What We Do

Soft Tissue Laser Enhancement or Reduction

Soft Tissue Laser Enhancement is the process of gently eliminating excess gum tissue from around or between teeth. Dr. Triggs has the experience necessary to diagnose problems that may affect teeth straightening and if you are interested in Soft Tissue Laser Enhancement with teeth straightening, your first visit is a perfect time to ask the doctor! At Clear Smiles Alaska we perform several types of Laser Enhancement. The most common procedures are frenectomies and gingivectomies.

Frenectomy

This procedure is most commonly performed for patients with a diastema, or gap, between their two front teeth that may be caused by the excessive frenum, the fibrous gum tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums. This procedure removes some of the tissue to allow the diastema to close. It also stabilizes the teeth so the space will remain closed and decreases the likelihood of them moving apart in the future. Some patients have pain or tension in their tissue that can lead to receding gums. A frenectomy can alleviate the tension and help prevent recession.

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy is a procedure that removes or sculpts gum tissue. Gum tissue is prone to a condition of excessive tissue growth called hyperplastic tissue. This can occur especially when the gums are irritated by poor oral hygiene, certain medications or illnesses, and sometimes by teeth straightening – especially metal braces.

Some patients appear to have very small teeth simply because the top of their teeth are covered by gum tissue. The doctor can perform a gingivectomy referred to as “crown lengthening” and expose the normal tooth surfaces, contributing to a more beautiful smile.

Patients whose gums are uneven may be candidates for a gingivectomy to sculpt and even out the height of the gums. This creates a balanced, symmetrical appearance of the teeth and smile.