak with your dental insurance company or your dentist’s office when in doubt.
How much does gum contouring cost?
The cost of gum contouring depends upon a few factors. Treatment is usually based upon the number of teeth, where you live and the amount of experience your dentist has. Cost can vary widely from $100-$400 per tooth. The average cost to contour all your top front teeth runs in the range of about $3,000.
Gum contouring is permanent and does not need to be repeated, so the treatment is a one-time cost. As mentioned, gum contouring for medical reasons is covered under insurance. Gum reshaping for cosmetic reasons are strictly out-of-pocket expenses. Be sure to talk to your dental insurance provider to find out what’s covered and what your out-of-pocket expenses are. You can also discuss payment options with our dental care staff.
Is gum contouring worth it?
Unless you are being treated for advanced periodontal disease, the decision to undergo gum contouring is a personal decision. How we perceive our looks often affects our self-esteem. If you are self-conscious about your smile, investing in gum contouring is well-worth the investment.
Talk to Dr. Frahm about gum contouring to perfect your smile and enhance your dental aesthetics. Please call 831-372-8011 today or contact our concierge care team to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarah Frahm. We serve patients throughout the communities of Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach.
