Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to improve the balance and symmetry of the gumline. It can make short teeth appear longer, create a more even smile, and enhance overall aesthetics.
Deciding whether gum contouring is right for you depends on the cause of your gum unevenness, your dental health, and your cosmetic goals. The goal of gum contouring is to reshape the gumline so it complements the teeth and facial features. Some people have what’s known as a “gummy smile,” where excess gum tissue covers more of the tooth surface than desired. Others may have uneven gum levels that make certain teeth look longer or shorter.
The Process
A dentist or periodontist uses a precise instrument (most often, a dental laser) to remove or sculpt gum tissue. In some cases, bone tissue around the roots of the teeth is also adjusted to create a smoother, more natural transition between the gums and teeth.
This procedure focuses primarily on aesthetics, though it can have health benefits too. Reshaping overly thick gum tissue can reduce areas where bacteria collect, helping lower the risk of inflammation or periodontal disease.
Who Makes a Good Candidate
The best candidates for gum contouring are individuals with healthy teeth and gums who are unhappy with the proportion or shape of their gumline. If you feel your gums are too prominent when you smile or unevenly shaped, this procedure may be an ideal solution.
If you’re considering gum contouring purely for cosmetic reasons, your dentist will help you decide whether it’s the best option or if a less invasive alternative, such as bonding or veneers, might achieve a similar effect.
When Gum Contouring Is Not Recommended
Some people are not ideal candidates for gum contouring. For example, those with untreated periodontal disease may experience complications during healing. Likewise, if your gum tissue is already minimal, removing more could expose sensitive areas or create aesthetic imbalances.
If you have a gummy smile caused by skeletal factors, such as an upper jaw that sits lower over the teeth, your dentist might recommend orthodontic treatment or another procedure instead. Gum contouring reshapes soft tissue, but it can’t correct bone-related discrepancies.
What to Expect
For eligible candidates, gum contouring is a quick, precise, and relatively comfortable procedure. Local anesthetic ensures you don’t feel pain during treatment. Laser technology helps minimize bleeding and swelling, so recovery is generally smooth. Most patients can return to normal routines within a day or two, with full healing typically occurring over one to two weeks.
The results are immediate. As swelling subsides, the new gumline appears more balanced, and the smile takes on a cleaner, more refined appearance. Because the tissue removed does not grow back, the results are long-lasting.
For many people, the decision to undergo gum contouring comes down to self-confidence. A more balanced smile can change how you feel about your appearance and how you express yourself. Patients often describe the results as subtle yet transformative.