Who Is a Good Candidate for Gum Contouring?

• Patients with a gummy smile (too much gum tissue visible when smiling)
• Patients with an uneven or asymmetrical gumline
• Patients whose teeth look short due to excess gum tissue
• Patients preparing for veneers or crowns who need gum reshaping first
• Patients with healthy gums (gum disease must be treated first)

The Gum Contouring Procedure

Gum contouring is typically performed in a single appointment. We numb the area with local anesthesia, then use a laser or scalpel to remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gumline. Laser gum contouring offers faster healing, less bleeding, and reduced risk of infection compared to traditional methods. The procedure takes 1-2 hours depending on the extent of reshaping needed.

Recovery

Recovery from gum contouring is typically 1-2 weeks. You may experience some soreness and swelling for a few days. Eat soft foods, avoid spicy or acidic foods, and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Most patients return to normal activities the next day.

Cost & Financing

Gum contouring for cosmetic purposes is generally not covered by insurance. We offer no-credit-check financing with low monthly payments to make the procedure affordable. When gum contouring is performed for functional reasons (e.g., to treat gum disease or prepare for a crown), it may be covered.