Cosmetic Dentistry · Gumline Sculpting
Gum contouring removes the excess tissue that makes teeth look short, uneven, or hidden — revealing the proportional smile that was always there.
What gum contouring does
Dental symmetry isn't only about the teeth. The gumline frames every tooth — and when it's uneven, low, or excessive, even a beautifully aligned smile can look disproportionate.
Gum contouring (also called gingival sculpting or a gingivectomy) precisely removes and reshapes excess tissue using a soft-tissue laser or scalpel, revealing more of the tooth and creating the balanced frame your smile deserves.
Who benefits
More than 3–4 mm of gum tissue shows above the teeth when smiling, making teeth look shorter than they are.
One tooth's gum sits noticeably higher or lower than its neighbors, creating a jagged, asymmetric appearance.
Gum contouring is often performed first to ensure veneers sit at the ideal position and length.
Exposing more tooth structure before a crown improves aesthetics and gives the restoration a stronger bond.
After braces, uneven gum levels can remain — contouring finalizes the result.
The procedure
We photograph your smile at rest and at full smile, then map the ideal gumline against your facial proportions and tooth dimensions. You see the proposed result before any treatment begins.
Using a soft-tissue laser (or scalpel where indicated), your dentist precisely removes excess tissue along the mapped contour. Laser treatment also seals the tissue as it cuts, minimizing bleeding and reducing healing time.
In cases of altered passive eruption — where bone, not just gum, is the issue — a small amount of bone may be contoured to achieve a stable, long-lasting result.
Most patients return to normal activity the following day. A one-week check-in confirms healing is on track. Final results are fully visible at four to six weeks.
Better together
Because the gumline is the frame of your smile, reshaping it amplifies every other cosmetic treatment you add.
Contouring first establishes the correct gum position, then veneers bring the teeth to ideal shape and shade.
Learn more →A balanced gumline pairs beautifully with a brighter shade — together they deliver a complete cosmetic refresh.
Learn more →After contouring, bonding can lengthen or reshape individual teeth to complement the new gumline.
Learn more →Gum contouring is frequently the first step in a comprehensive smile makeover treatment plan.
Learn more →"The gumline is often the last thing patients think about — and the first thing that transforms their smile."
Venetian Pointe Dentistry
Common questions
The area is fully numbed before treatment. Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild — over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods for a few days are usually all that's needed.
Yes. Once tissue is removed, it does not grow back. The reshaped gumline is stable long-term, provided underlying gum health is maintained.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal activity within 24–48 hours. Gums are fully healed and final results visible in 4–6 weeks.
Purely cosmetic gum contouring is generally not covered by dental insurance. However, crown lengthening performed for functional reasons (to place a crown) often does qualify for coverage. We'll review your plan before treatment.
Yes — some gummy smiles result from a skeletal jaw position (vertical maxillary excess) rather than excess gum tissue alone. During your consultation we'll identify the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment path.
Service area
Reshape your smile
Schedule a cosmetic consultation at our Turkey Lake Road office. We'll show you a digital preview of your contoured result before any treatment begins.
