Achieve a Balanced, Beautiful Smile with Gum Contouring

Your gums play an essential role in the overall appearance of your smile. If you have a "gummy" smile or excess gum tissue, it can make your teeth appear shorter than they actually are. Fortunately, gum contouring—also known as a gum lift or gingivectomy—can help restore balance and enhance the proportions of your smile. This procedure removes excess gum tissue and can be performed with a laser or traditional surgery, depending on your unique needs.

For those with uneven gum lines, laser treatment offers an effective and minimally invasive solution to adjust gum height and create a more symmetrical smile. The procedure requires little downtime, with most patients healing in just a day or two. In cases where gum contouring exposes part of the tooth’s root, additional treatments like porcelain veneers or bonding may be needed to complete the look.

For more severe cases, where both gum and bone need to be removed, a more advanced procedure may be necessary. Traditionally, this involved surgery where the gum was cut, a flap was created, and bone was removed. Today, however, this procedure can often be performed with a specialized laser, which significantly reduces healing time and minimizes discomfort.

Whether using lasers or traditional surgery, both techniques are highly effective. The best approach for you will depend on your dentist's assessment and expertise.

To learn more about gum contouring or to schedule your appointment at The Art of Smile Dental, call us today!

The Benefits of Gum Contouring for Your Smile

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to reshape the gums for a more balanced, beautiful smile. This can include removing excess gum tissue, adding gum tissue for tooth protection, or refining the gum line for symmetry.

The benefits include:

Reduced risk of bacterial infections
Less swelling and bleeding
Lower risk of tooth decay
Reduced tooth sensitivity
Boosted self-confidence
A more attractive smile

The impact of gum contouring on our patients is profound—many feel more confident and eager to smile after the procedure. Not only does this treatment address cosmetic and corrective concerns, but it can also positively influence your mental well-being and self-esteem.

Signs You Might Benefit from Gum Contouring

Gum contouring can help improve both the health and aesthetics of your smile. If you experience any of the following, this procedure could be a great solution:

Your smile reveals a lot of gum tissue
You’ve noticed gum recession over time
Your teeth appear disproportionately large or small
You often feel sensitivity to hot or cold foods
Your gum line looks uneven or asymmetrical
You have a history of gum disease

If you’re unsure whether gum contouring is right for you, don’t hesitate to ask at your next visit. At The Art of Smile Dental, we regularly evaluate our patients’ gum health and can recommend this procedure if it’s the right fit for you.