Gum Health Comes to the Fore in Smile Aesthetics

In smile aesthetics, it is not only the color, shape and alignment of the teeth that matter, but also the healthy and aesthetic appearance of the gums. Experts point out that the harmony between the gums, teeth and lips is one of the fundamental elements of a natural smile.

When evaluating smile aesthetics, in addition to the teeth, the color, shape, length of the gums and their harmony with the teeth are also taken into consideration. This approach, defined as "pink aesthetics," encompasses not only the appearance of the gums but also the overall harmony between the teeth, gums and lips.

Üsküdar University Üsküdar Dental Hospital Periodontology Specialist Assist. Prof. Dr. Nihal Bahar stated that having only white and straight teeth is not sufficient for an aesthetic smile, noting that healthy gum tissue must also be assessed.

A gum appearance of 2-3 millimeters during a smile is considered natural
Noting that how much the gums are visible while smiling is also one of the important elements of smile aesthetics, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nihal Bahar said that a gum appearance of approximately 2-3 millimeters can provide a natural look.

Stating that when the gums are visibly displayed to a noticeable degree, what is called a "gummy smile" may occur, Bahar noted that this situation may cause aesthetic discomfort in some individuals.

Bahar stated that, depending on the patient's needs, different procedures such as crown lengthening, gingivectomy or lip repositioning can be considered, emphasizing that in these procedures it is important not only to reduce excess gum tissue but also to preserve the natural balance between the lips, teeth and gums.

Gum diseases also affect aesthetic appearance
Noting that gum recession, exposure of tooth roots, loss of the pink tissues between teeth called papillae, and gum inflammation can negatively affect pink aesthetics, Bahar stated that healthy gums generally have a pink color and a balanced tissue appearance.

Stating that symptoms such as redness, swelling and edema may occur when the gums become inflamed, Bahar said that this should be assessed not only in terms of oral and dental health but also in terms of aesthetic appearance.

Saying "Healthy gums also form the foundation of smile aesthetics," Bahar noted that healthy gums make it easier to create a natural and aesthetic smile.

Periodontal treatments can be applied for gum recession
Noting that in cases where tooth roots are exposed due to gum recession, different periodontal treatments can be applied depending on the patient's needs, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nihal Bahar said that in some cases, procedures such as free gingival grafts or connective tissue grafts can be utilized.

Emphasizing that the goal of these treatments is not only to improve aesthetic appearance, Bahar said, "Protecting exposed root surfaces, restoring the gum tissue to a healthy state, and supporting the natural structure of the tissues around the tooth are also important."

Pink aesthetics encompasses the harmony of teeth, gums and lips
Stating that pink aesthetics is not limited only to the shape of the gums, Bahar noted that the color, form, textural characteristics of the gums and their harmony with the teeth must be evaluated together.

Noting that in some individuals, purple-dark discoloration may be seen in the gums due to smoking or genetic and individual characteristics, Bahar said that with certain periodontal procedures performed on suitable patients, it may be possible to reduce this discoloration and give the gums a healthier appearance.

Bahar stated that pink aesthetics encompasses the creation of healthy gum tissue, the elimination of color and form differences, the completion of missing tissue when necessary, and ensuring the natural balance between the teeth, gums and lips.

Üsküdar University Faculty of Dentistry Oral and Dental Health Center
The Üsküdar University Faculty of Dentistry Oral and Dental Health Center offers services for different oral and dental health needs. The center provides services in various branches such as prosthetics, gum diseases, jaw surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics and orthodontics.

In addition to dental treatments for special patient groups, services are also provided in areas such as cleft lip-palate, speech disorders and dental aesthetics in the elderly.