What is gum contouring, and what makes a smile look "gummy"?

Seeing your smile in a photo or the mirror can make you notice how much gum tissue shows. For some people, it’s simply part of their appearance. For others, it prompts questions about what’s behind it and whether anything can be done. Gum contouring is one option a dental provider may discuss, but showing more gum tissue doesn’t automatically mean you need treatment. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Gum contouring changes the gumline to reveal more of the teeth. 

• Gum coverage, tooth proportions, lip movement and jaw structure can all affect a smile's appearance. 

• Reshaping gum tissue won't address every reason for a gummy smile. 

• Your gum health and personal goals help guide whether treatment makes sense. 

Want to understand your options? Schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider to discuss your gumline and whether an evaluation for gum contouring would be appropriate. 

What is gum contouring? 

Gum contouring reshapes the gumline by removing excess tissue. It can reveal more tooth surface or even out the gumline. A dental provider, often a periodontist, performs the procedure.¹ 

The goal in this setting is cosmetic. You might want your teeth to look less covered or your gumline to appear more even. That is a personal preference, and a consultation can help you understand what's possible without committing to treatment. 

What makes a smile look gummy? 

A "gummy" smile describes how much gum tissue shows when you smile. It doesn't identify the cause. Several factors can contribute, sometimes together: 

• Gum coverage: Tissue may cover more of the tooth surface, making teeth appear shorter. 

• Tooth proportions: The visible length of the teeth, including changes from wear, affects the balance between teeth and gums. 

• Lip length and movement: A shorter upper lip or one that lifts farther when smiling can expose more gum tissue. 

• Jaw structure: Greater vertical growth of the upper jaw can contribute to more visible gums.²

This is why two people with a similar-looking smile may receive different recommendations. A photo can show what concerns you, but it doesn't explain which structures are responsible. Ask your provider to walk you through what they see when you smile naturally. 

When can gum contouring help a gummy smile? 

If extra gum coverage is the main concern, reshaping the tissue may expose more of the teeth.¹ But removing gum tissue doesn’t change how your upper lip moves or reposition your jaw. When those factors contribute, contouring alone may not achieve the result you have in mind.² 

Be specific about your goal. Are you bothered by one tooth that looks shorter, an uneven gumline or the amount of gum showing across your smile? Explaining that helps keep the discussion focused on the change you actually want. 

Is gum contouring the same as crown lengthening? 

The terms can overlap, but they don't describe identical treatment plans. Gum contouring describes reshaping the gumline. Crown lengthening exposes more natural tooth and can involve adjusting both gum and bone levels. It may be used for appearance or to make a damaged tooth accessible for a restoration.³ 

Rather than relying on the procedure name, ask whether your plan involves gum tissue alone or bone reshaping too. Also ask whether the recommendation is cosmetic or necessary for another dental treatment. That distinction helps you understand the purpose of the procedure. 

What does a dental provider check before treatment? 

Your provider examines your teeth and gums, considers the structures affecting your smile and discusses your goals. Cavities or gum disease need treatment before elective cosmetic contouring. Bone levels around the teeth also matter when planning how much tissue can be removed.¹ 

If you've noticed bleeding, soreness or a recent change in your gums, mention it at the consultation. Don't assume a new change is only cosmetic. Gum disease symptoms and treatment are other gum concerns worth discussing. 

Bring a list of your medications and any questions about previous dental work. Before agreeing to treatment, ask for an explanation of the recommended approach, alternatives and expected costs. 

What happens during gum contouring and recovery? 

Your provider numbs the area with local anesthesia before reshaping the gum tissue with a scalpel or a laser. Some treatment plans also involve removing a small amount of bone. Soreness can follow once the numbness wears off, and recovery varies with the extent of treatment and individual healing.¹ 

Rare complications include infection and gum tissue regrowth. Following aftercare instructions helps reduce risk but doesn't eliminate it. Your provider will explain cleaning, eating and activity guidance for your procedure.¹ 

Before leaving, make sure you know how to contact the office with concerns and when to return for follow-up. Ask which symptoms they expect and which should prompt a call.  

Have questions about your gumline? Talk with your local dental provider about what's contributing to its appearance and whether any treatment fits your goals. You don't need to arrive with a decision already made. 

What is gum contouring, and what makes a smile look "gummy"? FAQs 

Can gum tissue grow back after contouring? 

Yes, although regrowth is uncommon. The bone level beneath the gums can influence whether tissue returns, which is one reason planning matters.¹ Ask how this applies to your proposed procedure rather than assuming the result is guaranteed. 

Should I choose laser gum contouring over a scalpel? 

Ask why your provider recommends a particular method for your treatment plan. Discuss comfort, aftercare and whether any bone reshaping is needed. The instrument used is only part of the decision; understanding the full procedure is more useful than choosing by its name alone. 

Do I need to change a gummy smile if it doesn't bother me? 

You don't need cosmetic treatment simply because your smile shows gum tissue. If you're happy with its appearance, say so. Routine dental visits can focus on keeping your teeth and gums healthy, with any health concerns considered separately from cosmetic preferences. 

Note: This article is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat or make medical or dental recommendations. 

Sources 

¹ Cleveland Clinic: “Gum Contouring.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25208-gum-contouring 

² National Institutes of Health, Dental Clinics of North America: “Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches to a ‘Gummy Smile’.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32111273/ 

³ American Academy of Periodontology: “Surgical Procedures.” https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/surgical-procedures/