Gum Contouring in Calgary
A gummy smile or uneven gum line can make even healthy, straight teeth look shorter or less balanced. Gum contouring reshapes the gum line to reveal more of your natural tooth, creating a more proportional, confident smile. Book a consultation with Royal Oak Smiles today.
About Gum Contouring
Gum contouring, sometimes called cosmetic gum surgery, reshapes excess or uneven gum tissue to create a more balanced smile. Many patients have naturally healthy teeth that appear shorter or uneven simply because of how much gum tissue covers them. By carefully cutting the gum to the ideal shape, your dentist can reveal more of your natural tooth structure, often dramatically improving the appearance of your smile without touching the teeth themselves.
What is Condition
A gummy smile occurs when excess gum tissue covers more of the tooth than is typical, making teeth appear short or the smile appear uneven. This is often a result of genetics, certain medications, or how the teeth erupted during development, and it's a cosmetic concern rather than a health issue. Gum contouring addresses this directly by reshaping the gum line to a more proportional level.
Symptoms and Causes
- Teeth that appear shorter than they actually are
- An uneven or asymmetrical gum line
- Excess gum tissue covering more of the tooth than desired
- A smile that feels gummy or unbalanced compared to tooth size
What to Expect
Gum contouring is typically a quick, in office procedure performed under local anesthesia for comfort. Your dentist carefully reshapes the gum tissue to the desired contour, revealing more of your natural tooth. Most procedures are completed in a single visit, with results visible almost immediately once any initial swelling subsides.
Why Choose Royal Oak Smiles
Our team of three dentists takes a precise, conservative approach to gum contouring, reshaping only what's needed for a natural, balanced result. For patients wanting a more complete transformation, gum contouring pairs well with porcelain veneers as part of a fuller smile makeover. We're open evenings until 8 PM Monday through Thursday, plus weekends, so consultations fit around your schedule. We direct bill most major Alberta insurance providers and are a participating provider for CDCP and NIHB.
Consultation and Procedure Fee
The cost of gum contouring depends on how much reshaping is needed and how many teeth are involved. We'll provide a clear estimate at your consultation. Since this is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, coverage varies by insurance plan, we can help confirm your specific coverage.
Recovery Timeline
Most patients experience mild swelling or tenderness for a few days after gum contouring, with initial healing typically complete within one to two weeks. Full healing of the gum tissue can take several weeks, though most patients return to normal activities right away.
Related Treatments
Reviews
Royal Oak Smiles holds a 4.7 star rating from over 368 Google reviews, reflecting the quality and precision patients experience with our cosmetic treatments.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum contouring is generally done either before starting orthodontic treatment or after it's complete, rather than during active treatment with traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners. Your dentist can help determine the best timing for your specific case.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during treatment. Mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal and manageable.
Your dentist carefully reshapes the gum tissue to reveal more of your natural tooth structure, creating a more balanced, proportional gum line.
Most gum contouring procedures are completed in a single office visit, often within an hour depending on how many teeth are involved.
Initial healing typically takes one to two weeks, though full healing of the gum tissue can take several weeks. Most patients return to normal activities right away.
Book Your Appointment
Ready to reshape your smile? Book your gum contouring consultation with Royal Oak Smiles today.