A gummy smile or an uneven gumline can make even healthy, well-aligned teeth look shorter than they really are, and it is one of the most common reasons patients in Cumming, Georgia, feel self-conscious about smiling. The gumline plays as large a role in how balanced a smile looks as the teeth themselves, so when it sits unevenly or covers too much tooth surface, the whole smile can feel out of proportion. Left alone, the issue does not resolve on its own, and many patients live with it for years before learning that a straightforward cosmetic procedure can address it.
At A1 Dental Clinic, Dr. Mila Poznyak, DMD, addresses gummy smiles and uneven gumlines with gum contouring, a treatment that reshapes gum tissue using laser technology or traditional techniques depending on what each smile needs. It is one of several cosmetic dentistry services offered at the practice, and it is often planned alongside other treatments so the whole smile comes together as one cohesive result. Every plan starts with a close look at gum health and tooth proportion before any tissue is reshaped.
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping or gingival contouring, is a cosmetic dental procedure that removes or reshapes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth surface and create a more even gumline. The procedure can be performed with a soft tissue laser, which cuts and seals tissue at the same time, or with traditional surgical instruments, depending on how much tissue needs to be adjusted and where it sits along the gumline.
Treatment typically begins with a close examination of the gums, teeth, and overall smile proportions, often supported by photographs or simple measurements that help map out the ideal gumline before any tissue is touched. Local anesthesia keeps the area comfortable, and tissue is then removed or reshaped in small, controlled increments to preserve healthy gum architecture around each tooth. Because treated tissue does not grow back once healing is complete, results are considered permanent as long as the gums stay healthy afterward.
Gum reshaping also has a functional side worth understanding. The American Academy of Periodontology notes that related procedures, such as crown lengthening, adjust gum and bone tissue to expose more of the tooth and can benefit patients whose teeth appear short because of excess gum coverage (see the American Academy of Periodontology’s overview of surgical procedures).
Excess tissue covers a large portion of the tooth, making teeth appear shorter than they actually are.
Gum height varies from tooth to tooth, breaking up the symmetry of the smile.
Once teeth settle after orthodontic treatment, or before porcelain veneers or a smile makeover, an even gumline gives the finished smile a cleaner frame. The amount of tissue removed is always planned around the individual smile.
Comprehensive Assessment
We begin with a detailed examination of your gums, teeth, and smile proportions. Digital photography and measurements help us plan the ideal gumline for your facial features. We’ll discuss your goals and show you what to expect from the procedure, ensuring you’re comfortable with the planned changes.
Anesthesia and Preparation
Local anesthesia is applied to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. We carefully mark the new gumline to guide precise tissue removal. The treatment area is prepared and isolated to maintain a clean, sterile environment for optimal healing and results.
Tissue Reshaping
Using advanced laser technology or traditional surgical techniques, we carefully remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gumline. The laser simultaneously cuts and cauterizes tissue, reducing bleeding and promoting faster healing. We work systematically to create smooth, natural-looking contours.
Contouring and Refinement
The newly exposed tooth surfaces are cleaned and polished. We make final adjustments to ensure perfect symmetry and smooth transitions between teeth. Each tooth’s gumline is individually sculpted to create the most attractive overall appearance while maintaining healthy gum architecture.
Post-Treatment Care
We provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing. A protective dressing may be applied if needed. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and make any minor adjustments. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and heal quickly with proper care.
Every gum contouring plan at A1 Dental Clinic starts with an evaluation of gum health, not just gum appearance. Before any tissue is reshaped, Dr. Poznyak checks for signs of active gum disease or inflammation, since cosmetic reshaping is intended for healthy tissue. If gum disease is present, it is addressed first through gum disease treatment or, for less advanced cases, laser periodontal therapy, so the foundation is stable before any cosmetic work begins.
Once the gums are healthy, Dr. Poznyak maps the ideal gumline against each patient’s tooth proportions and facial features rather than applying a uniform shape across every tooth. Laser technology is used where precision and faster healing matter most, while traditional techniques may be used for more extensive reshaping. For patients also considering porcelain veneers or a smile makeover, gum contouring is sequenced first so the finished restorations sit against a gumline that is already balanced.
If you are considering gum contouring, the most direct next step is a consultation to confirm that your gums are healthy enough for the procedure and to get a clear picture of what reshaping can and cannot change about your smile. A short visit is usually enough to determine whether laser or traditional reshaping fits your situation, what the treatment involves, and how it might be sequenced with any other cosmetic plans.
A1 Dental Clinic accepts major PPO insurance and Medicare and offers financing through Cherry and CareCredit, so most patients can review insurance and financing options before committing to a treatment plan.
Accepting New Patients
Dr. Mila Poznyak looks forward to serving the Cumming community with comprehensive dental care that prioritizes your long-term oral health and satisfaction. Contact us to learn more about our services and schedule your consultation.
