Undoubtedly, aesthetic concerns are one of the most worrying issues for patients when it comes to their smile. The truth is that in addition to dental aesthetics, which pertains exclusively to the teeth, we must also consider gingival aesthetics, which refers to the gums. To take care of them, there are mucogingival aesthetic treatments, which we will discuss in today’s article.
The shape or color of the gums are closely related not only to aesthetics but also to health, and that’s why it’s vital to raise awareness among patients about the importance of not neglecting their gingival health when we talk about oral care.
Visually speaking, the gums are something to take into account when aiming for a beautiful smile, as their particular shape can affect the appearance of the teeth.
Currently, thanks to years of studies, research, and technical advances, it’s possible to carry out mucogingival aesthetic treatments capable of correcting, improving, and defining the appearance of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth.
What types of mucogingival aesthetic treatments exist and how are they performed?
As we mentioned, mucogingival aesthetic treatments focus exclusively on the aesthetic alterations of the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth.
They are generally carried out through surgical procedures and are usually performed to treat two main problems: the scarcity or excess of gingival tissue.
Mucogingival aesthetic treatments to increase gum tissue
In this case, the main objective is to correct the quality and quantity of soft tissues surrounding the teeth. The main problem addressed by these types of mucogingival aesthetic treatments is periodontal recession, which is an alteration where the teeth appear much longer than they are due to a lack of gum tissue.
This problem can lead to undesired movements in the teeth due to lack of support and can eventually cause their loss if not treated correctly and promptly. The origin of periodontal recessions is generally attributed to poor attention to periodontal health, that is, to the gums.
Mucogingival aesthetic treatments to reverse periodontal recession can also be applicable in cases of implantology, where the goal is to increase the thickness and width of the gums surrounding the prostheses to gain support and ensure greater longevity.
There are various techniques to “recover” gums and modify their shape so that they can cover the recessed areas. However, most mucogingival aesthetic treatments aimed at reversing recessions usually consist of connective tissue grafts from other soft tissues, generally from the palate, which are placed in the affected area.
These surgeries are becoming less invasive thanks to technical advances and, in addition to allowing the patient to resume normal life in a very short time, they visibly improve oral health and the appearance of the smile.
Mucogingival aesthetic treatments to reduce gum tissue
In this case, the main objective is to correct the excess of soft tissues surrounding the tooth. Most applications of mucogingival aesthetic treatments in this regard are carried out to correct what is known as a gummy smile, where more gums are shown than teeth when smiling.
The cause of a gummy smile can be attributed to the hyperdevelopment of the upper lip elevator muscle, excessive growth of the upper jaw, or tooth wear, resulting in a disproportionate appearance in the teeth-gums ratio.
Reducing excess tissue in the gums is simple and is usually done through a technique known as gingival recontouring. In this case, the intervention is usually carried out through laser surgery, which gradually removes excess gum tissue, contouring it to make it more symmetrical and proportionate to the teeth. The objective in this case is to balance and harmonize the smile.
Mucogingival aesthetic treatments and all surgical techniques and interventions carried out on the periodontium and tissues surrounding the teeth for aesthetic purposes can also have very positive effects on overall oral health.
Excess gums can, for example, limit access to interdental areas during brushing, which worsens if there is also crowding and malocclusions. Lack of gums can weaken the retention of teeth and implants, leading to premature edentulism or failure of implant treatment.
In any case, it’s vital to make a correct diagnosis of the causes of gum tissue deficiency or excess, as in many cases, these alterations may be related to periodontal problems that require a more specific prior treatment before carrying out aesthetic interventions.
For example, a patient may have oversized gums that give the impression of a gummy smile, which may be due to inflammation as a response to an infection.
In our clinic, we specialize in periodontics, and that’s why we always aim to raise awareness among our patients, readers, and online community about the importance of periodontal health, as a beautiful smile is always a result of a healthy smile.
Consultation with periodontics specialists
Do you suffer from gum recession or a gummy smile and want Dr. Liñares and his team to evaluate your case? Decades of experience support our procedures, along with the best human team and the most advanced technology to achieve the best results.
Don’t hesitate to contact us or visit us at our clinic in A Coruña if you want us to address any questions regarding mucogingival aesthetic treatments or other periodontal or advanced implantology procedures and techniques.
We’ll be delighted to assist you!