[jaymbee]

During the past two years, I have had quite extensive treatment at the Eastman Dental Hospital in London to treat Periodontitis.

I had a few bouts of surgery, including a bone graft to arrest the problem. The treatment as successful, and I now have a rigorous interdental hygiene routine but as my gums calmed down they recessed (I was warned this would happen) and now I have some very recessed areas and large gaps pretty much everywhere. Add to this my yellow-ish teeth and unattractive crown and equally unattractive veneer on my two upper front teeth, I could do with a makeover.

My question is, though: Can anything be done about the advanced gum recession? Veneers are, quite literally, a 'surface only' treatment. On some of my, now quite extended, teeth, the veneers would have to be quite large.

Or, would laser reshaping be a viable option to get my gums back to where they were?

Lastly, and I guess the most fundamental question, is there any point doing extensive cosmetic work at all. will I end up with a sufficiently different smile?

[Dr Pav Khaira]

There are a number of options available. I would not recommend veneers alone if you've had gum disease and recession as a result. The veneers would end up looking too long and disproportionate.

Options include gum grafts, which I would recommend be done by a gum specialist, or prosthetic ("fake") gums which are removable but can give excellent results

I hope this helps