As a SoCal resident, you might have had the thrill of bumping into a celebrity at some point in your life. Did you notice the celebrity’s teeth? They probably looked fantastic. Hollywood smiles like that are often the result of porcelain veneers in downtown Los Angeles. This cosmetic dental treatment may be able to benefit you as well! However, before you visit your dentist to talk about whether veneers are right for you, you may like to learn more about the process that is involved in making over your teeth. Gum recontouring is often a part of it.

The Porcelain Veneers Process

The porcelain veneers process usually takes place across two appointments. At the first, the dentist in downtown Los Angeles prepares the teeth and takes some impressions of them. They send the impressions, along with detailed design notes, to a laboratory. The patient wears temporary veneers while the lab crafts permanent ones. At the second appointment, the dentist double-checks the veneers for quality and fit before attaching them to the patient’s teeth.

In some cases, however, more than two appointments are necessary. You might need a preliminary procedure, such as gum recontouring, to ensure that your veneers give you the gorgeous results you are after.

What Is Gum Recontouring?

Gum recontouring, also called crown lengthening, is a cosmetic dental treatment that reshapes the gumline by removing extra or uneven gum tissue. It is often used as a standalone treatment for patients who have so much gum tissue that it covers a significant portion of their teeth, causing their smile to look “gummy” and disproportionate.

Gum recontouring is also often used in conjunction with porcelain veneers. If a patient has extra gum tissue, removing a bit of it might be necessary in order to create space for the veneers. Even in cases where there isn’t necessarily extra tissue, but the gumline is uneven, gum recontouring can help to eliminate that little imperfection and create the perfect canvas for porcelain veneers.

What to Expect with Gum Recontouring and Porcelain Veneers

If you are interested in transforming your smile, your first step should be to consult a qualified cosmetic dentist. They’ll talk to you about your goals, examine your teeth, and recommend a treatment plan. If they suggest that you undergo gum recontouring, they’ll schedule your procedure. After your gums are reshaped, you’ll need to go through a healing period (which may be a few weeks long) before you can receive veneers.

Your gums are the of your smile, and they should look as fantastic as your teeth will after you get porcelain veneers. Gum recontouring may be the unexpected key to helping you achieve your dream look.

About the Author

Dr. Adam Geach is a cosmetic dentist in downtown LA and a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontists. As an expert in dental prosthetics (including porcelain veneers), he has already helped countless patients achieve gorgeous, red carpet-worthy smiles. If you would like to talk to him about transforming the look of your teeth, contact our team at 213-810-3368.