Your smile defines you; that’s a fact. In a world that’s already too busy to enjoy the small things in life, a simple smile can go a long way.
It’s this modest gesture that can give others a good impression of you. That’s why it’s no wonder people get so insecure about their teeth, since it brings out the best in them, which is why good dental hygiene is crucial to maintaining that aesthetic smile. But what if the problem isn’t hygiene? But rather because of genes? Particularly regarding the way your gums or teeth look.
Not everyone is endowed with a perfect set of teeth and gums; some people are made to have large gums or long teeth that could be a cause for ridicule. We’re not saying that such anomalies should be ashamed of, since we are all born with unique capabilities and looks after all. But with today’s advancements in medicine, several procedures now make it possible for us to have the smile we always wanted, and this is where gum contouring comes into play. It’s a simple procedure that “lifts” the gums so your teeth become more visible, although crown lengthening is also very similar, so which should you get? Well, stay tuned to this article to find out.
Gum Contouring
- Usage: This technique is also called gingival sculpting; it’s more in line with a cosmetic procedure. Mostly it’s used for aesthetic purposes to give an even gumline to make it more appealing. It’s given to people who have large gums so that their teeth have a more complimentary appearance.
- Procedure: It’s a simple process that can be performed with simple surgical methods where the dentist removes or remoulds parts of the gum tissue to expose more of your teeth or even your gum line. This can also be achieved using state-of-the-art laser technology to make the procedure more precise and hassle-free.
- Result: This method is purely made for aesthetic purposes; think of it more like a cosmetic procedure than anything else, and it mostly just involves the gums. It’s less of a hassle in the recovery process too, having fewer complications and a faster recovery time.
Crown Lengthening
- Usage: As with gum contouring, this method also tries to lift the gum to expose more of your teeth. However, the difference here is that it’s not just for cosmetics alone but is also used for restoration of the jaw and teeth, hence why some cases involve the removal of parts of the bone near the teeth to achieve the desired look or restoration.
- Procedure: The method is actually quite similar to the previous entry; the only key difference here is that the dentist might use more complex surgical methods by adjusting or removing parts of the bone to make the teeth pop out more. It aims to “lengthen” the teeth more by exposing the enamel further, unlike gum contouring, which removes part of the gums to achieve this look.
- Result: Same with contouring; the aim of this procedure is for you to have more even and better-looking teeth and gums. However, the main takeaway is that this method of lifting the gums can also be used not just for cosmetic purposes but also as a way to do other dental services such as giving enough teeth space to do root canal surgeries, enamel restoration, complex tooth extraction, crowning, and the like.
So, which is better?
While both seem to be very similar in what they’re trying to achieve, the key differences in methods are clear. Gum contouring is more of a cosmetic route into achieving an aesthetic smile, while crown lengthening is more targeted for both aesthetic and even teeth, but also for functionality such as making other dental procedures easier. But if you’re looking only into a more affordable and simple procedure, then gum contouring is the way to go.
In Conclusion,
Being informed about this matter makes your decisions a lot easier, but of course, despite our recommendations, it’s also important to consider what you need first. In the end, however, do what you can to achieve that perfect smile of yours. As we keep
mentioning, your smile will always be the first thing people will notice about you. Maybe also think of investing in good teeth-whitening kits while you’re at it.
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