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Guide to Gum Contouring: The Secret to a Picture-Perfect Smile

Your smile's balance depends on more than just straight, white teeth. The relationship between your teeth and gums creates the framework for your entire smile, and sometimes excess gum tissue can hide the true beauty of your teeth. At DG Dental in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Dory Green, DMD, FAGD offers advanced laser dentistry for gum contouring procedures. Our approach combines precision technology with an artistic eye, reshaping your gum line to reveal a more balanced, confident smile in our relaxing, upscale environment. What Gum Contouring Can Accomplish Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping or tissue sculpting, adjusts the gum line to create better proportion between your teeth and gums. The procedure addresses several aesthetic concerns that traditional teeth-focused treatments cannot resolve. When excess gum tissue covers too much of your teeth, they appear short or small, even if they're actually normal size underneath. An uneven gum line creates visual imbalance across your smile. Some teeth may show more gum tissue than others, drawing attention away from the teeth themselves. This irregular appearance happens naturally for many people and doesn't indicate any health problem, but it can affect how you feel about your smile. The procedure also complements other cosmetic treatments beautifully. Before placing veneers or crowns, contouring the gums can create the ideal foundation for restorations. The improved proportions enhance the final results and help new restorations look more natural. For some patients, gum contouring alone transforms their smile without needing additional cosmetic work. How Laser Technology Transforms the Procedure Modern laser technology has revolutionized gum contouring compared to traditional surgical methods. Dental lasers precisely remove excess tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels, which means less bleeding during the procedure and faster healing afterward. The precision allows dentists to sculpt gum tissue with remarkable accuracy. The laser energy also sterilizes as it works, reducing infection risk and promoting cleaner healing. Patients typically experience less discomfort both during and after laser procedures compared to conventional techniques. The technology allows for extremely controlled tissue removal, so dentists can make subtle adjustments that create natural-looking results. Recovery from laser gum contouring generally happens faster than traditional methods. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, though you'll want to follow specific care instructions during the healing period. The precision of laser treatment also means less chance of needing touch-ups or additional procedures. Understanding the Gum Contouring Process Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your smile. Dr. Green examines the relationship between your teeth and gums, discussing your aesthetic goals and explaining what contouring can realistically achieve. Digital imaging may help you visualize potential results before committing to treatment. The procedure itself typically requires only local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The laser carefully reshapes the gum tissue according to the planned design, creating a more balanced gum line. Treatment time varies depending on how many teeth need attention, but many cases take just one appointment to complete. Immediately after the procedure, you might notice some tenderness or sensitivity, but this typically remains manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your gums will appear pink and slightly swollen at first, then gradually settle into their new contours over the following days. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work the next day. Combining Gum Contouring with Other Cosmetic Treatments Gum contouring often works as part of a comprehensive smile makeover. When combined with teeth whitening, the improved gum line showcases your brighter teeth more effectively. The balanced proportions make whitening results appear more dramatic and natural. For patients considering veneers, contouring the gums first creates the ideal canvas for restorations. The improved tooth-to-gum ratio ensures veneers look proportionate and natural. This combination approach delivers transformative results that address both teeth and gum aesthetics simultaneously. Clear aligner treatment sometimes benefits from gum contouring as well. Once your teeth reach their ideal positions, adjusting the gum line can complete the transformation. The sequence of treatments depends on your specific needs and goals, which Dr. Green will discuss during your consultation. What to Expect During Recovery The first 24 hours require the most attention to your healing gums. Stick to soft foods and avoid anything too hot or spicy. Cold foods and drinks may actually feel soothing against tender gum tissue. You'll want to avoid vigorous brushing near the treated areas, but maintaining good oral hygiene remains important. Over the next few days, any swelling or discomfort should decrease steadily. Your gums will begin settling into their new shape, though complete healing takes several weeks. During this time, your body naturally remodels the tissue to create smooth, healthy contours. Most patients notice their final results within 1 to 2 weeks as swelling completely resolves. The newly shaped gum line frames your teeth more attractively, creating the balanced smile you envisioned. These results remain stable over time, giving you lasting confidence in your appearance. Transform Your Smile at DG Dental in Fort Lauderdale Dr. Green combines advanced laser technology with a comprehensive approach to cosmetic dentistry, understanding how each element of your smile contributes to your overall appearance. Her Fort Lauderdale practice offers the latest techniques in a uniquely comfortable environment, where five-star customer service meets cutting-edge dental care. We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to make your smile goals accessible. Our approach focuses on creating natural-looking results that enhance your features rather than looking artificial or overdone. Whether gum contouring is your primary concern or part of a larger smile transformation, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your vision. Contact us to schedule your consultation and discover how gum contouring can reveal the picture-perfect smile you've always wanted.

Signs Your Dentist May Notice That Indicate Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Your mouth tells stories you may not realize you're sharing. During routine dental examinations, dentists often detect subtle clues about airway health and breathing patterns, even when patients visit for completely unrelated concerns like cleanings or cosmetic work. At DG Dental, Dr. Dory Green, DMD, FAGD combines comprehensive dental care with advanced airway evaluation technology. Our Fort Lauderdale practice uses a pharyngometer/rhinometer system for precise airway assessment, helping identify sleep-disordered breathing that may be affecting your overall health and quality of life. Dental Signs That Suggest Airway Problems Several oral indicators can point toward sleep-disordered breathing. Worn tooth surfaces often reveal chronic teeth grinding, a common response when your body struggles to maintain open airways during sleep. This grinding, called bruxism, happens as your jaw tries to reposition itself to improve breathing. Scalloped tongue edges provide another revealing clue. When your tongue presses against your teeth during sleep, it leaves telltale indentations along the sides. This pressure pattern frequently develops when airways narrow and the tongue positions itself differently to compensate. A narrow upper jaw or high-arched palate can restrict nasal breathing capacity. These structural features limit the space available for air to flow properly, potentially contributing to mouth breathing and disrupted sleep patterns. Red or inflamed throat tissues may indicate chronic mouth breathing, which dries out protective mucous membranes and can signal nighttime breathing difficulties. How Bite Patterns Reveal Breathing Issues Your bite relationship offers valuable information about airway function. When your lower jaw sits too far back, it can push the tongue toward the throat, reducing airway space during sleep. This retrognathic positioning often correlates with breathing difficulties. Excessive tooth wear patterns beyond normal aging suggest your jaw may be working overtime during sleep. The muscles compensate for restricted breathing by clenching and grinding, gradually wearing down enamel surfaces in distinctive patterns that trained dentists recognize immediately. Missing back teeth can alter jaw positioning over time. Without proper support, your bite may shift in ways that compromise airway space, particularly when lying down. These changes happen gradually but can significantly impact breathing quality during sleep. Soft Tissue Indicators of Sleep Breathing Problems The soft tissues in your mouth reveal important details about breathing patterns. An enlarged or swollen uvula often develops from chronic snoring vibrations and indicates airway turbulence during sleep. Similarly, puffy or reddened soft palate tissue suggests repeated trauma from breathing difficulties. Large tonsils can physically obstruct airway passages, particularly problematic when you're lying down and gravity affects tissue positioning. Your dentist can assess whether tonsil size may contribute to breathing restrictions. Gum inflammation without adequate explanation might stem from mouth breathing, which dries protective saliva and increases bacterial growth. When patients maintain good oral hygiene yet still experience persistent gum problems, breathing patterns often warrant investigation. Advanced Airway Evaluation at DG Dental We utilize specialized pharyngometer and rhinometer technology to measure your airway dimensions precisely. This sophisticated equipment provides objective data about potential breathing restrictions that traditional examinations might miss. Our comprehensive approach examines the connection between oral health and systemic wellness. Dr. Green evaluates structural factors, breathing patterns, and their potential impacts on sleep quality and overall health. When indicated, we coordinate care with sleep medicine physicians and can provide custom-fitted oral appliances for managing sleep-disordered breathing. The evaluation process involves digital scanning rather than traditional impressions for patient comfort, and we assess multiple factors including jaw relationships, tongue positioning, and airway anatomy. This thorough assessment helps determine whether your oral structures may contribute to breathing difficulties. Experience Comprehensive Airway-Focused Dental Care at DG Dental Dr. Green brings focused training in the oral-systemic health connection to her practice, understanding how breathing patterns affect dental health and overall wellness. Her approach combines general and cosmetic dentistry with advanced airway evaluation capabilities, creating treatment plans that address both immediate concerns and long-term health impacts. Our Fort Lauderdale practice accepts most major medical insurance plans for airway-related evaluations and treatments, making comprehensive care accessible. We've designed every aspect of your visit to provide a relaxing, upscale experience while delivering the advanced diagnostic capabilities you deserve. Contact us to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and discover how addressing potential breathing issues can improve your dental health and quality of life.

The Latest Research on Biocompatible Dental Materials: What Science Says

Not all dental materials interact with your body the same way. Modern dentistry increasingly recognizes what many patients instinctively understand: the substances placed in your mouth can affect your overall health, not just your teeth. At DG Dental in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Dory Green, DMD, FAGD takes an evidence-based approach to holistic dentistry. We offer material biocompatibility testing to help identify which dental materials work best with your unique biology, ensuring your restorations support both your oral health and your body's natural balance. Understanding Biocompatibility in Dental Materials Biocompatibility refers to how well a material coexists with living tissue without causing harmful reactions. Your immune system constantly monitors substances that enter your body, and dental materials become permanent or long-term residents in your mouth. When materials aren't compatible with your biology, they can trigger inflammatory responses, allergic reactions, or sensitivity issues. The field has evolved significantly beyond simply asking whether materials are "safe" for general use. Current research examines how individual patients respond to specific materials based on their unique immune profiles and sensitivities. What works perfectly for one person may cause problems for another, making personalized material selection increasingly important. Testing protocols now evaluate factors like tissue response, immune system activation, and cellular reactions to different materials. This scientific approach replaces the one-size-fits-all mentality that dominated dentistry for decades. The goal centers on matching materials to your biology rather than assuming universal compatibility. Ceramic and Zirconia: The Research Behind Metal-Free Restorations Scientific literature consistently supports ceramic and zirconia materials as highly biocompatible options for crowns, bridges, and implant components. These materials demonstrate minimal tissue irritation and excellent integration with surrounding structures. Zirconia particularly shows promising results in studies examining long-term tissue health and stability. Research indicates that ceramic materials don't release ions into surrounding tissues the way some metals can. This stability matters for patients concerned about systemic exposure to dental materials. The inert nature of properly manufactured ceramics means they typically generate minimal immune responses. Modern manufacturing techniques have addressed earlier concerns about ceramic strength and durability. Computer-aided design and milling create restorations with precise fit and improved longevity. Studies tracking these restorations over 10-plus years show success rates comparable to or exceeding traditional metal-based options. Composite Resins and BPA Concerns: What Studies Actually Show Composite resins serve as the primary alternative to metal fillings, but concerns about bisphenol A (BPA) and similar compounds have generated considerable discussion. Research indicates that while some composites contain BPA derivatives, the amounts released after proper curing remain extremely low and generally below levels considered problematic. Recent studies measuring BPA exposure from dental composites found that any release occurs primarily during the first few hours after placement and decreases rapidly. Compared to dietary BPA exposure from food packaging and other environmental sources, dental composites contribute minimally to total body burden. Manufacturers continue developing new resin formulations that eliminate BPA-related compounds entirely. These alternatives maintain the strength and aesthetic properties patients expect while addressing biocompatibility concerns. The science suggests properly placed and cured composites present minimal risk for most patients. The Role of Biocompatibility Testing in Material Selection Individual biocompatibility testing analyzes your immune system's response to specific dental materials before placement. Blood serum testing can identify which materials may trigger reactions in your body, allowing personalized treatment planning. This approach proves particularly valuable for patients with known sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, or multiple chemical sensitivities. The science behind this testing continues evolving, with research examining how different immune markers predict material tolerance. Studies suggest that avoiding materials your immune system flags can reduce inflammation and improve long-term outcomes. This personalized approach aligns with broader trends toward precision medicine. Digital Technology and Biocompatible Material Selection Digital scanning technology eliminates the need for traditional impression materials that sometimes cause discomfort or reactions. Using digital scans, dentists can design restorations without exposing patients to impression compounds. This technology also enables more precise fits, reducing the need for adjustments that might compromise material biocompatibility. Computer-aided manufacturing ensures consistent material properties and reduces the potential for contamination during fabrication. The controlled environment of digital milling produces restorations from solid blocks of verified, biocompatible materials. This process contrasts with traditional laboratory techniques that involve multiple materials and potential allergen exposure. Advanced imaging helps dentists evaluate how materials integrate with your natural tooth structure and surrounding tissues. This monitoring capability allows early identification of any compatibility issues and supports long-term treatment success. Experience Personalized Biocompatible Dentistry at DG Dental Dr. Green focuses on the oral-systemic health connection, understanding how dental materials affect your overall wellness. Our Fort Lauderdale practice combines advanced technology with material biocompatibility testing, creating treatment plans tailored to your unique biology. We use digital scanning for comfortable, accurate impressions and carefully select materials based on both clinical performance and individual compatibility. Our approach emphasizes evidence-based dentistry, using proven materials and techniques while remaining responsive to your specific health concerns. Whether you're pursuing cosmetic enhancements, restorative work, or comprehensive care, we prioritize materials your body will accept and integrate naturally. Contact us to discuss biocompatibility testing and discover how personalized material selection can enhance both your dental health and overall wellness.

Root Canal Myths vs Reality: What to Expect

Few dental procedures spark as much unnecessary fear as root canals, largely due to outdated information and persistent myths passed down through generations. The phrase "I'd rather have a root canal" has become synonymous with something unpleasant, yet the reality is far different from this reputation. Modern root canal therapy is a routine procedure designed to save your natural tooth, relieve pain, and prevent more serious health complications, all while keeping you comfortable throughout the process. Understanding what actually happens during a root canal can ease your concerns and help you make informed decisions about your dental care. At DG Dental, we use advanced techniques and technology to perform root canal treatments and other restorative procedures with precision and minimal discomfort. Dr. Dory Green's extensive training in endodontics, combined with her commitment to patient comfort, means you'll receive care in our spa-like environment where anxiety melts away. Debunking Common Root Canal Myths The biggest myth surrounding root canals is that they're extremely painful. In reality, the infection causing your toothache is what hurts, not the procedure itself. Modern anesthetics completely numb the area, and most patients report feeling no more discomfort than they would during a standard filling. Many people actually feel immediate relief once the infected tissue is removed and the pressure inside the tooth is released. Another common misconception claims root canals cause illness or weaken your immune system. This myth originated from research conducted nearly a century ago that has been thoroughly debunked by modern science. Root canal therapy actually removes infection from your body, improving rather than harming your overall health. Some people believe extracting the tooth is a better option, but saving your natural tooth is almost always preferable. Extraction leads to bone loss, shifting teeth, and the need for more expensive replacements like implants or bridges. What Actually Happens During the Procedure A root canal becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside your tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, a crack or chip, or trauma to the tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and when it becomes infected, bacteria multiply inside the tooth, causing pain, swelling, and potentially an abscess. During the procedure, we create a small opening in the top of your tooth to access the infected pulp chamber. Using specialized instruments and digital imaging for precision, we carefully remove the infected tissue, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, and shape the canals. We then fill the empty space with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and seal the tooth to prevent future infection. The entire process typically takes 1-2 appointments depending on the complexity of your case. Advanced Technology for Better Outcomes We use digital x-rays and advanced imaging to see exactly what we're treating, ensuring we don't miss any infected tissue or hidden canals. Rotary instruments allow us to clean and shape your tooth's interior more efficiently and comfortably than traditional hand files. This technology reduces treatment time and improves success rates. We also offer sedation options for patients who feel anxious, though most people find the procedure much easier than they anticipated once they experience it firsthand. Recovery and Long-Term Results After your root canal, you might experience some mild tenderness for a few days as your body heals. Over-the-counter pain relievers typically manage any discomfort effectively. Most patients return to work or their normal activities the same day or the next day. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until we place your permanent restoration, as the tooth is more fragile without its final crown. Your treated tooth will usually need a crown to protect it and restore full function. We use digital scanning technology (rather than messy impressions) to create your custom crown, which fits precisely and looks completely natural. With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, a tooth that's had a root canal can last a lifetime. Success rates exceed 95%, making root canal therapy one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry. The alternative to a root canal is extraction, which creates additional challenges you should consider: You'll need an implant, bridge, or partial denture to replace the missing tooth Adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space, affecting your bite Bone loss occurs in the jaw where the tooth was removed Replacement options cost significantly more than saving your natural tooth Even with these replacement options available, keeping your natural tooth through root canal therapy offers the best long-term outcome for your oral health and your budget. Experience Comfortable Root Canal Treatment at DG Dental Root canals don't deserve their fearsome reputation. Modern techniques, advanced technology, and effective anesthesia have transformed this procedure into a routine treatment that saves teeth and relieves pain rather than causing it. Understanding the facts helps you approach necessary dental care with confidence rather than anxiety. Dr. Dory Green completed additional training in endodontics during her hospital-based residency, giving her the skills to handle even complex root canal cases. Our ultra-chic, modern practice offers amenities like complimentary refreshments and a relaxing atmosphere that makes dental visits actually enjoyable. We accept most major dental insurance plans and work directly with your provider to maximize your benefits. If you're experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling around a tooth, these symptoms might indicate you need a root canal. Contact us to schedule an evaluation so we can diagnose the problem and discuss your options. Learn more about our comprehensive approach to dental care on our about page.

Sleep Apnea Warning Signs: When to See a Dentist

Waking up exhausted despite a full night's sleep, experiencing persistent headaches, or hearing from your partner about loud snoring might seem like minor annoyances. However, these symptoms could indicate a serious condition called sleep apnea, where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, making it far more than just a sleep issue. Many people don't realize dentists play a crucial role in identifying and treating sleep apnea. At DG Dental, we've made airway health a priority, investing in advanced diagnostic equipment and becoming credentialed with most major medical insurance companies to provide comprehensive sleep apnea care. Dr. Dory Green recently acquired a pharyngometer/rhinometer system that allows for precise airway evaluation and highly individualized treatment planning, helping patients get the relief they need. Common Sleep Apnea Warning Signs The most recognizable symptom of sleep apnea is loud, chronic snoring punctuated by periods of silence when breathing stops. Your partner might notice you gasping or choking during sleep, which occurs when your airway becomes blocked and your body fights to resume breathing. These episodes can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, severely disrupting your sleep quality even if you don't remember waking up. Daytime symptoms are equally important to recognize. Excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and irritability all point to poor sleep quality caused by repeated breathing interruptions. Morning headaches occur frequently because oxygen levels drop during apnea episodes, and you might wake with a dry mouth or sore throat from breathing through your mouth all night. Physical Signs Your Dentist Can Spot During routine dental exams, we look for physical indicators of sleep apnea that you might not notice yourself. Worn tooth enamel from grinding, a scalloped tongue (where your tongue shows indentations from pressing against your teeth), and a narrow upper airway all suggest breathing difficulties during sleep. We also evaluate your jaw position, as a recessed lower jaw can contribute to airway obstruction. Your mouth's anatomy provides valuable clues about your breathing patterns. A high, narrow palate, enlarged tonsils or uvula, and redness in your throat from chronic mouth breathing all warrant further investigation. We pay attention when patients mention waking up with a clenched jaw or experiencing jaw pain, as these symptoms often accompany sleep apnea. Many patients are surprised to learn their dental concerns connect directly to their sleep quality. Risk Factors and When to Seek Evaluation Certain factors increase your likelihood of developing sleep apnea. Being overweight puts extra tissue around your airway, making obstruction more likely. Age plays a role too, as muscle tone naturally decreases over time, including in the throat muscles that keep your airway open. Men develop sleep apnea more frequently than women, though the risk for women increases after menopause. Family history matters significantly. If your parents or siblings have sleep apnea, your risk increases. Smoking irritates and inflames your airway, while alcohol and sedatives relax throat muscles excessively. Some medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, are both risk factors for and consequences of untreated sleep apnea, creating a concerning cycle. Understanding Diagnostic Options If you recognize several warning signs, seeking evaluation is your next step. We use our pharyngometer/rhinometer equipment to measure your airway dimensions with precision you can't get from a standard exam. This technology captures detailed information about where and how severely your airway narrows, allowing us to create a treatment plan specifically for your anatomy. Home sleep tests offer a convenient way to gather initial data about your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep disruptions. For more complex cases, we might recommend an overnight sleep study at a specialized facility. The key is not delaying evaluation when symptoms are present, as sleep apnea tends to worsen over time and the health consequences become more serious the longer it goes untreated. Treatment Approaches for Better Sleep Oral appliance therapy represents an effective, comfortable alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines for many patients. These custom-fitted devices reposition your jaw and tongue during sleep, keeping your airway open so you can breathe freely. We use data from our airway evaluation equipment to design appliances precisely fitted to your unique anatomy, maximizing effectiveness and comfort. The beauty of oral appliances is their convenience. Unlike CPAP machines, they're portable, quiet, and don't require electricity or regular equipment maintenance. Most patients adapt quickly and notice improvements in their sleep quality within the first few weeks. We monitor your progress with follow-up appointments and can adjust your appliance as needed. Because we're credentialed with most major medical insurance companies, many patients find their sleep apnea treatment is covered, making it more accessible than they expected. Get Better Sleep at DG Dental Sleep apnea affects far more than just how rested you feel. It impacts your overall health, your relationships, your work performance, and your quality of life. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking evaluation are the first steps toward better sleep and better health. Modern dentistry offers effective solutions that fit comfortably into your lifestyle without the bulk and noise of traditional treatments. Dr. Dory Green combines extensive training from the Temple University School of Dentistry and post-graduate hospital residency with hundreds of hours of specialized continuing education, bringing both scientific precision and creative problem-solving to airway and sleep issues. Our investment in advanced diagnostic equipment, including the pharyngometer/rhinometer system, means you receive treatment based on detailed, objective data about your specific anatomy. We've designed our practice to feel more like a spa than a traditional dental office, because managing sleep apnea should be a positive experience that improves your life. If you've been experiencing warning signs of sleep apnea, contact us to schedule your airway evaluation. Learn more about our approach to comprehensive dental care at our about page.

What Are Your Options to Correct a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile, where excessive gum tissue shows when you smile, can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. This common cosmetic concern affects many people and can stem from several causes, including genetics, how your teeth developed, or the way your lips move when you smile. The good news is that modern dentistry offers multiple effective solutions to help you achieve a balanced, confident smile where your teeth and gums appear in proper proportion. If you're wondering how to address a gummy smile, you'll be glad to know we offer several treatment options tailored to your unique needs. At DG Dental, we combine advanced techniques with an artist's eye to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted. Whether you need a minor adjustment or a more comprehensive approach, we can guide you toward the solution that works best for you. Understanding What Causes a Gummy Smile Before exploring treatment options, it helps to understand why gummy smiles occur. In some cases, the upper lip lifts too high when you smile, revealing more gum tissue than you'd like. Other times, the gum tissue itself may have grown excessively over the teeth, making them appear shorter than they actually are. Some people have an overgrowth of the upper jawbone, which can create the appearance of excess gum tissue. The anatomy of your mouth, including your tooth eruption pattern and jaw development, plays a significant role. Sometimes baby teeth don't fall out at the right time, causing permanent teeth to emerge in a way that leaves extra gum tissue visible. Your genetics also influence how your smile develops, and if your family members have gummy smiles, you're more likely to have one too. Gum Contouring for a Balanced Smile Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, is one of the most direct ways to address a gummy smile. During this procedure, we carefully remove excess gum tissue to expose more of your tooth structure, creating a more balanced appearance between your gums and teeth. This treatment works particularly well when your teeth are actually a normal size but appear short because they're covered by too much gum tissue. We perform gum contouring using advanced laser technology, which offers several advantages over traditional methods. The laser provides precision, reduces bleeding, and promotes faster healing with minimal discomfort. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in how their smile looks. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours depending on how much tissue needs reshaping, and recovery is usually quick, with most people returning to normal activities within a few days. Crown Lengthening as a Restorative Solution Crown lengthening goes a step further than gum contouring by removing both gum tissue and, when necessary, a small amount of bone to expose more of the tooth. This procedure is ideal when your teeth are shorter than average or when you need additional cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns. By reshaping the area around your teeth, we create the foundation for a smile that looks natural and proportionate. The crown lengthening process involves carefully sculpting the gum line and, if needed, the underlying bone to reveal the proper amount of tooth structure. We use digital imaging to plan your procedure precisely, ensuring your results will complement your facial features. Recovery typically takes 2-3 months for the gums to fully heal and settle into their new position. Once healed, you'll have a smile where your teeth and gums appear in beautiful harmony. Orthodontics and Other Treatment Options Sometimes a gummy smile results from how your teeth are positioned in your jaw. If your upper teeth have erupted too far down or if your bite alignment contributes to the appearance of excess gum tissue, orthodontic treatment might be your best option. Clear aligners or traditional braces can reposition your teeth, which in turn affects how much gum tissue shows when you smile. Botox injections offer a non-surgical alternative for certain types of gummy smiles. If your upper lip lifts too high when you smile, small amounts of Botox can relax the muscles responsible for this movement, limiting how much gum tissue becomes visible. The effects last about 3-4 months, and many patients appreciate this option because it requires no downtime. For more complex cases, we might recommend combining multiple treatments. For example, pairing gum contouring with veneers can address both excess gum tissue and tooth shape or color concerns simultaneously. Customizing Your Treatment Plan Every smile is unique, which is why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. During your consultation, we'll examine your teeth, gums, and facial structure to determine what's causing your gummy smile. We'll discuss your goals, your comfort with different procedures, and your timeline for achieving results. Some patients prefer conservative treatments first, while others want comprehensive solutions that deliver dramatic improvements. We use digital smile design technology to show you what your results could look like before you commit to treatment. This preview helps you make informed decisions about your care and ensures we're both working toward the same vision for your smile. We also consider factors like your oral health, any existing dental work, and how different treatments might affect your long-term results. Transform Your Smile at DG Dental A gummy smile doesn't have to hold you back from feeling confident. Whether you need gum contouring, crown lengthening, orthodontics, or a combination of treatments, modern dentistry offers solutions that can transform how you look and feel. The key is working with a dental team that understands both the science and artistry of smile design. Dr. Dory Green, DMD, FAGD, brings extensive training from Temple University School of Dentistry and a unique background combining microbiology, technical theater, and dentistry. Her artistic eye and scientific precision allow her to create results that look natural and enhance your individual features. Our ultra-chic, modern practice transforms dental visits into pampering experiences, with amenities designed to put you at ease. If you've been hiding your smile or feeling self-conscious about showing too much gum tissue, we'd love to show you what's possible. Contact us to schedule your consultation and discover how we can help you achieve the balanced, confident smile you deserve. Learn more about our practice and approach by visiting our about page.

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Discover the latest advancements in oral health and explore how our innovative approach is transforming dental care for the Fort Lauderdale community.

Guide to Gum Contouring: The Secret to a Picture-Perfect Smile

Your smile’s balance depends on more than just straight, white teeth. The relationship between your