Gum contouring

Gum contouring removes excess tissue and reshapes your gumline. It is also called gum reshaping. Dentists use it to change the appearance of your gums, for example to treat uneven gums or a smile that shows a lot of gum, sometimes called a gummy smile.

It removes extra gum tissue to make your smile look more uniform. The dentist removes the extra tissue using either a scalpel or a handheld laser. A related procedure that removes bone is crown lengthening.

Gum contouring is mostly a cosmetic choice, but it can also be part of treatment for gum disease. Healing takes a short time, and your dentist gives you aftercare steps. See also gingivectomy and smile makeover. Your dentist can tell you whether it suits your gums after an exam.