Cosmetic Gum Reshaping

If your smile shows a lot of gum tissue, or your gumline looks uneven, cosmetic gum reshaping (also called gum contouring) can help create better balance between your teeth and gums. At MacArthur Dental Arts in Irvine, CA, we tailor gum reshaping to your smile and your goals.

What Is Cosmetic Gum Reshaping?

Gum reshaping gently removes or sculpts small amounts of gum tissue to improve the shape and symmetry of your gumline. It can make teeth look longer and more proportionate, and it is often combined with other cosmetic treatments as part of a smile makeover.

Who May Benefit?

• Patients who feel their smile looks "gummy"
• Teeth that look short because gum tissue covers part of them
• An uneven gumline from one tooth to the next
• Patients planning veneers or other cosmetic work who want a more balanced result

What to Expect

Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and bite, discuss your goals, and let you know whether gum reshaping is appropriate. Treatment is done with local anesthesia for your comfort. Depending on your case, your dentist may use a laser or traditional instruments, and we will go over aftercare instructions with you before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gum reshaping painful?

The area is numbed during treatment. Some tenderness afterward is normal and usually manageable, and we will explain what to expect during healing.

Is the change permanent?

Gum reshaping is designed to give a lasting change, though results depend on your anatomy and oral health. Your dentist will discuss expected results with you.

What is the difference between cosmetic and surgical gum reshaping?

Cosmetic reshaping focuses on soft tissue and appearance. Some cases involve reshaping bone as well, which is covered on our surgical gum reshaping page.

Schedule a Consultation

Call MacArthur Dental Arts at (949) 251-8544 to find out if gum reshaping is right for you.