Cosmetic dentistry is not only about teeth; gum contouring can reshape a gumline that sits too high, too low or looks uneven. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, gum contouring is often one step in a smile makeover. This guide explains who it helps, how it works, and how it fits with other cosmetic treatments.
Smile makeovers start with the whole picture
If you read our blog often, you have seen many articles on cosmetic dentistry. Smile makeovers are a large part of what we do. A makeover usually combines two or more treatments, chosen to fit your teeth, your face and your goals:
- Bonding, crowns and porcelain veneers improve teeth that are chipped, broken, worn or misshapen.
- Teeth whitening brightens stained or dull teeth.
- Tooth-colored fillings repair cavities without dark metal. Our office is mercury-free.
- Dental implants replace missing teeth with a natural look and feel.
- Invisalign clear aligners straighten crooked or crowded teeth without metal braces.
But what if the issue is not your teeth at all? What if it is your gums?
When the gums are the problem
Your gums frame your teeth. Even beautiful teeth can look out of balance if the frame is wrong. Common concerns include:
A "gummy" smile
When extra gum tissue covers part of each tooth, teeth can look short or small, and a big smile may show more gum than tooth. This can be caused by the way the gums developed, by some medications, or by how the upper lip moves.
An uneven gumline
Sometimes the gum sits higher on one tooth than its neighbor. That can make matching teeth look different lengths, even when they are not.
Gums that have pulled back
Gum recession exposes part of the root, making teeth look long and sometimes causing sensitivity. Recession needs a different approach from a gummy smile, because the goal is to protect the root, not remove tissue.
What is gum contouring?
Gum contouring, also called a gum lift or gum reshaping, changes the shape or size of your gums. For a gummy smile or uneven gumline, a small amount of gum tissue is carefully removed and the edge is sculpted so the teeth look properly proportioned.
The aim is a natural, balanced line, with gum edges that follow a gentle curve and sit at matching heights on matching teeth. Learn more on our cosmetic gum lift page.
Laser gum contouring
Gum contouring is often done with a soft-tissue laser. Our office uses the Picasso laser. A laser can shape the gum precisely and seals small blood vessels as it works, which often means less bleeding and a quicker, more comfortable recovery than traditional methods.
Planning your new gumline
Before treatment, we examine your gums and teeth and check the bone underneath. Digital X-rays and, when needed, 3D imaging help us see how much tissue can safely be reshaped. Cosmetic imaging can show you a preview of your new smile so you can decide whether the change feels right.
What to expect
During treatment
The area is numbed so you stay comfortable. Treatment time depends on how many teeth are involved; small adjustments can be quick. If you feel anxious about dental work, oral sedation can help you relax. See our sedation dentistry page.
Healing
Your gums may be tender for a few days. Most people return to normal routines quickly. We will give you clear instructions, which usually include:
- Eating soft, cool foods for the first day or two
- Avoiding very spicy, crunchy or acidic foods while the gums heal
- Brushing gently around the treated area
- Rinsing as directed to keep the area clean
The gumline settles over the following weeks. If veneers or crowns are part of your plan, we usually place them once the gums have healed, so the new teeth sit perfectly within the new frame.
Will it hurt?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable gum contouring is. The area is fully numbed during treatment, and laser work tends to cause less soreness afterward. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough for any tenderness in the first few days. If you have a sensitive mouth or worry about pain, tell us before we begin so we can plan extra comfort measures.
Are the results permanent?
When gum tissue is reshaped, it generally does not grow back to its old shape. Your new gumline should stay stable as long as you keep your gums healthy. That means brushing gently twice a day, cleaning between your teeth daily and keeping up with your regular cleanings. Gum disease or very hard brushing can still change the gumline over time, so good habits protect your result.
Is gum contouring right for you?
Gum contouring may be a good fit if you:
- Feel your teeth look too short or your smile shows too much gum
- Have an uneven gumline that draws attention
- Are planning veneers or crowns and want a balanced frame first
- Have healthy gums, or are willing to treat gum disease first
Healthy gums come first. If you have signs of gum disease, such as bleeding, swelling or deep pockets, we treat that before any cosmetic work. Our gum disease treatments page explains your options.
A gummy smile caused by the lip or jaw rather than the gums themselves may need a different approach. We will explain what we see and whether contouring is likely to give you the result you want.
Gum contouring in a complete smile makeover
For many patients, gum contouring is one part of a larger plan. A typical makeover might reshape the gums, whiten the natural teeth and add porcelain veneers to the front teeth. Each step is planned so the final result looks natural and works well with your bite.
Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS, trained in cosmetic dentistry through the NYU Aesthetic Continuum and has more than 35 years in practice. You can see real results in our smile gallery and learn more about a complete smile makeover.
Cosmetic treatments are often not covered by insurance. We are out of network with every insurer; you pay at the visit and our office files any claim for reimbursement. CareCredit and Cherry offer payment plans. Our Patient Care and Treatment Coordinator, Kelley Fisher, can walk you through your options. See our financing page.
Talk with us about your gumline
If your gums are keeping you from loving your smile, we can help. Call Southern York Smile Care at (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment at our office at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury. We welcome patients from York, southern York County and northern Baltimore County, MD.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
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