Cosmetic Gum Lift
Payment plans available · See options
Not sure if it's your gums or your teeth? We'll take a look.
For a gummy smile or teeth that look short, with a more even gum line.
Laser gum contouring
Usually permanent results
Can be done with same-day veneers
What's included
- A look at your smile line, teeth and gums
- A plan built around your smile
- Numbing so you feel no pain
- Gum reshaping with a diode laser or radiosurgery
- Same-day veneers, if your plan includes them
Is a gum lift right for me?
If your upper teeth look short, or too much gum shows when you smile, a gum lift may help. Often a full-size tooth is under the gums, waiting to be uncovered. If your bite is part of the problem, Invisalign may come first.
Healing and aftercare
Most people heal in one week to ten days, with little discomfort in the first 24 hours. The gums take 10 to 18 weeks to fully mature, so some final cosmetic work may wait until then.
Often it's extra gum, not short teeth
Many people feel their upper teeth are short, when too much gum tissue is really to blame. A gum lift corrects this as part of a full approach to your smile.
Benefits
A more even, more confident smile.
Even gum line
A more normal-looking, more symmetrical gum line.
Fuller teeth
Uncovering the whole tooth makes your smile look bigger.
Permanent
In most cases, gums do not grow back after shaping.
Laser comfort
Small changes are made with a diode laser or radiosurgery.
Same-day option
Combined with custom veneers, your new smile can be done in one day.
Real stories, real smiles
Spread the cost
Monthly plans through CareCredit and Cherry. Checking your options doesn't affect your credit score, and both give an instant decision.
*Subject to credit approval. Visit carecredit.com for details. For new CareCredit accounts as of 5/30/24: Purchase APR is 32.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Minimum Interest Charge is $2. CareCredit is a Synchrony solution.
The Haywood surgical smile makeover
Gum surgery and new veneers, in the same visit.
When a major gum lift is needed, Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS, combines the surgery with same-day custom veneers. This guides how the gums heal, and you walk out with your new smile the very same day.
Diode laser
Small reshaping is done with a laser or radiosurgery in almost all cases.
Surgical gum lift
Gums are moved upward on the upper teeth when needed.
Invisalign
Moving teeth first can reduce how much surgery is needed.
Same-day veneers
Veneers placed with the surgery give you a new smile that day.
How it works
Consultation
Dr. Haywood looks at your smile line, teeth and gums, and builds a plan just for you.
Gum reshaping
With the area numb, the gums are reshaped by laser, radiosurgery or surgery. Veneers can be placed the same day.
Healing
Initial healing takes one week to ten days. The gums fully mature in 10 to 18 weeks.
Smile Guide
Plain answers about gum lifts and cosmetic dentistry.
Frequently asked questions
How long does gum contouring last?
In most cases the results are permanent. Gums usually don't grow back after shaping. Regular cleanings help keep infection or recession from changing your result.
Is gum contouring worth it?
For people with small upper teeth and big gums, the effect is priceless. A full-size tooth is usually under the gums, waiting to be uncovered, which makes your smile bigger. Monthly payment plans are available through CareCredit and Cherry.
How long does a gum lift take to heal?
Initial healing is usually one week to ten days. Upper gum tissue takes 10 to 18 weeks to fully mature, and final cosmetic work may wait until then.
Is gum contouring painful?
The gums are numbed, so you feel no pain during the procedure. Most people have minimal discomfort for the first 24 hours, and being careful with the area is usually all that's needed.
What causes small teeth and big gums?
Most often, simply too much gum tissue covering the teeth. If there's a bite problem underneath, orthodontics and a surgical gum lift should both be considered.
Answers to common questions about gum contouring in Shrewsbury, PA.
Every mouth is different. Your treatment plan, timeline and cost are set at your consultation. Results vary from person to person.