Gum Contouring:
Perfecting Your Smile’s Frame
Do you feel like your gums show too much when you smile? Or maybe your gum line is uneven, making your teeth look different sizes? Gum contouring (also called gum reshaping) can create a more balanced, proportional smile by adjusting your gum line.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes your gum line to improve the appearance of your smile. We carefully remove small amounts of gum tissue to expose more of your teeth or create a more even, symmetrical gum line.
Think of your gums as the frame around your teeth – even beautiful teeth can look less attractive if the “frame” isn’t proportional.
When Might You Consider Gum Contouring?
Common reasons people choose gum contouring:
- “Gummy smile” – too much gum shows when you smile
- Uneven gum line – some teeth look longer or shorter than others
- Teeth appear too small due to excess gum tissue
- Asymmetrical smile – one side of your gum line is different from the other
- Crown lengthening – exposing more tooth structure for restorative work
Is Gum Contouring Right for You?
You might be a good candidate if:
- You’re unhappy with how much gum shows when you smile
- Your gum line is uneven or asymmetrical
- You have healthy gums overall
- You have realistic expectations about results
We might suggest waiting if you have:
- Active gum disease (we’d treat this first)
- Very thin gum tissue
- Unrealistic expectations about dramatic changes
The Gum Contouring Process
Planning:
We’ll examine your gums and teeth to determine exactly how much tissue to remove and where. We’ll show you what to expect so you’re comfortable with the planned changes.
Numbing:
We use local anesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable during the procedure.
Reshaping:
Using precise instruments, we carefully remove small amounts of gum tissue to create your new gum line.
Finishing:
We make sure everything looks symmetrical and natural.
Combining Gum Contouring with Other Treatments
Gum contouring often works beautifully in combination with:
- Teeth whitening for a complete smile refresh
- Veneers or bonding to address tooth shape and color
- Crown lengthening before placing crowns or veneers
We can coordinate these treatments to give you the most dramatic improvement in the fewest appointments.
Total time: Usually 30-60 minutes, depending on how many teeth are involved.
What to Expect After Gum Contouring
Immediately after:
- Your gums will be tender for a few days
- You might notice some minor bleeding when brushing (this is normal)
- We’ll give you specific care instructions
First week:
- Stick to soft foods
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Rinse with salt water as directed
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods
Healing:
- Most people feel back to normal within a week
- Your gums will look pink and healthy as they heal
- Final results are visible once healing is complete
Recovery is usually straightforward:
- Most people return to work the next day
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods for a few days
- Follow our post-treatment care instructions
- Complete healing takes about 2 weeks
Maintaining Your Results
Good news: Once your gums heal, the results are permanent. Your gum line won’t grow back to its original position.
To keep your gums healthy:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene
- Come in for regular cleanings
- Don’t neglect your gum health – healthy gums are essential for a beautiful smile
Cost and Payment Options
Gum contouring typically costs $200-$500 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the work needed.
Since this is usually considered cosmetic, most insurance plans don’t cover it. However, if it’s done for functional reasons (like crown lengthening), insurance might cover part of the cost.
We offer several payment options:
- CareCredit financing
- Monthly payment plans
- FSA/HSA eligible
Common Questions About Gum Contouring
Is Gum Contouring Right for Your Smile?
Sometimes small changes make a big difference in how you feel about your smile. If you’re self-conscious about your gum line, gum contouring might be exactly what you need to feel confident showing off your smile.
The best way to know if gum contouring can help you is to come in for a consultation. We’ll examine your smile and let you know what’s possible.