About Gum Contouring
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, is a cosmetic procedure that gently removes and reshapes small amounts of gum tissue. It balances an uneven gum line, reveals more of a tooth that is partly covered by gum and can reduce the look of a gummy smile.
At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, gum contouring is performed with a dental laser or fine instruments under local numbing, so you stay comfortable. Healing is typically quick, with visible results after a few days.
The change is subtle, but it can make a real difference. When the gum line is even and in proportion with your teeth, your whole smile looks more balanced, and many patients feel more confident in photos and in person.
Benefits of Gum Contouring
- Improves smile aesthetics: Balances the gum line to reveal more natural tooth surface for a confident smile.
- Enhances oral health: Reduces areas where plaque and bacteria accumulate under excessive gum tissue.
- Quick recovery: A minimally invasive procedure with a short healing time.
- Boosts confidence: A more symmetrical smile improves self-esteem and appearance.
Gum Contouring for a Gummy Smile
A gummy smile means that a lot of gum shows when you smile. It can happen when there is extra gum tissue covering the teeth, when the teeth are short or when the upper lip lifts high. Gum contouring works when the cause is excess gum tissue, because it reduces that tissue and lets more of the teeth show.
Not every gummy smile has the same cause, so we start with an exam. If contouring will give you the result you want, we explain the plan. If the cause is your jaw, your lip or how your teeth have come in, we will tell you honestly and talk through the other options with you.
Signs Gum Contouring May Help
- Your smile looks gummy when you grin
- Your gum line is uneven across the front teeth
- A tooth looks shorter than its neighbour because of extra gum tissue
- You are planning Porcelain Veneers and want the gum line to frame them evenly
- Your teeth look small or square compared to the gum around them
What Is Included in Your Gum Contouring Treatment
- A consultation about your goals and how your smile looks now
- An exam and X-rays to check your gums, teeth and the bone underneath
- A treatment plan that shows how much gum will be reshaped
- Local numbing so the procedure stays comfortable
- Gentle reshaping of the gum tissue with a dental laser or fine instruments
- Clear aftercare instructions
- A follow-up visit to check your healing
- A written estimate before treatment begins
What to Expect at Your Visit
- Consultation. We look at your smile, talk about what you would like to change and explain whether gum contouring is the right approach.
- Planning. We mark the new gum line and show you the plan before we start.
- Numbing. We numb the area so you stay comfortable.
- Reshaping. We carefully reshape the gum tissue using a dental laser or fine instruments.
- Aftercare. We explain how to look after your gums as they heal and book your follow-up visit.
Gum contouring is usually completed in a single visit.
Recovery and Aftercare
Healing is typically quick. Your gums may feel tender or sore for a few days, and you may notice slight swelling or bleeding at first. Visible results usually appear after a few days, and most patients heal within one to two weeks with proper care.
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days and avoid spicy, crunchy or very hot foods. Brush gently around the area, rinse with warm salt water as we advise and skip the mouthwash with alcohol until your gums have settled. Call us at 403-300-2233 if pain or bleeding gets worse instead of better.
Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Gum Contouring
- Gentle reshaping using a dental laser or fine instruments under local numbing
- Honest advice about whether contouring is the right option for your smile
- Four general dentists who explain the why before the what, with no pressure
- A full range of cosmetic dentistry under one roof, so treatments can be planned together
- Clear, itemised quotes before treatment
- Open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
- A calm, comfortable clinic where anxious patients are welcome
Related Treatments
- Porcelain Veneers: Change the shape and colour of your teeth, often paired with gum contouring.
- Dental Bonding: Repair small chips and gaps in a single visit.
- Teeth Whitening: Brighten your smile to go with a balanced gum line.
- Invisalign: Straighten your teeth before finishing touches such as gum contouring.
Cost of Gum Contouring in NE Calgary
The cost of gum contouring depends on how many teeth are involved and how much reshaping is needed. After your consultation, we give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins, so you always know what to expect.
Gum contouring is usually a cosmetic treatment, so it is often not covered by dental insurance. Coverage varies by plan and by whether the procedure is needed for your oral health, so call us with your plan details and we will check. We direct bill most major insurers where your plan applies, and flexible payment options are available. Call us at 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gum contouring and how does it work?
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, gently removes and reshapes small amounts of gum tissue so your gum line looks even and your teeth look more balanced. It is done with a dental laser or fine instruments under local numbing.
Does gum contouring hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during the procedure, so you should not feel pain. Your gums may feel tender or sore for a few days afterwards, which is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does gum contouring take and how long is recovery?
The procedure is usually completed in a single visit, and the time depends on how many teeth are involved. Healing is typically quick, with visible results after a few days, and most patients heal within one to two weeks with proper care.
Can gum contouring fix a gummy smile?
Yes, in many cases. Gum contouring reduces excess gum tissue to balance your smile. It works on soft tissue only and does not change your bite or tooth alignment. If the cause of a gummy smile is your jaw or lip, your dentist will explain the other options.
Can you get gum contouring with braces?
Sometimes, but it is often best done after braces or aligners are finished, because your teeth and gums will keep changing during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will advise on the best timing for you.
Book Your Gum Contouring Consultation
We're accepting new patients every day and hold time for urgent cases. Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.