Gum Therapy

Gum Recontouring

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Gum Therapy - Gum Recontouring

Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping, is a cosmetic form of dental treatment used to improve the general look of a person’s teeth. It is primarily used in cases where the individual has what is commonly known as ‘gummy smile’. This is a condition in which the gums cover too much of the teeth, usually the front teeth, and this can leave the length of the teeth looking too short, which can affect a person’s general desire to smile.

Such a condition may be caused due to genetics, health circumstances or as a result of certain high blood pressure prescriptions. This can have an effect on an individual’s self-confidence and may see them do their best not to smile in public. Thankfully, gum contouring is a dental treatment which is painless and able to solve the problem of ‘gummy smile’ through quick and painless treatment.

Benefits and risks of gum contouring

This treatment can improve your smile and self-confidence. However, as with most procedures that involve cutting into tissue and bone there are certain risks involved.

  • The healing process is quick and simple, but will take slightly longer if a scalpel is used instead of a laser.
  • It is a relatively painless procedure. You will be unable to feel anything during the procedure due to the local anesthetic.
  • There may be the need to remove bone to improve the look of your teeth.
  • The removal of too much gum can cause swelling and may need to be corrected through further treatment.

Costs and coverage for recontouring

Pricing depends on purpose and scope. When recontouring treats gum disease, insurance often participates; when it is purely cosmetic, we say so plainly and payment options apply. Either way, you will know which category your case falls into and exactly what it involves before deciding anything.

What patients ask about reshaping

Does it hurt? The area is numbed; recovery involves mild tenderness that fades within days. Will results look natural? Natural balance is the entire goal: a gumline that frames your teeth the way it always should have. Is it permanent? Yes, properly done recontouring lasts. How do I know if I need it? If your smile shows too much gum, or your gumline sits unevenly, a consultation answers it in minutes.

Framing Linden smiles properly

Teeth get the attention, but gums are the frame, and a frame changes everything about the picture. With a periodontist on our own team, reshaping here is specialist work in a familiar chair.

If your gumline has always bothered you in photos, a consultation takes minutes and costs nothing but curiosity. Book online or call 908-486-5252 for an honest look.

What your recontouring visit involves

After numbing, reshaping itself is precise and surprisingly quick, guided by the plan we agreed on together beforehand. You see the projected result before we begin, because gumline changes should never be a surprise. Recovery is gentle: soft foods for a day or two, careful brushing along the treated line, and a short follow-up where we admire the healing together. Most patients say the anticipation was the hardest part.

A balanced gumline changes photographs, first impressions, and how often you smile without thinking. Book your consultation online or call 908-486-5252 for an honest evaluation.

Your gums frame your smile. When the frame is right, the whole picture works. A short visit can fix a line you have disliked for years.

A small change up top makes a big change in the mirror. Come see what a balanced line can do.

The short story? A little shaping goes a long way. Your gums heal fast. Your smile looks right. And the mirror finally agrees with you.

Reviewed by the Linden Dental Associates team · August 2026

Good to Know

Common questions

What is gum recontouring?

Gently reshaping the gumline, either to treat gum problems or to improve how your smile looks when gums sit too high or too low.

Is recontouring for health or appearance?

It can be either, and often both. We will be straightforward about what is medically needed and what is purely cosmetic.

What is recovery like?

Most patients heal quickly with minor tenderness. We will give you simple aftercare steps and check your healing.

Ready to schedule your visit?

Evening and Saturday appointments available. New patients are always welcome.

Call 908-486-5252 Schedule Visit