Gingival Mask – Houston, TX
Creating a More Even and Balanced Smile
When you’re recovering from gum disease, you may notice that your teeth still appear larger or longer than what you may be comfortable with. This is a common side effect of gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls back and exposes more of the enamel. Thankfully, Dr. Alani has a personalized solution that can help invigorate your smile, regardless of the circumstances that led up to your cosmetic imperfection. Give our dental office a call today and we’ll confirm if a gingival mask in Houston is the best treatment option for you!
Why Choose Terri Alani, DDS for Gingival Masks?
- Trusted by Millions of Followers Online
- Effective & Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry
- 100% Customized Solution for Each Patient
What Is a Gingival Mask?
A gingival mask is a cosmetic dentistry enhancement for receding gums designed to improve the appearance of your smile. Made from surgical silicone or acrylic, these restorations are comfortable, soft, and incredibly easy to place over teeth.
Each mask is custom-made to fit over your teeth exactly, ensuring that your teeth are not overly exposed. Not only are they easily removable for cleaning and practicing routine brushing and flossing, but they are easy to maintain and FDA-approved. This is sure to give you more confidence during your next dental appointment.
What Does a Gingival Mask Fix?
Gingival masks are mainly designed to cover teeth that appear larger than normal as a result of gum recession. This side effect is most common when gum disease is present, which causes the gum tissue to pull back, so plaque and tartar do not inflict future damage to the gums.
However, there are many situations where teeth can be exposed as a result of gum recession, despite having healthy gums. For example, brushing for too long or too hard can also lead to gum recession. You may also experience a higher risk for gum recession if you regularly grind your teeth. In other cases, teeth may appear oversized purely due to genetics and may not be tied to any dental disease or poor habits at all.
Gingival masks are also capable of hiding dental work, ensuring your smile looks more natural despite undergoing treatments designed to restore and protect your healthy teeth and other oral structures.
How Does the Gingival Mask Procedure Work?
Thankfully, there’s no need to complete oral surgery or other regenerative procedures just to receive a gingival mask. Instead, Dr. Alani captures an impression of your teeth and gums using a disposable tray. This impression is then sent to a dental lab so it can be fabricated and customized to fit your smile exactly. The mask is so personalized that it only relies on your lip and moisture in your mouth to stay secure. Whether you want a short- or long-term solution for oversized teeth visible in your smile, a gingival mask can help get the job done!
FAQs
What Are the Benefits of a Gingival Mask?
There are many incredible benefits to having a custom gingival mask made for your smile. These artificial gums are a safe and effective way to hide recession by covering the areas of the teeth where the tissue has pulled back due to periodontal disease, age, or brushing too hard.
They can also be used to conceal those “black triangles” that form as the result of open spaces between the teeth.
Gingival masks can even cover exposed, uneven, or dark margins of dental crowns and dental implants.
For patients who experience sensitivity due to exposed tooth roots, gingival masks can cover the roots and shield them from foods and beverages that may be too hot or too cold.
How Do I Take Care of My Gingival Mask?
Gingival masks are very easy to care for. In fact, not only are they easy to remove so you can brush and floss your teeth, but the masks themselves require very little special maintenance.
- Never use a toothbrush, toothpaste, or denture cleanser on your gingival mask.
- You can easily clean it using mild hand soap (do not use antibacterial soap, as this can damage your mask).
- Avoid scratching the mask with your fingernails or any other objects.
- Smoking or drinking alcohol while wearing a gingival mask will reduce its lifespan.
- When not in use, store your gingival mask in a retainer case.
- Soak your mask in water overnight. We recommend either distilled water or soft contact lens solution.
- Be sure to rinse your gingival mask well before putting it back in your mouth.
How Much Does a Gingival Mask Cost?
The average cost of a gingival mask is between $300 and $1,000 per arch, but this depends on a variety of factors including the material used, any customizations you need, and your dentist’s expertise in creating it.
Because gingival masks are considered a cosmetic dentistry treatment and most dental insurance plans don’t cover purely aesthetic procedures, they are not usually covered by traditional dental insurance. However, Dr. Alani is proud to welcome payment plans through CareCredit, which may allow you to break up the cost of your prosthetic into multiple, low-to-no-interest monthly payments that may be better suited to your budget.
Can I Eat with a Gingival Mask?
Yes, the great news is that you can eat while wearing your gingival mask. However, you still need to be careful if you do. While in use, avoid biting directly into any food that is too sticky or hard, as they can cause damage or dislodge the mask. Furthermore, be sure to cut any tougher textured foods into smaller pieces and chew them slowly.
Many patients find it easier to remove their gingival mask and store it in a retainer case while they eat so it stays in excellent condition, especially when eating at home.