Gum Contouring

Solution for a Gummy Smile

Some people find their smile has just too much gum and not enough tooth. When gums are extended far down on the surfaces of the teeth, less tooth enamel shows, so the teeth seem short. There is not necessarily anything wrong with this, from a health standpoint, but from an aesthetic point of view, it is good to know that an improvement can be made.

Crown Lengthening

Because the crown of the tooth ends up longer, this cosmetic procedure is often called “crown lengthening.” Some other terms are “gum lifting” and “gum sculpting.” All these phrases refer to the same thing.

Laser Gum Contouring

At Tribeca Dental Care, for gum contouring (crown lengthening), we use a laser to perform a gingivectomy (removal of gum tissue). This is a very fast process, often done with a topical anesthetic. For most people, there is little or no discomfort.

The laser vaporizes extra and unwanted gum tissue, exposing the healthy enamel underneath. The result is often a dramatic improvement in a person’s smile.

Since it takes practice and some artistry to remove the right gum tissue, so that the final shape of the gums will be attractive, it is best to engage an experienced cosmetic dentist, such as Dr. Dorfman.