A gummy smile is a common cosmetic concern for which adults of all ages seek treatment. Having a gummy smile means that there is extra gum tissue covering teeth, making them appear smaller than seems normal for an adult mouth. A gummy smile may also direct the eye more to the gums than the teeth even when the teeth themselves are normal size. The standard procedure performed to correct gummy smiles is surgical gum contouring. Laser dentistry can make the process easier.
During laser gum contouring treatment, the dentist directs a beam of laser light to the edges of the gums. The thermal energy immediately obliterates a precise section of the gums without harming adjacent tissue. The dentist can see the changes as they occur, resulting in outstanding cosmetic results. As the laser trims away gum tissue, it also seals blood vessels, reducing bleeding to next to nothing and significantly reducing post-treatment recovery time.