Hiding a gummy smile
If you smile with your lips pressed together or tilt your chin down in photos, you already know how much a gummy smile can bother you. Teeth that look short, or a gum line that sits higher on one side, can make you self-conscious about something most people never notice.
Gum re-contouring removes a small amount of extra gum tissue and reshapes the line so more of each tooth shows. The result is a smile that looks balanced, and one you don’t have to manage.
Not sure if it’s your gums or your lip
A gummy smile has more than one cause, and the right fix depends on which one you have. If extra gum tissue covers part of your teeth, re-contouring can reshape it. If your upper lip lifts unusually high when you smile, a small amount of Botox to relax the lip may be the simpler answer.
Because both are offered here, nobody steers you toward the only tool they have. You’ll hear which cause you have and which option fits, and sometimes the answer is a combination.
Worried about pain and healing
Cutting gum tissue sounds worse than it usually is. The area is numbed first, and most people describe the healing as tender rather than painful for several days. Soft foods and gentle brushing around the area help it settle.
You leave with clear instructions for the first week. If anything feels off while you heal, the same team that did the work is the one who checks it.
Afraid of a gum line that looks wrong
Gum tissue doesn’t grow back once it’s removed, so a gum line taken too high or left uneven is hard to fix. The goal is a line that sits in proportion with your teeth and lips, not as much tooth as possible.
You see the planned outline before any tissue is removed. If re-contouring is part of a larger plan with veneers, the gum line is set first, so the veneers can be shaped to match it.
Frequently asked questions
Is gum re-contouring permanent?
Usually, yes. Once extra gum tissue is removed and has healed, it generally doesn’t grow back the way it was, though gums can shift a little over time. That’s why you see the planned line before anything is done.
How long does gum re-contouring take to heal?
Most people feel tender for several days and are back to normal eating within a week or two, depending on how much tissue was reshaped. The gums keep settling for a few weeks after that, so the final look is judged once healing is complete.
Does insurance cover gum re-contouring?
When it’s done only for appearance, usually not. When it’s needed for a dental reason, such as preparing a tooth for a crown, part of it may be covered. Your itemized estimate shows exactly what your plan pays before anything is scheduled.
Can gum re-contouring fix gums that have pulled back?
No. Re-contouring removes extra gum tissue. Gums that have receded need the opposite, which is a different treatment. If your gums are pulling back, you’ll hear what’s causing it and what can be done.
Should I get gum re-contouring before veneers?
Yes. The gum line frames your teeth, so it’s reshaped and allowed to heal before veneers are made to fit it. Whitening can happen before or after, since it doesn’t change the gum line.