Pink Esthetics

❖How is pink esthetics (gum esthetics) achieved?

For an aesthetic smile and beautiful teeth, the appearance of the gums is just as important as the teeth. The shape, level, and color of the gums can be improved with minor surgical procedures called pink esthetics, making them more harmonious with the teeth and lips and healthier overall. In some individuals, the gums are excessively visible during speaking or smiling (gummy smile). In such cases, which disrupt smile aesthetics, the gums are reduced to be less visible, allowing the teeth to stand out more.

❖What are the methods of pink esthetics?

1. Gingivectomy: In some individuals, a lot of gum tissue is visible when smiling. In such cases, the gum level can be adjusted upward without compromising gum health, making the teeth appear longer and enhancing the smile. Uneven gum peaks across teeth can also cause aesthetic issues. Gingivectomy removes excess tissue to create symmetry and achieve uniform gum levels.

2. Gingivoplasty: For a healthy and aesthetic gum appearance, the gum should taper neatly over the teeth. When the gum shape is altered or discoloration occurs, gingivoplasty can correct the form and color for an improved aesthetic result.

3. Crown Lengthening: In some cases, due to tooth wear, the visible portions of teeth above the gum are too short. While crowns or veneers can be suggested, extremely short crowns may not provide sufficient support for the prosthesis. Crown lengthening is a procedure to increase tooth height. The surrounding gum and bone tissue are carefully reduced, allowing longer teeth to support the prosthesis adequately after healing.

4. Botox Application: Excessive gum visibility caused by upward movement of the upper lip during smiling is known as a gummy smile. If indicated, the dentist may perform Botox injections to gently relax two small muscle groups around the mouth. Two small injections are applied between the nose and the upper lip midline. After approximately 15 days, the upper lip rises less during smiling and may appear slightly fuller.