Bothered by a Gummy Smile? We Can Help

When you smile, do you see more of your gums than your teeth? If so, you may be among the 10% of Americans who have gummy smiles. Gummy smiles — officially known as excessive gingival display — occur when you reveal more of your gums than you’d like. 

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that eliminates a gummy smile. Dr. David Blaustein offers this procedure (as well as many other cosmetic dentistry procedures) here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. 

If you’re bothered by a gummy smile, keep reading to learn more about this procedure.

All about gum contouring

Gum contouring, sometimes called gum reshaping or laser gum reshaping, is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the appearance of your smile. 

Through the use of laser and special tools, Dr. Blaustein can:

• Remove excessive gum tissue
• Correct the appearance of uneven teeth
• Correct the appearance of “too small” teeth 
• Sculpt your gumline 

Laser gum contouring is more than just cutting away excess gum tissue. Because the tissues under your gums are contoured as well, your gums won’t grow back. In other words, laser gum contouring is a permanent solution for a gummy smile. 

What to expect during laser gum contouring

Laser gum contouring is an in-office procedure, and you remain awake throughout the entire appointment. The procedure itself doesn’t hurt because you remain completely numb thanks to a local anesthetic (which is a quick pinch). 

Dr. Blaustein uses a soft tissue laser to remove excess gum tissue and sculpt your gumline. Removing the excess tissue exposes more of your natural teeth, which eliminates that gummy appearance. 

The procedure can take 1-2 hours depending on the extent of your gum contouring needs.

What to expect after laser gum contouring

After your local anesthetic wears off, you may feel a little tenderness or discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medication is often adequate to alleviate the pain. 

Your gums may take a few days to heal. During this time, it’s best to follow a soft-food diet, including smoothies, gelatin, soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, cottage cheese, and scrambled eggs. 

During your initial consultation, Dr. Blaustein covers all of your post-procedure instructions, including the protocol for brushing your teeth, flossing, and rinsing your mouth. 

Laser gum contouring can be a standalone procedure, or you can incorporate it into a larger cosmetic makeover with other cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as Invisalign® or professional teeth whitening treatments.

When you come to Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, whether it’s for gummy smile treatment or teeth whitening or implants, we’re here to help you love your smile!

You can reach our Manhattan office 917-633-7312. Or, feel free to book your appointment online.