If you have a high smile line and have gummy smile or have tooth roots exposed due to recession, there are options to give you a smile that is balanced and aesthetic.

Gum Lifts

Gum lifts are used when there is too much gum tissue or the gum tissue is uneven resulting in a displeasing appearance. With local anaesthetic, the gum and sometimes the bone is adjusted and then repositioned to an optimal position.

Gum lifts are also used to assist when a tooth is badly broken down and there is not enough tooth structure remaining above the gum to complete a long lasting restoration. By repositioning the gum, a restoration can then be placed. This procedure is known as crown lengthening.

Gum Grafts

Over time, factors such as incorrect brushing technique or overzealous tooth brushing, grinding and clenching and even the position of teeth in the bone can lead to a condition known as gum recession, where the gum tissue migrates further along the root surface which then becomes exposed. Recession can contribute to sensitivity and It can be unsightly in the front of the mouth.

Gum grafts, in some situations, can be a successful method of dealing with effects of recession. A graft is taken from a site in the mouth and placed over the defect and sutured into place. In most instances, this procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic. Ask us for more information about how changing the gum can change your appearance.