A “gummy smile” occurs when excess gum tissue covers a significant portion of the teeth, making them appear shorter than they are and disrupting the harmony of your smile. Some people are genetically predisposed to a gummy smile, while others may develop one due to certain medications or underlying dental conditions. Regardless of the cause, laser gum contouring can reveal more of your natural tooth structure and give you a more proportionate and attractive smile.

At Legacy Dental Care, we understand the importance of feeling confident in your appearance. For patients who feel self-conscious about the look of their gums, our advanced laser gum contouring treatment can provide an effective solution. Using precise laser technology, our experienced Blaine dentists can help you achieve a more symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing smile.

Explore Topics On This Page

What Is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring aims to enhance the balance between your teeth and gums. For some patients, the treatment focuses on removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface; others may want to address uneven or receding gumlines. No matter your specific concerns, gum contouring can redefine the relationship between your teeth and gums to give your smile a cleaner, more symmetrical look.

Many modern dental practices, including Legacy Dental Care, use a state-of-the-art dental laser to perform gum contouring. The laser allows our dentists to gently and precisely remove excess tissue while cauterizing the area at the same time. This almost always results in less bleeding, minimal swelling, faster recovery, and a reduced risk of infection compared to traditional methods.

Gum contouring is also a popular addition to our comprehensive smile makeover treatments, alongside porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and dental bonding.

What Are the Benefits of Gum Contouring?

Patients who undergo gum contouring at Legacy Dental Care often experience:

  • A more balanced and symmetrical smile: Reshaping the gums can help teeth appear more uniform in length and proportion.
  • Improved tooth visibility: Excess gum tissue is gently removed to expose more of the enamel, making the teeth look longer, fuller, and more defined.
  • Minimally invasive care: With modern dental lasers, the procedure is typically more comfortable than traditional methods, with little to no bleeding and minimal post-treatment discomfort.
  • Quicker healing time: Most patients recover rapidly with few limitations, allowing them to return to daily activities sooner.
  • Enhanced confidence: Many people report a boost in self-esteem and smile more freely in social or professional settings following the treatment.
  • Seamless integration with cosmetic dentistry: Gum contouring can be paired with other procedures to improve overall results and optimize the final look of your smile makeover.

Our team takes great care to ensure the final gum shape enhances your unique facial features, matches your natural smile arc, and complements your lip line for a balanced and flattering outcome.

What Does the Gum Contouring Treatment Involve?

The gum contouring process usually includes the following steps:

  1. Consultation and Smile Evaluation: We’ll begin by discussing your goals, concerns, and expectations. Our dentists will examine your teeth and gums, take diagnostic images if needed, and determine whether laser gum contouring may be right for you. If additional treatments are being considered as part of a full smile makeover, we will walk you through a customized plan.
  2. The Procedure: On the day of your treatment, a local anesthetic will be applied for your comfort. From there, your dentist will use a precise dental laser to sculpt the gum tissue and create a more balanced, even gumline. Depending on the extent of treatment, the entire procedure is usually completed within one to two hours.
  3. Recovery and Aftercare: Once the anesthetic wears off, you may notice mild tenderness or soreness; this should subside within a few days and can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to support smooth healing, and our team is always available to answer any follow-up questions.

How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?

The cost of gum contouring in Blaine depends on several individual factors, including the extent of gum reshaping required and the number of teeth being treated.

We believe everyone should have access to top-quality cosmetic dental care. To support this, our office offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees, assistance verifying insurance when applicable, and flexible financing plans for qualified patients. We will be happy to provide a detailed, customized quote at your consultation.

Reveal the Smile You Deserve

If you’re interested in learning more about laser gum contouring, contact Legacy Dental Care today to schedule your consultation. Our experienced Blaine dental team is here to help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!

Resources

Cleveland Clinic