Did you know that recent surveys show that around 76% of Americans base their first impression on a smile? Yet, many Americans don’t like the way they smile. Crooked teeth, staining, or excessive gumlines can make some self-conscious about their smiles.
You may have already heard of ways you can straighten your teeth and the high costs associated. Have you ever wondered how much does gum contouring cost? Gum contouring is a lesser-known way you can reshape your smile if you have too little or excess gum showing.
Luckily, we have a must-read article for you. In our gum contouring guide, we will address what gum contouring is, how much it costs, and how it compares to other procedures. Keep reading on for more information!
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is often a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of your gum line. In some situations, gum contouring is also used to improve oral health and hygiene. Typically, this procedure requires a dentist with a specialty in gum reshaping.
There are two methods of gum contouring:
- Removing excess gum tissue
- Restoring gum tissue
It is an outpatient procedure involving a local anesthetic. Your dentist will use a laser or scalpel that restructures your gumline and tissue. Scalpels are not as widely used anymore since there are several advancements in cosmetic dentistry that allows the use of soft tissue lasers.
This can often make the procedure more comfortable and help with recovery. Usually, the procedure is completed in one treatment and should not take longer than a couple of hours.
If you have periodontal disease, your dentist may suggest gum contouring as part of the procedure. However, other less invasive methods are used first before resorting to surgical interventions.
Gum Contouring Benefits
For the majority of patients, gum contouring is an option to start feeling more confident about your smile. Many individuals opt for this procedure when they have excess gums and want to showcase their teeth when they smile.
Even with orthodontics, excess gum tissue can give the appearance that your teeth are not straight. It can also make your teeth appear smaller than they actually are. A qualified dentist will help improve your teeth’s shape while ensuring that only the enamel is exposed.
The benefit of gum contouring is that you will likely not need another procedure. Your gumline is unlikely to grow back over time, ensuring you have a beautiful smile for years to come.
Gum Contouring Risks
As with any surgery, there are some risks that you should be aware of before signing up. Most times, a qualified and experienced dentist will make this process easier and reduce complications. Additionally, it is an outpatient procedure that doesn’t require a heavy anesthetic.
There are some risks of bleeding, pain, and swelling. After the procedure, your dentist may recommend some over-the-counter pain relievers or cold compresses to ease the discomfort. If you continue having extreme discomfort after a few weeks, it is time to follow up with your dentist.
You will also want to limit what you eat during the first few days. By sticking to soft foods, you will experience less pain and irritation.
If you develop an infection, your dentist will monitor your gumline surgical site and potentially start antibiotic treatments. Choosing a dentist specializing in diode lasers reduces bleeding and infection risks.
It is also more gentle on your gums and ensures more uniform lines. You should also schedule a follow-up with your dentist if you notice any health changes and follow aftercare instructions, including gentle brushing.
How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?
Your gum contouring cost depends on a few factors, primarily how much of your gumline you want reshaping. Here are some other factors that contribute to the final cost:
- Local anesthesia
- Pain medication
- Dental fees
- Follow-up appointments
- Insurance coverage
- Antibiotics (if needed)
You could experience costs in the thousands for a complete upper gumline contouring. For one or two teeth, you will remain around $200 to $300.
Insurance coverage and local clinic fees may also vary the final price tag. Like medical insurance, dental insurance typically covers medically necessary procedures. In some instances, gum contouring might fall under that category if you have gum disease.
However, many dental insurance providers have low annual maximum coverage. It is likely you will still be left with a significant portion of the bill. However, compared to other cosmetic dental procedures, spending a few hundred dollars on gum contouring may sound cheap.
For example, dental veneers can reshape teeth and provide you with the smile of your dreams. Yet, dental veneers cost upwards of $2,500 per tooth. Lastly, they typically will not last longer than a decade.
Gum Contouring Tips
We have a few helpful tips for you if you are thinking about gum contouring. First, schedule a dental appointment. You want a qualified dentist office that has vast experience working with cosmetic procedures.
There could be other cosmetic procedures that are better worth your time and money, such as Invisalign or teeth whitening. If your dentist agrees you might need gum contouring, ask about the steps you should take before and after your procedure. This is also an ideal time to provide any medication you are taking and your current medical history.
Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Appointment
Have you wondered how much does gum contouring cost? Compared to Invisalign and veneers, it can save you hundreds of dollars. As an added bonus, it should last your entire life, which many cosmetic dentistry services can’t offer.
Gum contouring can restore or enhance the appearance of your teeth, using advanced laser technology to reshape your gumline. The experts at Slone Dental can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
We have worked with several other patients just like you. Schedule an appointment today to get started!
