Treatment for Gummy Smiles In Jacksonville, FL

Trusted Dental Care for a Flawless Smile.

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A gummy smile occurs when excess gum tissue covers too much of your teeth, making them appear short and creating an unbalanced aesthetic relationship between your gums and teeth. This common cosmetic concern affects both men and women, often causing self-consciousness about smiling, laughing, or speaking in social and professional situations. Modern soft tissue laser technology provides precise, comfortable solutions for gummy smile correction with minimal discomfort and excellent aesthetic results.

At Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen, we understand how gummy smiles affect your confidence and willingness to share your natural expressions. Our advanced soft tissue laser technology, combined with Dr. Nguyen’s artistic background and Dr. Mullens’ extensive experience, provides exceptional gummy smile treatment for Jacksonville patients seeking balanced, beautiful smile proportions.

Why Choose Distinctive Dentistry by
Mullens & Nguyen for Cosmetic Dentistry?

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Quality Chairside Time with the Dentists

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Dentists with Keen Eyes for Detail

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Custom-Tailored Cosmetic Treatments

Understanding Gummy Smile Causes

Gummy smiles result from various factors, including genetics, tooth eruption patterns, lip muscle hyperactivity, and jaw development characteristics. Some patients have naturally excessive gum tissue covering normal-sized teeth, while others may have small teeth, making gums appear disproportionately prominent.

Certain medications can cause gum overgrowth, creating a gummy smile appearance over time. Gum disease research from the American Dental Association shows chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30, sometimes contributing to gum tissue changes affecting smile aesthetics.

Understanding the underlying cause helps determine the most effective treatment approach, whether through gum contouring, crown lengthening, or combination therapies addressing multiple contributing factors simultaneously.

Advanced Soft Tissue Laser Technology

Our state-of-the-art soft tissue laser provides precise gum contouring with minimal discomfort, reduced bleeding, and faster healing compared to traditional surgical techniques. The laser energy precisely removes excess gum tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels, creating comfortable treatment experiences.

Laser gum contouring offers superior precision compared to conventional methods, allowing us to create symmetrical, natural-looking gum lines, enhancing your smile’s overall balance and proportion. The controlled nature of laser treatment ensures predictable, aesthetic results.

Advanced laser technology enables same-day treatment for many gummy smile cases, providing immediate aesthetic improvement without lengthy recovery periods or temporary restrictions on normal activities.

Artistic Gum Line Design

Dr. Nguyen’s unique background with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture contributes significantly to gummy smile treatment success. His artistic training provides an exceptional understanding of proportion, symmetry, and balance essential for creating naturally beautiful gum line contours.

Gum line design considers multiple factors, including tooth shape and size, facial proportions, lip dynamics, and individual aesthetic preferences. This comprehensive approach ensures treatment results appear natural while enhancing your smile’s overall harmony.

Digital photography and detailed measurements guide treatment planning, ensuring optimal results through precise removal of excess tissue and creation of aesthetically pleasing gum line architecture.

Combination Treatment Approaches

Many gummy smile cases benefit from combination treatments addressing multiple aesthetic factors simultaneously. Gum contouring may be combined with porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding to optimize both gum line position and tooth appearance for comprehensive smile enhancement.

Professional teeth whitening often complements gum contouring by creating bright, attractive tooth color, matching the improved gum line proportions. This combination approach maximizes aesthetic impact and patient satisfaction with final results.

For patients with small teeth contributing to a gummy smile appearance, crown lengthening combined with restorative treatments can create ideal tooth-to-gum ratios while addressing functional concerns simultaneously.

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Stop hiding your smile – achieve the stunning transformation you deserve with cosmetic treatments and flexible monthly payment plans.

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Minimally Invasive Procedure

Laser gum contouring typically requires minimal anesthesia due to the comfort-enhancing properties of soft tissue laser technology. The Wand anesthesia system provides virtually painless local anesthetic delivery when needed, ensuring patient comfort throughout treatment.

Most gummy smile treatments are completed in a single appointment lasting 30-90 minutes, depending on the extent of contouring needed. Patients often return to normal activities immediately following treatment with minimal post-operative restrictions.

The precision of laser technology minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, reducing swelling and discomfort while promoting rapid healing and excellent aesthetic outcomes.

Stop hiding your smile – achieve the stunning transformation you deserve with cosmetic treatments and flexible monthly payment plans.

Healing and Recovery Process

Laser gum contouring promotes faster healing through the laser’s ability to seal blood vessels and sterilize treated areas during the procedure. This advanced technology reduces infection risk while accelerating tissue healing compared to conventional surgical approaches.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort following laser gum contouring, with over-the-counter pain medications typically providing adequate comfort management during the brief healing period.

Proper post-treatment care includes gentle oral hygiene, avoiding hard or crunchy foods for a few days, and following specific care instructions, ensuring optimal healing and aesthetic results.

Long-Term Results and Maintenance

Laser gum contouring provides permanent correction of gummy smile concerns when performed appropriately. The precise nature of laser treatment creates stable gum line positions, maintaining their improved appearance for many years following treatment.

Regular professional cleanings and excellent oral hygiene help maintain optimal gum health and appearance following contouring procedures. Proper care prevents gum disease, potentially affecting treatment results over time.

Periodic follow-up appointments allow us to monitor healing progress and gum line stability, ensuring long-term satisfaction with your improved smile proportions and overall aesthetic results.

Investment in Smile Confidence

Understanding the significant impact gummy smile correction has on confidence and self-image, we provide transparent pricing and flexible financing options, making treatment accessible. Monthly payment plans through Cherry and CareCredit allow you to spread treatment costs over convenient terms.

Gummy smile treatment represents excellent value for patients seeking dramatic aesthetic improvement through minimally invasive procedures. The permanent nature of results provides long-term satisfaction and confidence enhancement.

We provide detailed treatment estimates, including all procedures needed for optimal results, ensuring you understand the investment in your smile transformation before beginning treatment.

Comprehensive Smile Enhancement

Gummy smile treatment often serves as the foundation for comprehensive cosmetic dentistry improvements addressing all aspects of smile aesthetics. Optimal gum line proportions enhance the appearance of subsequent treatments like veneers, crowns, or teeth whitening.

Our comprehensive evaluation considers your overall smile goals alongside gummy smile correction, ensuring treatment plans address all aesthetic concerns through coordinated, efficient approaches, maximizing results and patient satisfaction.

Treatment sequencing optimizes outcomes when multiple procedures are needed, with gum contouring typically performed before restorative treatments to establish ideal foundations for comprehensive smile makeovers.

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What Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, most people are typically trying to accomplish one or more of three things: whiter teeth, straighter teeth, or differently shaped or sized teeth. Dr. Mullens and Dr. Nguyen can help assist you with your possible options to achieve these goals. Your recommended treatments may include:

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Cosmetic Dental Bonding – This treatment is ideal for small changes such as reshaping damaged teeth or covering visible flaws. It is typically among the most affordable treatments, but the results may only last up to five years.

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KöR At-Home Teeth Whitening– At home whitening can be done from anywhere and is mid-range in terms of cost. It’s a great treatment for patients looking to brighten their smile faster and more effectively than with over-the-counter whitening products.

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Veneers – These can be a bit more expensive, but they are very versatile and can change many aspects of your smile in just one treatment. They can even last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.

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Metal Free Dental Crowns – If you have dark, metal crowns or fillings, Dr. Mullens and Dr. Nguyen can replace them with durable, tooth-colored restorations that work well and blend seamlessly into your mouth.

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Gum Recontouring - This treatment can help reshape your teeth, so they look larger, and your smile appears less “gummy”.

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Botox / Dermal Fillers- An excellent way to fill in or relax fine lines and wrinkles that can last for months. These treatments look natural and require minimal downtime (just a few hours).

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Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be an Investment Worth Making

While cosmetic dentistry does seem like a big financial commitment, it can also be a valuable investment in your self-esteem. If you feel self-conscious about your smile or signs of aging on your face, these treatments can be an amazing improvement in your self confidence and self-esteem. This in turn can lead to better relationships, an improved social life, and more confidence to accomplish your professional goals, too!

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How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

While purely aesthetic dental care is not covered by dental insurance, there are often other options available to help make these treatments more budget friendly.

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CareCredit– This independent financing program can make your treatment more affordable by splitting up the overall cost into smaller, budget-friendly payments.

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Specials– At Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen, we run periodic specials on cosmetic treatments, including professional whitening.

If you’re interested in learning more about your cosmetic dentistry options, please contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mullens or Dr. Nguyen. They can help craft a treatment plan that will transform your appearance in a way that achieves your smile goals and best suits your budget. We can also go over your financial options at this time.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

Yes, cosmetic dentistry is generally safe when performed by a qualified and experienced dentist. Procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, and bonding have been practiced for many years, and advancements in techniques and materials continue to enhance their safety and durability. However, as with any medical or dental procedure, there can be risks. It’s crucial that you communicate with us about their medical history, expectations, and concerns. Potential side effects or complications can often be minimized by following post-treatment care guidelines.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a variety of procedures, and modern advancements have made these treatments more comfortable than ever. Many procedures, like teeth whitening, are typically pain-free, while others, like veneers or crowns, have been refined to maximize patient comfort. Dental professionals prioritize the well-being of their patients, using state-of-the-art technology and anesthetics to ensure a pleasant experience. While slight sensitivity or a brief period of adjustment might follow some treatments, these sensations are often temporary and mild. Always communicate with us about any concerns, as we are equipped to make your cosmetic dentistry journey as comfortable as possible.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance?

Cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on improving the appearance of one’s smile, rather than addressing essential health concerns. As a result, many insurance companies categorize cosmetic procedures as elective and often do not cover them. However, there are exceptions. Some treatments, like crowns or certain types of fillings, may be both aesthetic and functional in nature, leading to partial or full insurance coverage. Coverage varies by provider, policy, and specific procedure. If considering cosmetic dentistry, it’s essential to review your insurance policy or speak directly with your insurance provider to understand what’s covered and any associated out-of-pocket costs.

How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

Determining the need for cosmetic dentistry is often a mix of personal desire and professional advice. If you’re self-conscious about your smile due to stained, chipped, misaligned, or missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry might be a solution to enhance your appearance and confidence. It’s not only about aesthetics; some cosmetic procedures also address functional issues. The best approach is to consult with us. We can provide a thorough examination, discuss your goals and concerns, and recommend treatments that align with your aspirations. Remember, the decision is personal; it’s about how you feel and what changes you wish to see in your smile.

Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen

Our commitment to advanced technology and artistic excellence ensures exceptional gummy smile treatment results for every Jacksonville patient. With hundreds of five-star reviews and recognition as Jacksonville’s top-rated dental practice, we understand the transformative power of balanced, proportionate smile aesthetics.

 

Dr. Mullens’ extensive experience, Dr. Nguyen’s artistic vision, and Dr. Petrie’s contemporary knowledge combine with cutting-edge soft tissue laser technology to provide gummy smile solutions exceeding patient expectations. We believe every patient deserves the confidence beautiful smile proportions provide, and our specialized approach ensures comfortable, successful treatment outcomes. To schedule your gummy smile consultation and explore treatment options enhancing your smile’s natural beauty, call 904-399-3163 or request an appointment online today.

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Something Stuck Between the Teeth

If you have any food debris or an object stuck between your teeth, don’t try to remove it with a toothpick or any sharp objects, as this could damage your gums. Typically, gently flossing around the tooth and rinsing your mouth with saltwater can help dislodge it. However, if you’re not having any luck, you can also give our office a call. Our dental hygienists have all of the necessary tools to safely remove the debris.

Jaw Pain

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency? Lockjaw, jaw tension, and pain are just a few of the many different types of jaw pain. If your discomfort is chronic, our team can help you determine the underlying cause of it and refer you to a specialist if necessary. However, if your pain is a result of an impact, visit your local emergency room.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain: Our team is happy to provide you with further guidance over the phone if you’re unsure of where to go for help. You can place an ice pack on the outside of your face to relieve any discomfort.

How We Treat Jaw Pain: If you believe your jaw is broken, dislocated, or damaged due to trauma, visit your local ER immediately. If it’s a reoccurring issue, our team can help you determine best next steps for finding relief after conducting an examination.

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency?  If your oral injury doesn’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes, you may need to go to the emergency room. Or, if you’re conflicted about what to do, give our office a call and our team can help.

How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: Oral wounds can bleed a lot, and when the blood mixes with the saliva, it can make the injury look a lot worse than it is. You can stop the bleeding by using a clean washcloth or piece of gauze and pressing it against the cut. A cold compress can help to reduce any swelling that may occur.

How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: Our team typically doesn’t see patients for injuries. If you require stitches or the bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 minutes of placing pressure on it, visit your local emergency room.

Loose Permanent Tooth

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency? If your tooth is wiggling in its socket or partially dislodged, try to get to our office as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. If you’re experiencing pain, our team can provide you with first aid guidance over the phone.

How You Should Handle Loose Permanent Teeth: Avoid touching your tooth and eating any foods (especially those that are chewy or sticky), and rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to remove any debris and cleanse the area. Avoid flossing or brushing your teeth until you’re able to see us.

How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth: If your tooth has become partially dislodged due to impact, our team may be able to salvage it and see if the roots are able to re-fuse with the bone. In the case that your tooth can’t be saved, we may recommend an extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge.

Broken Denture

Is My Broken Denture a Dental Emergency? Whether your denture has broken to the point of it being unwearable or it just has a crack, you should never wear a damaged prosthetic. It can lead to irritation of the oral tissues in addition to jaw discomfort. If you have existing teeth and try to wear your damaged denture, it could also harm those teeth. Call our office immediately so our team can assess your prosthetic.

How You Should Handle a Broken Denture: Although your local department store likely sells a denture repair kit, do not try to superglue or repair your own dentures. The best option in this scenario is to see a professional as soon as possible.

How We Treat Broken Dentures: Our team will examine your dentures and see if we’re able to repair them. If they’re damaged beyond repair, we can start the process of replacing them for you.

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency? Yes, both of these situations warrant an immediate call to our Jacksonville dental office. That way, we can repair or replace your restoration as quickly as possible.

How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown In addition to reaching out to us to schedule an appointment, we recommend not eating anything crunchy, hard, or sticky. Additionally, keep your restoration somewhere safe, like a small, clean container.

How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns There are some cases where we can re-cement your restoration back in place, like if your dental crown is relatively new and in good condition. Other times, our only option is to replace your dental crown or filling with a new one.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is My Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency? Since this dental injury can cause a significant amount of pain and there is only a small window of time where we can save your tooth (about 60 minutes), the answer is “yes!” So, don’t hesitate – contact our Jacksonville dental team right away to schedule an emergency appointment.

How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Calling us is an important first step. This ensures that we can schedule an appointment for you with one of our dedicated emergency dentists right away. Plus, it allows us to guide you through the process of preserving the root of your tooth – whether that’s by placing it back in its socket or putting it in a clean container filled with milk.

How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth Fortunately, a knocked-out tooth can sometimes be saved. If that’s not the case for some reason – like you weren’t able to find your tooth – then we will instead begin the process of replacing it with a dental bridge or implant so the look, health, and function of your smile are restored.

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency? Very sensitive teeth can be a dental emergency. That’s why it’s important to consider how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms and if they are present in tandem with others, like pain when biting down.

How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth There’s really only one thing you can do until your appointment: try to avoid things that could exacerbate your discomfort. In other words, don’t drink anything really hot, don’t eat anything really cold, and take OTC pain medication as directed on the label (if needed).

How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth That depends on what’s causing your dental sensitivity. If it’s a cavity, then it’s likely that a tooth-colored filling or dental crown is the answer. If it’s an infection in your gums, then gum disease treatment is needed instead.

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Cracked teeth are considered dental emergencies and you’ll need to visit your emergency dentist as soon as possible. Leaving your tooth untreated can allow it to be vulnerable to further damage and bacteria. Before the situation worsens, schedule an appointment with our team so we can determine the best way to address your tooth.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: Refrain from chewing on that side of your mouth, otherwise you could end up disturbing your injured tooth. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to minimize discomfort. You can also rinse with saltwater to keep your tooth bacteria-free. If you notice any sharp or jagged edges on your tooth, you can use dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your soft oral tissue.

How we treat cracked teeth: We’ll examine your cracked tooth to determine the cause of the situation as well as the proper treatment for it. If the crack is minor, then we can typically address it with composite resin to improve and strengthen your tooth. For more severe damage, you may require a dental crown to repair the structure and prevent future discomfort. If the tooth cannot be saved, then we’ll likely have to extract it and replace it with something else, such as a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant.

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Chipping your tooth isn’t always considered an urgent dental situation, so it isn’t the end of the world if you don’t get it treated right away. That said, leaving it exposed to bacteria for too long can lead to problems later on. Before the situation can become worse, it’s best to visit your dentist for help.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: Until you’re able to see us for treatment, be sure to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Be gentle when brushing your teeth and gums, and don’t hesitate to use dental wax to cover up any rough or sharp edges you might notice. This can help you prevent harming your cheeks or other soft oral tissue.

How we treat chipped teeth: Chipped teeth can typically be treated by using composite resin to repair and improve them. However, if the damage is more visible and toward the front of your smile, then veneers might be the longer-lasting solution you’re looking for.

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency? Toothaches can be due to various reasons, some of which might not be particularly urgent. Even so, this can sometimes be an indication of a more serious dental emergency, such as an oral infection. That’s why it’s best to visit your dentist sooner rather than later so that they can address the underlying problem before it grows.

How you should handle a toothache: Rinse your mouth with saltwater to sanitize the area, dislodge any stuck objects between your teeth, and help alleviate any discomfort. You can also take over-the-counter pain medications to further minimize the aching.

How we treat toothaches: Our team will need to thoroughly evaluate your smile to determine the root cause of your toothache. If it’s due to periodontal issues, then we’ll provide gum disease treatment. Other procedures to get rid of your toothache might involve root canals or tooth extractions, if necessary. We’ll be sure to walk you through your options before moving forward with any treatment.