Cosmetic Dentistry
Gum Contouring in Fullerton, CA
Reshaping the gum line for a more balanced smile.
When gums cover too much of the teeth or sit unevenly, contouring can bring the smile into better proportion.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring, sometimes called gum reshaping, removes or reshapes a small amount of gum tissue to improve how the smile looks. It can help when the gums cover much of the teeth, making them look short, or when the gum line sits at uneven heights. Shaping the gums so they frame the teeth evenly can make the whole smile look more balanced. Every cosmetic case starts with a conversation about what you actually want to change, and we agree the result before any work begins. Contouring is often planned alongside other cosmetic treatments.
What Gum Contouring Can Address
Common reasons to reshape the gum line.
- Gummy Smile Gums that show a lot when you smile and make teeth look short.
- Uneven Gum Line Gums that sit at different heights across the front teeth.
- Smile Balance Better proportion between the teeth and the gums.
How the Procedure Works
We agree the new gum line with you first. The area is numbed with local anesthetic, and the gum tissue is carefully reshaped. You go home with gentle-care instructions while the gums heal.
What to Expect
- A consultation to agree the result
- Local anesthetic for comfort
- Gentle-care instructions while you heal
- A follow-up to check healing
Related Cosmetic Care
Contouring is often part of a smile makeover, alongside veneers or whitening.
The short answer
Gum contouring, sometimes called gum reshaping, removes or reshapes a small amount of gum tissue to improve how the smile looks. It can help when the gums cover much of the teeth and make them look short, or when the gum line sits at uneven heights across the front teeth. The new gum line is agreed with you first, and the procedure is done under local anesthetic with gentle-care instructions while the gums heal and a follow-up visit to check how they have settled.
Gum Contouring FAQ
- What is gum contouring?
- It removes or reshapes a small amount of gum tissue to improve how the smile looks. It can help a gummy smile or an uneven gum line. The aim is a more balanced smile.
- Is gum contouring the same as a gingivectomy?
- Both reshape the gums. Contouring is usually done for appearance. A gingivectomy is usually done to treat gum disease.
- Can I see the result before treatment?
- We agree the new gum line with you before any work begins. Every cosmetic case starts with a conversation about what you want to change. Nothing is left to guesswork.
- What is recovery like?
- The area is numbed with local anesthetic during treatment. Some tenderness is normal while the gums heal. We give you gentle-care instructions and check healing at a follow-up.
Insurance & Financing
Benefits and participation vary by plan. Please contact our office so we can help you verify your coverage and understand your options before treatment.
CareCredit and Cherry are available. Terms and approval are set by each provider.