Periodontics

Gummy Smiles & Gum Contouring

Reshape excess gum tissue and reveal a beautifully proportioned smile.

Two clinicians during a surgical procedure

Periodontics

Reveal more of your smile with a quick reshaping.

A “gummy smile” refers to a condition in which more gum tissue than usual is visible when a patient smiles. This can be caused by a few different factors that include genetics, periodontal disease, certain medications, or even the way the jawbone developed. While a gummy smile doesn’t always indicate an underlying health concern, in some cases it may be related to excess upper jawbone growth, which can also contribute to malocclusion and other oral health issues over time. A gummy smile may also result from an overactive upper lip that lifts higher than normal when smiling.

Regardless of the underlying reason for your gummy smile, many patients feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile. One of the most effective methods for addressing this issue is through gum contouring. Gum contouring involves using a laser or scalpel to remove gum tissue, which exposes more of the tooth’s enamel and creates a balanced ratio of gum to tooth. While gum contouring is typically cosmetic in nature, it can also be done when overgrown tissue has begun to cover a crown or when adding tissue due to gum recession. In addition to gum contouring, other treatment options for a gummy smile include lip repositioning, orthodontics, and/or laser treatment.

At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists our specialty-trained periodontists have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about treatment options for a gummy smile, gum contouring, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.

Three clinicians during a periodontal procedure

Benefits of Gum Contouring

There are numerous benefits to having a gum contouring procedure and correcting a gummy smile, including the following:

In addition to being an effective treatment option for individuals who feel self-conscious about their gummy smile, gum contouring can also be an effective procedure for patients who meet the following criteria:

The procedure is minimally invasive
Improved ratio and harmony between your teeth and gums
Long-lasting results, provided you continue to practice good oral self-care
Improves the appearance of your smile, which will boost your self-confidence
Safe procedure
Teeth appear too small
Misshapen or uneven teeth
Overhanging gums
Receding gums

Recovery & Aftercare

A short recovery, a long-term result.

Following your gum contouring procedure, it is important to follow the post-operative instructions provided to you. It is common to experience some discomfort, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Some swelling may also occur, but this can generally be managed with the use of ice packs. It may also be helpful to stick to a soft food diet for the first few days following the procedure. If you follow these instructions, your recovery process should be quick.

Once you have completed the recovery process, it will not be necessary to follow special aftercare instructions, although it is important to continue practicing good daily oral hygiene. Make a practice of brushing and flossing twice daily and continue scheduling regular visits to your periodontist to ensure that your teeth receive regular professional cleanings. Scheduling these appointments will significantly reduce your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis and can help catch issues before they develop. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about this treatment.

What should I know about Average Cost of a Gingivectomy?

Cosmetic gum contouring for a gummy smile is typically priced per tooth rather than per quadrant, and most patients need work on the six to eight teeth that show when they smile. Expect a range of roughly $150 to $400 per tooth for laser contouring, and $500 to $3,000 total for a standard gummy-smile case. If crown lengthening (which involves reshaping the underlying bone) is needed to get a stable, natural-looking result, costs generally run $1,000 to $4,000 for the front teeth. Because gum contouring for aesthetics is elective, insurance rarely covers it, but we're happy to review financing options at your consultation.

Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy?

Cosmetic gum contouring is worth considering when excess gum tissue is making your teeth look shorter than they actually are, when your gum line is uneven across the smile line, or when your gums show noticeably when you talk or laugh (a gummy smile). It's an outpatient procedure that reshapes the gum line to reveal more of the natural tooth and produce a more balanced smile. Many patients pursue it before starting whitening or veneers, since a corrected gum line dramatically improves how the finished cosmetic work looks. Contouring is also used when overgrown tissue is making certain teeth hard to keep clean, so there can be a functional benefit alongside the aesthetic one.

How Painful is a Gingivectomy?

Gum contouring is a comfortable procedure for the vast majority of patients. We use a local anesthetic to numb the gum tissue before starting, so you shouldn't feel pain during the reshaping itself. If you're anxious about dental procedures, we can also discuss sedation options. Recovery is usually mild — most patients describe some tenderness and mild swelling for a few days, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods. Because we typically use a soft-tissue laser for cosmetic contouring, there are no stitches and bleeding is minimal, which shortens the healing timeline compared to traditional scalpel techniques.

Cost & Payment

Money shouldn't stand between you and the care you deserve.

The cost of correcting a gummy smile will depend on a variety of factors, including what your general condition is and how much tissue is being treated. Although not always the case, it is uncommon for insurance providers to cover the cost of gum contouring, as it is typically considered a cosmetic procedure.

At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Dr. Zalewsky is an out-of-network provider for all insurance plans, and Dr. Hoge is a participating provider with Delta Dental Insurance. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.

For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.

For your convenience, we accept: