Gum Contouring

A beautiful smile isn’t just about straight, white teeth—your gumline plays an equally important role in how your smile looks and feels. When the gums are uneven, bulky, or cover too much of the tooth, it can make the smile appear unbalanced or “gummy.” As periodontists at Lee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics, we specialize not only in the health of your gums but also in the artistry behind shaping them. Gum contouring in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA  allows us to refine the gumline with precision, creating a more harmonious and attractive smile while supporting long-term periodontal health.

Gum contouring is a gentle procedure designed to reshape or remove excess gum tissue, revealing more of the natural tooth structure. Whether the unevenness is due to genetics, inflammation, or prior orthodontic changes, contouring allows us to sculpt the gumline so it complements the teeth rather than overpowering them. It’s a minimally invasive way to enhance your smile’s symmetry, balance, and overall appearance.

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Why Patients Choose Gum Contouring

Many patients are surprised by how dramatically gum contouring can improve their smile. Even small adjustments can make the teeth appear more proportionate and create a more refined look. Beyond aesthetics, contouring can also address functional concerns where excess tissue traps bacteria or contributes to chronic irritation.

Gum contouring may be the right option if you:

• Feel your smile looks “gummy”
• Notice uneven gum levels across multiple teeth
• Have short-looking teeth due to excess gum tissue
• Experience irritation or inflammation around bulky gums
• Want a more symmetrical, confident smile

With the right technique, gum contouring can dramatically change how your smile appears—often in just one visit.

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The Art and Precision of Gum Contouring

Gum contouring blends surgical precision with artistic design. As periodontists, we understand both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the gumline. The goal is not simply to remove tissue, but to sculpt it in a way that complements the shape, position, and proportions of your teeth.

During contouring, we may:

• Remove excess gum tissue
• Reshape uneven areas
• Create a smoother, more symmetrical gumline
• Expose more natural tooth structure
• Improve the overall proportions of the smile

Each adjustment is intentional and carefully planned to achieve a natural, seamless result.

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How Gum Contouring Works

Advancements in periodontal technology make gum contouring more comfortable and precise than ever. Using refined instruments—and often laser technology—we gently reshape the gumline while minimizing bleeding and irritation.

The process typically includes:

• A detailed evaluation of the gumline
• Discussion of goals and expectations
• Local anesthesia for comfort
• Precise removal or reshaping of gum tissue
• Minimal suturing, if needed

Because the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it feels and how quickly they recover.

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Laser Gum Contouring: A Modern Approach

Many gum contouring procedures can be performed with dental lasers, which offer remarkable precision and a gentler experience.

Laser contouring advantages include:

• Minimal bleeding
• Faster healing
• Less postoperative discomfort
• No need for traditional incisions
• Greater accuracy in sculpting the gumline

Laser technology allows us to refine the tissues with exceptional control, making the entire process cleaner and more efficient.

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Healing and Recovery

Healing after gum contouring is typically smooth and straightforward. Most patients experience mild soreness for a few days, which can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief and simple home care instructions.

Post-procedure expectations:

• Mild sensitivity as the gums adjust
• Soft diet for a short period
• Avoid brushing the treated area initially
• Full healing within a few weeks

As the tissue heals, the new gumline settles into an even, natural-looking shape that enhances your smile beautifully.

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Gum Contouring and Long-Term Oral Health

While many patients choose gum contouring for cosmetic reasons, the benefits often extend beyond appearance. Removing excess or uneven tissue can make oral hygiene easier, reduce inflammation, and help prevent future gum problems.

Health benefits may include:

• Reduced risk of gum irritation
• Better access for brushing and flossing
• Decreased plaque buildup
• Improved gum health around the treated areas

When your gums are healthy and well-shaped, your entire smile functions better.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is suitable for a wide range of patients. Whether your concern is cosmetic, structural, or related to gum health, we evaluate your gum condition, tooth proportions, and overall periodontal health to determine the ideal plan.

You may be a candidate if you:

• Dislike the proportions of your gumline
• Have uneven or bulky tissue
• Struggle with chronic gum irritation
• Want a more balanced, attractive smile

We tailor the treatment to your unique needs and goals.

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Enhancing Your Smile with Confidence

Gum contouring is a powerful way to reveal a brighter, more balanced smile. It’s a subtle change with a surprisingly big impact—one that can boost your confidence every time you look in the mirror. As periodontists, we take pride in blending surgical expertise with aesthetic design to create a gumline that both looks beautiful and supports long-term oral health.

If you’re ready to reshape your smile or want to explore whether gum contouring is right for you, we’re here at our multiple locations in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA to guide you through every step of the process.