Gum Contouring in Cosmetic Dentistry

Gum contouring is the part of cosmetic dentistry that changes the frame around your teeth rather than the teeth themselves. If too much gum shows when you smile, if your front teeth look short, or if the gum line sits higher over one tooth than the next, reshaping the gums can make the whole smile look more balanced. At the Timonium office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS, this is done as a gum lift or gum recontouring, using a dental laser or radiosurgery.

This guide explains what gum contouring can and cannot fix, how it is planned and done, how it differs from treatment for receding gums and crown lengthening, and what recovery and cost look like.

What gum contouring means in cosmetic dentistry

Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping or tissue sculpting, changes the shape or position of the gum line. In cosmetic dentistry it most often means removing a small amount of excess gum tissue so more of each tooth shows, and evening out a gum line that curves unevenly from tooth to tooth.

At the practice, a gum lift sculpts the gum line to expose more of the teeth: the gums are moved upward on the upper teeth to create ideal tooth proportions and a more balanced smile. A gum lift is often part of a comprehensive approach to smile rejuvenation, alongside treatments such as veneers and whitening.

Gum lines that are too low, uneven or receding

Too much gum when you smile

A gummy smile is when a large amount of gum tissue shows as you smile, so the upper teeth look short or overtaken by the gums. Often the cause is excessive gum tissue rather than short teeth. This is the problem gum contouring is best suited to, because the teeth underneath are frequently a normal size once more of them is revealed.

An uneven gum line

Sometimes the gums sit lower over one or two teeth than over their neighbors, which makes those teeth look shorter or crooked even when they are not. Recontouring the gum over those teeth can bring the line into a smoother, more even curve. When an uneven gum line comes with crooked teeth, a plan may include straightening or veneers as well.

Gums that have receded

Receding gums are a different problem. When gums pull back from the teeth, the teeth look longer and roots can become exposed and sensitive. That is not a job for cosmetic gum contouring, which removes tissue. Receding gums can be a sign of gum infection, and brushing too hard can contribute as well. The first step is finding the cause, which starts with a gum health evaluation. See why aggressive brushing can cause receding gums.

What shapes your smile line

Your smile line is the part of your smile that shows, including the front teeth. It is shaped by your facial muscles, the size and shape of your lips and teeth, and your gum tissue. That is why the plan starts by studying your smile rather than the gums alone.

Gum contouring changes the gum tissue. It does not change how high your upper lip rises when you smile, and it does not lengthen teeth that are genuinely short or worn. When teeth are worn or small, veneers or crowns may be part of the answer, sometimes combined with a gum lift. Every plan is based on your unique set of circumstances and physical makeup.

How gum contouring is done at the Timonium office

Small changes with radiosurgery

For a small movement of the gum or a little reshaping, radio-surgical technology is used in almost all cases. It allows the gum line to be refined precisely around each tooth.

Laser gum reshaping

A gum lift can also be done with a dental laser. The practice’s Picasso laser allows soft tissue procedures with greater precision, accuracy and comfort, and laser technology makes gum procedures less invasive. Read more about the dental technology at the practice.

The Haywood surgical smile makeover

For a major gum lift or minor gum recontouring, Dr. Haywood performs the Haywood surgical smile makeover, a hallmark procedure that combines gum surgery with same-day customized veneers. The veneers help guide tissue healing and show the cosmetic result right away, so you can walk out with a transformed gum line and smile.

One patient who wanted a better smile without braces described the result: “I chose veneers and some minor cosmetic gum surgery because I really did not want braces in my 20s! The results speak for themselves.”

Gum contouring vs crown lengthening

The two are easy to confuse. Gum contouring is usually a cosmetic change to the soft tissue. Crown lengthening is a procedure that exposes more of a tooth, often so a broken tooth can be restored, and it can involve reshaping bone as well as gum. If you have been told you need crown lengthening, our guide what is crown lengthening? explains the difference and when each is used. Dr. Haywood can assess which one your smile needs at a consultation.

Plan it with a preview first

Because a small change at the gum line can change the whole look of a smile, it helps to see the plan before anything is done. Before-and-after imaging is part of every cosmetic evaluation: digital photos of your smile are changed on the imaging computer, so you can work with Dr. Haywood on how much gum to move and where. Learn how cosmetic imaging works.

A gum lift is often combined with other treatments in a customized ultimate smile makeover, and gum treatment is one of the services that can fit into a same-day smile makeover when you have a deadline.

Healthy gums come first

Contouring works best on healthy gum tissue. Bleeding or receding gums, bad breath and deep pockets in the gums mean infection, and that is treated before any cosmetic reshaping. Gum disease care at the practice is non-surgical and removes the bacteria causing the infection, with a plan developed for you. Learn more about gum disease treatment.

Recovery and aftercare

After gum reshaping, the treated gums are usually tender for a short time while they heal. General aftercare advice includes:

• eating soft, lukewarm foods while the area is sore and avoiding very spicy, crunchy or acidic foods
• brushing gently around the treated gums with a soft brush
• avoiding smoking, which slows gum healing
• following the specific instructions you are given for your procedure, especially if veneers were placed the same day

If you had sedation, its effects may last several hours, so don’t drive. Call the office if you notice bleeding that will not stop, severe pain or swelling that keeps getting worse.

Cost, insurance and financing

The cost depends on how much reshaping is needed, the method used and whether veneers or other treatments are part of the plan, so your fee is set after your evaluation. Whether your dental plan covers any part of it depends on the plan and on whether the treatment is cosmetic.

The practice is out of network with insurance companies: you pay at the time of service, and the office files the claim on your behalf so your plan can reimburse you for anything it covers. HSA and flex plans are welcome. Financing is available through CareCredit, with no-interest options for up to 12 months, and Cherry, with plans from 3 to 24 months.

Frequently asked questions

Does gum contouring hurt?

Laser and radio-surgical techniques are designed for precision and comfort, and the practice keeps you comfortable throughout treatment. Laughing gas is complimentary, and oral sedation is available.

Can gum contouring fix receding gums?

No. Contouring removes or reshapes excess tissue. Receding gums need their cause found first, which starts with an evaluation of your gum health.

How do I know if I have too much gum or short teeth?

You can’t tell reliably in a mirror. Dr. Haywood studies your smile line, including your lips, teeth and gums, and often the cause turns out to be extra gum tissue rather than short teeth.

Can I have veneers at the same time?

Yes. The Haywood surgical smile makeover combines gum surgery with same-day customized veneers, which help guide tissue healing.

See if gum contouring suits your smile

If your gum line has always bothered you, find out what can change. Request an appointment or call (410) 453-9399. The office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS is at 108 W Timonium Rd, Ste 200, Timonium, MD 21093, serving Timonium, Towson, Pikesville and Baltimore. Explore all cosmetic dentistry in Timonium, or see four smile boosters for home and the dental chair.