Cosmetic dentistry offers many ways to enhance the look of a patient’s smile, but gum contouring is one of the simplest, most straightforward, and most effective.
The gum contouring procedure, or “gingivectomy,” involves reshaping the gumline to reveal more of the previously hidden tooth surface, thereby creating a more even, balanced, and symmetrical appearance.
One of the clearest signs that gum contouring could be right for you is the presence of a “gummy smile.” If too much gum tissue shows when you smile, or if your teeth appear shorter than they really are (or you would like them to be), trimming a small amount of tissue from the gums can dramatically change the overall appearance of your smile. Many patients pursue gum contouring after years of feeling self-conscious in social situations or seeing themselves in photographs.
There are other conditions where a gingivectomy can bring or restore symmetry to a person’s appearance. Uneven gums, for instance, can make someone a strong candidate for a gum contouring procedure. In such instances, the teeth may be perfectly healthy, yet still look crooked or mismatched, simply because the gumline is uneven. Gum contouring corrects that imbalance by shaping the tissue into a smoother line that follows the same trajectory all the way around.
The gum contouring procedure, however, is a viable treatment for more than just cosmetic conditions. In some situations, excess gum tissue can cover too much of a tooth. This makes oral hygiene more difficult, since the overgrowth of tissue creates a small hole that can easily trap food particles and bacteria, raising the risk of decay or irritation. Contouring the gums in such cases can make brushing and flossing easier, adding a functional benefit to any aesthetic considerations.
What Makes a Good Candidate?
To qualify as a gum contouring candidate, it's essential for the patient to have basically healthy gums. The presence of any active gum disease, infection, or other untreated periodontal condition needs to be addressed before reshaping can be considered, let alone implemented.
Because gum contouring involves removing excess tissue, it is also necessary for the candidate to have enough gum tissue for the procedure to begin with. People who already have receding gums or thin gumlines are usually not considered good candidates for a gingivectomy, for the simple reason that removing more tissue could expose roots and increase sensitivity. In such cases, different treatments may be recommended instead.
While results can be spectacular, it’s important to manage expectations. Gum contouring can enhance the proportion of gums and teeth by smoothing out the ratio, but it does not correct issues with tooth shape, color, or alignment. Patients who want broader changes may pair gum contouring with other cosmetic procedures, such as veneers or orthodontics.
As with any surgical procedure, even a minor one, healing can be affected by habits such as smoking or by medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes. Dentists often evaluate overall health to make sure the patient can recover smoothly.
Ultimately, gum contouring is right for individuals who have extra or uneven gum tissue, want to improve the look of their smile, and meet the requirements of healthy gums and good general health. If you think you might be a candidate, the best step is a consultation. A dentist or periodontist will examine your gumline, discuss your goals, and explain what results you can realistically expect.