Laser Dentistry improves smiles in Portland, Maine

Laser dentistry has been gaining in popularity since the 1990's. Although it has become more common in recent years, the use of lasers still is limited to use by qualified cosmetic dentists such as Dr. Michael Bufo.

Dr. Bufo has practiced cosmetic dentistry in Maine since 1990, and opened Cosmetic Dentistry & TMJ in Scarborough, ME in 2004. As an LVI-trained dentist, Dr. Bufo is knowledgeable in the latest laser dentistry techniques and procedures, including gum contouring and periodontal therapy.

Lasers in cosmetic dentistry are commonly used to fix gummy smiles. Using a laser eliminates the need for cutting or suturing, which minimized bleeding and recovery time. The results are often dramatic, completely transforming the patient's smile.

In addition to laser gum contouring, Cosmetic Dentistry & TMJ offers an array of smile makeover procedures to patients in the Portland area, including porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants, migraine treatment, Invisalign orthodontics and more. If you live in Maine and you are unhappy with the look of your smile, please contact Dr. Michael Bufo to schedule a smile makeover consultation.

Laser Gum Contouring & Tooth Crowns Smile Makeover

Craig's teeth were crooked with discoloration. His gum line created the appearance of smaller, shorter teeth. He wanted a smile that he could show off. So, he contacted Sacramento Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Swearingen for a smile makeover.

A smile makeover is any combination of a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures. For Craig, a smile makeover included procedures to recontour and reshape his gums, straighten his teeth, and to create a brighter, whiter smile.

Dr. Swearingen spoke with Craig in an initial consultation and suggested laser gum contouring, porcelain veeners, and tooth crowns.

Laser gum contouring uses a specially designed dental laser to reshape the gum line of each tooth. This helps create the appearance of larger teeth. Craig no longer has a gummy smile.

Often used along with laser gum contouring are porcelain veneers. These are extremely thin shells of ceramic material. These thin shells were bonded directly to Craig's teeth. Porcelain veneers improved the look of his stained and damaged teeth.

Craig had some teeth that were worn down and cracked. Tooth crowns were used to repair his damaged teeth while adding strength and stability. Dr. Swearingen made a mold of Craig's teeth and a dental lab created a custom design. The natural colored tooth crowns were bonded to Craig's teeth.

Before Laser Gum Contouring

A gummy smile can create a childlike look to a smile. Children's teeth are typically smaller and larger teeth replace the smaller teeth when approaching adulthood. Adult teeth can be covered by the gum line to make them look smaller.


After Laser Gum Contouring

Laser gum contouring creates a natural gum line to show more of the teeth. Craig's teeth look longer and larger and more like adult teeth.




Before Porcelain Veneers & Tooth Crowns

Crooked, chipped, cracked, and discolored teeth can be improved with porcelain veneers and tooth crowns. Gaps in teeth add to the appearance of crooked teeth.



After Porcelain Veneers & Tooth Crowns

Craig's teeth now look straight and white. The tooth crowns help his teeth have the durability they need to last a long time and the porcelain veneers give him the straight, white smile he wanted.



If you are in the Sacramento area and are interested in a smile makeover, contact Sacramento Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Swearingen for a consultation. He will answer all of your laser gum contouring questions and any other questions you may have about cosmetic dentistry.