A great smile is not just about the teeth. The gum line frames everything, and when it is uneven, too high, or too low, it can make even healthy, well-aligned teeth look disproportionate. Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the gum tissue to create a more balanced, symmetrical frame for the teeth, improving the overall harmony of the smile without touching the teeth themselves.
At Alber Dental Studio, gum contouring is performed using a precise soft-tissue laser that removes and reshapes excess gum tissue with minimal bleeding and faster healing compared to traditional surgical methods. Dr. Marc Alber brings over 26 years of clinical experience and a careful eye for proportion to every cosmetic case. Gum contouring is a natural complement to our full range of cosmetic dentistry services, and it is often incorporated into smile makeover treatment plans when gum symmetry is identified as a contributing factor to the patient’s aesthetic concerns.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring, also called gingival contouring or a gum lift, is a cosmetic dental procedure in which excess or uneven gum tissue is removed and reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth surface and create a more uniform gum line. It is most commonly sought by patients who feel their teeth appear too short due to excessive gum coverage, a condition sometimes called a gummy smile, or by patients whose gum line is uneven from tooth to tooth, creating an asymmetric appearance even when the teeth themselves are healthy and well-aligned.
The procedure is also sometimes performed for functional reasons, such as exposing a tooth that has not fully erupted to allow for a crown or other restoration. When performed for functional purposes, it may be referred to as crown lengthening. Dr. Alber will evaluate whether your situation is primarily cosmetic, functional, or both, and will recommend the appropriate scope and approach before any treatment begins. For patients also considering veneers, crowns, or other cosmetic work, gum contouring is typically sequenced first, as the gum line provides the foundation for any subsequent restoration. Learn more about our complete smile makeover options.
A gummy smile can be caused by several factors including genetics, certain medications that cause gum overgrowth, or the way the teeth erupted. In some cases, the teeth themselves are full-length but simply covered by more gum tissue than typical. Gum contouring removes the excess tissue and exposes the full crown of the tooth, immediately making the teeth appear longer and the smile more balanced. The effect is often significant and immediate — patients typically see the outcome right away once the tissue is contoured.
The Gum Contouring Procedure and Recovery
Gum contouring at Alber Dental Studio is performed using a soft-tissue laser under local anesthesia. The laser precisely removes and seals the tissue simultaneously, which significantly reduces bleeding during the procedure and speeds healing compared to traditional scalpel-based methods. The appointment typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes depending on how many teeth are being treated and how much reshaping is required.
Recovery from laser gum contouring is generally manageable. Some tenderness and mild swelling in the treated area is expected for a few days after the procedure. We provide detailed post-procedure instructions including dietary recommendations, pain management guidance, and oral hygiene protocols for the healing period. Most patients are comfortable returning to their normal routine within one to two days. Final healing of the gum tissue takes a few weeks, after which the full cosmetic result becomes visible. The results of gum contouring are permanent — the removed tissue does not grow back — making it a long-lasting solution for a more balanced smile. For patients interested in pairing gum contouring with porcelain veneers or teeth whitening, Dr. Alber will sequence the treatments appropriately.
Before recommending gum contouring, Dr. Alber evaluates the underlying bone level and the full periodontal health of the treatment area. In some cases, uneven gum tissue is related to bone architecture, and a more involved procedure may be needed to achieve a stable result. For straightforward gum contouring cases, however, the soft-tissue laser procedure is fast, predictable, and produces lasting outcomes. We use our advanced dental technology to support precision at every step.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your gum contouring consultation begins with Dr. Alber examining your gum line, evaluating the underlying bone structure, and discussing what result is achievable and what the procedure would involve. He will show you where the reshaped gum line would fall and explain how it will change the proportions of your smile. If gum contouring is part of a larger cosmetic plan, he will sequence it appropriately within that plan. We offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon, and we accept HSA and FSA funds. Learn more about Dr. Alber on his provider profile, and contact our Boulder office to schedule a cosmetic consultation.
- Have healthy teeth and gums with no untreated decay or gum disease
- Want to address stains, chips, gaps, or irregular tooth shape
- Maintain good daily oral hygiene habits
- Do not grind excessively, or are willing to wear a night guard
- Have sufficient enamel to support bonding
- Are looking for a long-term cosmetic investment
Dr. Alber will confirm whether gum contouring is the right approach during your consultation — and clearly explain what to expect in terms of healing time and results.
The Gum Contouring Process
Consultation & Gum Line Mapping
Dr. Alber begins with a thorough exam to confirm you are a good candidate — healthy gums, adequate enamel, and no untreated decay. From there, we discuss your smile goals and review shade options. Digital photos help visualize the proposed changes before any treatment begins. For patients unsure about shade or shape, we can discuss temporary mock-ups to preview the result.
Laser Reshaping & Recontouring
The gum line is reshaped using a soft-tissue laser. Excess tissue is removed and the margins are sculpted symmetrically across all treated teeth. No sutures are required in most cases — the laser seals as it works.
Laser vs. Surgical Gum Contouring
After treatment, the area is rinsed and you are given aftercare instructions. Mild soreness and swelling resolve within a few days. The final result becomes visible as the tissue heals over the following 1–2 weeks.
Healing & Follow-Up
The reshaped tissue settles into its final position as healing completes. Most patients are comfortable returning to normal activity the same day, with full tissue healing typically complete within 1–2 weeks.
Transform Your Smile's Frame
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alber to find out whether gum contouring is right for your smile — and get a clear, honest assessment of what results to expect.
Laser Contouring vs. Surgical Contouring
Laser Gum Contouring vs. Surgical Contouring
Both are cosmetic options — the right choice depends on the extent of the change you want and how long you want results to last.
| Laser Gum Contouring | Surgical Contouring | |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Soft-tissue diode laser removes and seals tissue simultaneously | Scalpel-based excision with sutures to close the site |
| Bleeding | Minimal — laser cauterizes as it cuts | More bleeding during and after procedure |
| Sutures | Not required in most cases | Required — removal appointment needed |
| Recovery | Faster — most patients return to normal within a few days | Longer healing — swelling and soreness for 1–2 weeks |
| Best for | Cosmetic reshaping of soft tissue for aesthetic gum-line correction | Crown lengthening or cases requiring bone involvement |
Caring for Your Results
How to Care for Your Gums After Contouring
Gum contouring results are permanent — reshaped tissue does not grow back. A few simple habits help protect your results and keep the tissue healthy long-term:
Avoid hot foods and beverages, vigorous rinsing, and anything abrasive for the first few days while the tissue heals. Soft foods are recommended immediately post-treatment.
If gum contouring was done in preparation for veneers or crowns, Dr. Alber will schedule the restorative or cosmetic work once tissue healing is confirmed — typically within a few weeks.
Brush gently around the treated area using a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily. Good ongoing hygiene prevents gum disease, which is the primary cause of gum recession that can affect your results over time.
Routine six-month exams let Dr. Alber monitor the gum tissue and catch any early signs of recession or inflammation. Maintaining healthy gums is the best way to preserve your contouring results long-term.
Gum Contouring With Flexible Payment Options
Gum contouring is considered a cosmetic procedure and is generally not covered by dental insurance. We offer 0% financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon, and we accept HSA and FSA funds. Visit our financing page for details.
Also at Alber Dental Studio
Explore Our Other Cosmetic Services
Gum contouring is often performed alongside other cosmetic services. These are commonly paired with contouring at Alber Dental Studio.
A comprehensive smile transformation coordinating gum contouring, whitening, alignment, and restorative work — sequenced around your specific goals.
A same-appointment option for minor chips or gaps — no enamel removal needed.
Professional-strength whitening when tooth color is the primary concern.
Read What Our Customers Are Saying
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is gum contouring painful?
Is gum contouring covered by insurance?
Can I get gum contouring and veneers together?
Alber Dental Studio: Gum Contouring in Boulder, CO
Dr. Marc Alber and the team at Alber Dental Studio bring over 26 years of experience and a meticulous eye for aesthetic proportion to every cosmetic case. Gum contouring is one of the most impactful single-procedure changes we can make to the frame of a smile. Learn more about Dr. Alber on his provider profile. When you are ready to explore gum contouring or a broader cosmetic plan, contact our Boulder office to schedule a consultation.