Gum Contouring

Gum contouring is a procedure in which we carefully remove or reshape small amounts of gum tissue to change where the gumline sits. The tooth itself stays the same. What changes is how much of it shows and how evenly the gum frames each tooth. Because the goal is a balanced, natural-looking smile, we plan the new gumline around your own teeth, lip line, and facial features rather than a single template.

People come to us for gum contouring for several different reasons. Some feel they have a "gummy" smile, where a band of pink shows above the upper teeth whenever they laugh. Others have one or two teeth that look shorter than their neighbors because the gum covers more of them. Some are planning veneers, bonding, or crowns and want the gumline evened out first so the new restorations look right. In each case the procedure is the same at its core, but how much tissue we reshape and where depends on what you want to change.

A good candidate starts with healthy gums. If there is active inflammation or gum disease, we address that first. We provide gum disease treatment, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance, so we can get your gums stable before any cosmetic work. Contouring tissue that is swollen or infected would not give a reliable or lasting result.

It also helps to know that excess gum display has different causes. Sometimes extra tissue covers the teeth. Other times the issue involves the underlying bone or the way the lip moves. When bone sits too close to the gumline, a related procedure called crown lengthening may be more appropriate, and we perform that as well. During your evaluation, we look at what is actually creating the appearance you want to change. Then we explain plainly whether contouring alone makes sense or whether another approach would serve you better. A few points are useful to think through before your visit:

• Which teeth bother you most, and whether the concern is height, unevenness, or both
• Whether you are considering other cosmetic work, such as whitening, veneers, or aligners
• Any history of gum problems, bleeding, or sensitivity
• How you feel about dental visits, since we offer oral sedation for patients who want help relaxing

Aftercare and Your Results

Gum tissue needs time to settle after it is reshaped. In the days after your appointment, you will likely be asked to brush gently around the treated area, choose softer foods for a short period, and avoid anything that irritates the gums. We give you specific instructions based on how much tissue was treated, and we are available if you have questions while you heal.

Once healed, your new gumline is maintained the same way as the rest of your mouth: thorough daily brushing and flossing, plus regular cleanings and exams with our hygienist. Healthy habits protect both your gums and the appearance you worked toward. If you notice changes along the gumline over time, let us know at your next visit so we can take a look.