Your gum tissue is the frame that provides the shape and form to your teeth.  A less than attractive smile results when the integrity of the gum is compromised or lacks symmetry.  Often as the result of poor dental hygiene (gum disease, such as gingivitis), patients begin to lose gum tissue.  Or as we age, our gums may shrink and recede, which makes our teeth look longer. 

Conversely, if you have too much gum tissue, resulting in a “gummy smile”, cosmetic gum surgery, or sculpting, is the procedure of lengthening your teeth from the neck of the tooth upwards.  A dentist uses a laser to remove the excess tissue which then exposes more of your tooth. Your teeth then appear to be longer and much less gum is seen when you smile.

Contact Expressions Aesthetic Dentistry if you believe you have "gummy smile", gum recession, dark or black areas between bridges, implants, crowns or teeth.