How to Revitalize Your Smile with a Gum Lift

When many people are not happy with their teeth, they opt for braces or other tooth-straightening orthodontia. However, if you are unhappy with the shape of your teeth, you may be thinking about getting permanent veneers or some other form of tooth coverings. If you are apprehensive about going that route, you may be interested in a gum lift.

A gum lift is ideal for those who do not like the length of their teeth and wished they looked longer. If you are interested in a gum lift, here is some additional information you may want to know:

The Gum Lift Procedure

Once you opt to go with a gum lift, it is best to know what to expect from the procedure. A gum lift requires local anesthesia. Your orthodontist will make very small incisions in the gum near the teeth that are affected. The doctor will cut away a certain amount of your gum until he or she achieves the look you want. If you have larger gums, it may be necessary to remove a very small amount of bone. After all the gum removal is complete, the surgical area will be closed up and the doctor will clean your mouth. You may be put on a round of antibiotics to ward off infection and you may need a minor pain reliever at first.

Pros of a Gum Lift

There are many benefits of getting a gum lift over other forms of orthodontia. Unlike porcelain veneers or implants, a gum lift only requires one visit to the orthodontist office. You simply go in for the procedure and leave with your new smile the same day. Other teeth improvement methods will require several visits for different levels of prep work before your teeth can be completely revitalized.

Cons of a Gum Lift

While there are many benefits to a gum lift, there are some cons. The primary issue is the cost. Gum lifts are declared cosmetic by most dental insurance plans. That means you will have to pay out of pocket. If your orthodontist says that your gum lift is a medically necessary procedure, however, a portion of it could be covered. You will need to discuss insurance coverage with your benefits provider.

Another con of having the procedure is the recovery period. It can be uncomfortable at first, and you may notice some swelling and pain right afterwards. Discuss this with a orthodontist through clinics like The Smile Architects so that you can mitigate any issues and remain comfortable.

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