Can an Uneven Gum Line Be Corrected?

November 21, 2019

If you have an uneven gum line, you might be embarrassed about your smile, or you could be wondering what’s causing your gums to take on an irregular appearance. There are several factors that can influence your gum tissue growth, and your treatment will depend on the severity of the issue as well as its cause.

An uneven gum line could be the result of genetics, brushing your teeth too hard, and even misaligned teeth. Fortunately, in most cases, an irregular gum line can be corrected. Here’s what you need to know about treatment for your gum line based on the cause of its uneven appearance.

For Gum Disease: Gum Grafting

For some people, an inconsistent gum line is the result of gum disease, which can spread below the gum tissue can cause gums to pull away from the teeth in random places [1].

In some cases of mild to moderate gum disease, conventional therapy such as a deep cleaning, changing home care habits, and potentially antibiotics can help return your gum line back to normal. However, for cases of severe gum disease, you may also need a gum graft to restore the evenness of your gum line.

For Gummy Smile: Gum Contouring

People who have gummy smile can have a gum line that’s either too high or too low. In most cases, the gum line extends too far down on the teeth, which can not only give the teeth a shorter appearance, but can cause the gum line to appear asymmetrical in places.

If you have gummy smile, gum contouring may be able to help. Gum contouring is considered a cosmetic procedure in which the shape of your gum line is changed [2]. Your dentist can remove excess gum tissue or even restore missing gum tissue to improve your appearance.

For Other Issues: Laser Therapy

Even if your teeth are aligned correctly, an uneven gum line can make some teeth appear longer and others shorter. You may have the option of laser therapy, which is another way to contour gum tissue for a more symmetrical look [3].

Laser therapy is considered non-invasive and can help restore the appearance of your gums. Laser therapy could also be used to treat gum disease in certain cases, or can repair gum tissue that has been affected by gum disease.

Do You Have an Uneven Gum Line?

Typically, treatment for an uneven gum line is an outpatient procedure that can help restore your appearance and correct the underlying issue that’s causing your crooked gum line. There is treatment for this condition, so follow up with your dentist today to learn more about what can be done for your uneven gum line!