Gum Contouring

A gentle reshaping of your gumline for a more symmetrical, balanced, and beautiful smile.

What Is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring (also called gum reshaping or aesthetic gingival sculpting) is a cosmetic dental procedure that adjusts the shape, height, and flow of your gums to create a more even and natural-looking smile. Unlike crown lengthening, which may involve adjusting bone for functional reasons, gum contouring focuses on cosmetic balance—redefining where your teeth and gums meet.

This procedure is ideal for patients with a “gummy smile,” uneven gumlines, or teeth that appear short or hidden due to excess gum coverage. At Village Dental, we perform gum contouring with precision and care—often using minimally invasive techniques such as soft tissue lasers to reduce discomfort and healing time.

Why Might You Consider Gum Contouring?

✔️ You have excess gum tissue that makes your teeth look short or stubby
✔️ Your gum line is uneven, creating visual imbalance when you smile
✔️ You’ve had orthodontic treatment and your gums didn’t recede evenly afterward
✔️ You’re getting veneers or crowns and want an enhanced smile frame
✔️ You simply want a cleaner, more sculpted gumline to boost confidence

You may be a great candidate for gum contouring if:

The Procedure: What to Expect

  • • Consultation with your dentist to assess gum aesthetics and smile symmetry
    • Digital imaging or intraoral photos to guide treatment planning
    • Local anesthetic is applied to the area to ensure a pain-free experience
    • We’ll walk you through what to expect, with comfort options available

  • • Excess gum tissue is carefully trimmed and sculpted to achieve an ideal shape
    • In many cases, soft tissue lasers are used to minimize bleeding and speed healing
    • The treatment is conservative, only adjusting what’s needed for aesthetics
    • No bone adjustment is done unless crown lengthening is also being performed

  • • Mild sensitivity, swelling, or tenderness is common for 2–3 days
    • You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up recommendations
    • Healing is usually quick, with visible results immediately and full results within a week

Typically completed in one visit, gum contouring takes about 30–60 minutes depending on the number of teeth involved.

Medical examination room with a dental chair, monitor, and equipment, on wood laminate flooring and white walls.

🎯 Cosmetic Precision
• Reveals more of your natural teeth for a longer, brighter smile
• Balances your gumline for improved smile symmetry
• Enhances the frame around your teeth—great before cosmetic restorations

🔒 Long-Term Advantages
• Permanent change—reshaped gums do not grow back
• Improves ease of brushing and flossing at the gumline
• Boosts self-confidence without needing changes to the teeth themselves

Benefits of Gum Contouring

• Stick to soft, cool foods for the first 24–48 hours
• Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods that may irritate the gums
• Use a prescribed or gentle mouth rinse—avoid brushing the area for the first day
• Refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol while healing
• Follow up with your doctor to ensure proper healing and results

Aftercare Tips

A stick pack of Wrigley's Doublemint chewing gum with a lime flavor, standing upright on a blue surface, with a gradient blue background.

  • Yes—gum contouring reveals more of the natural tooth, making teeth appear longer and more proportionate.

  • The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain. Post-op discomfort is usually minimal and manageable.

  • Yes. Once excess gum tissue is removed, it doesn’t grow back.

  • Not quite—gum contouring is purely cosmetic and does not involve bone adjustment. Crown lengthening is more functional and may be done to prepare for a restoration.

FAQs

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