How a Cosmetic Dentist May Fix Receding Gums

When gums start to recede and pull away from the teeth, it can alter the appearance of the smile and leave the teeth vulnerable to decay. A cosmetic dentist may fix receding gums, restoring the smile's appearance. While the focus will be on aesthetics, some cosmetic dental procedures may also protect your oral health.

Understanding gum recession

Gum recession is when the gums push back and expose the teeth's roots. While gum recession is often a result of gum disease, it is not always a result of poor oral health. According to Medical News Today, even patients with good oral health can develop receding gums. Gum recession can be caused by:

• Tooth trauma
• Excessive brushing
• Tooth grinding
• Everyday wear and tear
• Genetics

Visually, gum recession can make the teeth appear longer. The spaces between the teeth may become bigger as well. In particular, small black triangles may dot the smile because the gums cannot fill the bottom spaces between the teeth.

As mentioned, receding gums can also impact future oral health. Unprotected by the gums, the teeth may become sensitive to temperature extremes. Plaque and tartar will have an easier time building up, especially in those little black triangles. This can lead to tooth decay and eventually infection. In the worst cases, receding gums can result in tooth loss.

Cosmetic dental treatments for receding gums

If the visual symptoms of gum recession concern a patient, they may consult a cosmetic dentist for treatment. These dental professionals will work to restore the smile's appearance, covering up the roots of the teeth and closing any black triangles. Here are some of the most common treatments:

Pink composite or porcelain

Similar to how a dentist may use tooth-colored bonding material to alter the shape or size of the teeth and fill minor cracks in them, a cosmetic dentist may apply pink composite or porcelain to restore the appearance of receding gums. More specifically, they can apply this pink material to fill any gaps where the gums have receded. It is color-matched to the patient's gums, providing a seamless blend.

Gum contouring

Gum contouring involves restructuring the gum line by removing excess gum tissue with a scalpel or laser. For patients with receding gums, this procedure will also involve lengthening and rebuilding the gums by placing a gum graft. A cosmetic dentist will typically harvest the graft from the roof of the patient's mouth and suture it in place. Consequently, per Healthline, this cosmetic dental procedure has oral health benefits because it rebuilds the gums and protects the teeth from decay.

Gum veneers

Gum veneers, or gingival veneers, cover the appearance of receding gums. Patients can choose between removable and fixed gum veneers. Removable veneers are essentially like dentures for the gums. They must, therefore, be removed every night for cleaning. Just like dentures, they can consist of acrylic or composite resin. Porcelain is another option.

Alternatively, fixed veneers offer a permanent, worry-free solution to gum recession. Like dental veneers, which restore the appearance of the teeth, fixed gum veneers are cemented into the mouth. They are custom-made and color-matched to each patient's gums.