Q: What are the pros and cons of a gum lift procedure?

Pros Local anesthetic makes a laser gum lift a relatively painless procedure, with no stitches involved. It’s a quick, easy surgery with a short recovery time. Results are usually permanent, with little to no follow-up treatment needed. Cons Gum contouring may not always be an option to correct a gummy smile. If the issue stems from your bone structure, you may need more invasive and costly orthognathic surgery instead. Some tenderness is possible after the procedure, as you heal.

Question 1

What is a gum lift?

Accepted Answer

A gum lift procedure reshapes your gum line to show off your teeth, reducing the amount of visible gum tissue and giving you a more beautiful smile. Cosmetic dentists and periodontists (gum specialists) perform the procedure, which is also known as laser gum contouring, crown lengthening, or a gingivectomy.

People have a gummy smile for a variety of reasons. It may be because your gums didn’t recede after your adult teeth grew in or because you have a short upper lip, which reveals more gum tissue.

You may consider crown lengthening if your gums cover enough of your teeth to make them look disproportionately small for your face. The procedure can also even out an uneven gum line.

Excess gum tissue can also trap bacteria and plaque, which may increase your risk of gum disease. Eliminating it can make it easier to keep your gums and teeth clean, though you'll need to be treated for any existing periodontal disease and have a clean bill of oral health before having a gum lift procedure.

Gum reshaping can enhance the results of other cosmetic dental procedures, such as dental crowns or porcelain veneers, to give you a smile makeover. “Your veneers will not look their best if your gum tissue isn’t taken into consideration. Gum contouring can enhance other cosmetic procedures, completing your desired look,” says Dr. Andy Shieh, a dentist in Warrendale, Pennsylvania.

Many laser gum reductions concentrate on the “smile zone,” the front teeth that are most visible. Your dentist will recommend which teeth could benefit most from gum contouring, so you end up with the best results possible.

RealSelf Tip: In addition to a gum recontouring, you can have Botox injections to correct a gummy smile. The Botox is placed under the nose and around the muscles that raise the upper lip, to help keep your lip from rising as far when you smile.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of a gum lift procedure?

Accepted Answer

Pros

Local anesthetic makes a laser gum lift a relatively painless procedure, with no stitches involved.
It’s a quick, easy surgery with a short recovery time.
Results are usually permanent, with little to no follow-up treatment needed.

Cons

Gum contouring may not always be an option to correct a gummy smile. If the issue stems from your bone structure, you may need more invasive and costly orthognathic surgery instead.
Some tenderness is possible after the procedure, as you heal.

Question 3

How much does a gum lift cost? Does insurance cover it?

Accepted Answer

Your cost will depend on your dentist's level of experience, their practice location, and the extent of work needed.

Gum contouring is usually considered cosmetic dentistry, so dental insurance doesn't typically cover it.

Question 4

Gum lift before and after pictures

Accepted Answer

The gum lift photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Question 5

What happens during a laser gum lift procedure?

Accepted Answer

Your dentist will first take X-rays to determine your bone levels relative to your teeth. This helps dentists determine how much gum tissue to remove in proportion to your teeth and develop a treatment plan. The amount of tissue they’ll be able to remove is usually very small—2 mm or less.

A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the treatment area, so it shouldn't be painful.

Providers typically contour the gum area with a soft-tissue laser, to seal off blood vessels, reduce bleeding, and lower your risk of infection (though some still perform the procedure using a scalpel). The whole procedure should take less than an hour.

Question 6

What should you expect after a laser gum lift?

Accepted Answer

Your gums may be swollen and painful for a few days afterward. Eat cool, soft foods and avoid anything spicy or likely to get stuck in your teeth. Follow your dentist's instructions for keeping your mouth clean, and use over the counter pain medication to reduce any discomfort.

It may take a few weeks for your gums to heal completely. Because the gum tissue won’t grow back, results are permanent.

GUM LIFT

Kali Swenson

Kali Swenson

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Kali Swenson

Kali Swenson

GUM LIFT QUESTIONS

Other alternative for gum line? (Photo)

I want to have 3 teeth reshaped. Do I have to take antibiotics for a gum lift/reshaping?

Would a gingivectomy/gum lift give me the desired results? (Photo)

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