Dental bridge

Why you would need one and what to expect

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that can change the shape of your gums. Also called gum reshaping or gum lifting, this cosmetic dental procedure can even out an uneven gum line and give you a smile you can be proud of.

How do I know if I need gum contouring?

Typically, this is a highly personal decision that is made based on how you feel about your gums. If your gums are uneven or rest too low on your teeth, creating the appearance of short teeth and too much gum showing (“Gummy smile”), you may be a candidate for gum contouring surgery.

Gum contouring process at Claude Monet dental office

Envisioning your brand-new smile

Before the procedure takes place, we will design your new gumline with you. This is usually done through a computer-generated mock-up of your teeth and gums, which is perfect for envisioning your new smile. Once you are happy with the new gumline design, we will set up a date for your gum contouring session.

What happens during a gum contouring surgery?

Under local anesthetic, we will use a high-precision 3D printed guide to create your new, more aesthetically pleasing gumline. The procedure can take as little as a few minutes depending on the complexity of the case. Gum lift procedure includes reshaping the soft tissue and/or underlying bone, ensuring your teeth look long and symmetrical.

Are there any restrictions during recovery?

Yes. You will need to be careful with what you eat. Since your gums will be sensitive, you should avoid eating anything that is sharp or that could cut, poke, or irritate them in any way. For this reason, most people stick with a soft diet of yogurt, soup, ice cream or pudding for a couple of days.

You will also be scheduled for a follow-up visit. At that point, we will examine the gums to determine if everything is healing properly, and if it is, we will let you know when you can return to all your normal dietary habits.

Additionally, you may be prescribed an antibiotic in order to combat a potential infection, and when you do brush your teeth, you will need to do so very gently.