Do you feel self-conscious when you smile because too much gum tissue shows above your teeth? A “gummy smile” or uneven gum line can make teeth appear short or disproportionate, affecting your confidence in social and professional situations. While your teeth may be perfectly healthy, the excessive gum tissue covering them can prevent your smile from looking its best.
Gum contouring at Alber Dental Studio offers a solution to reshape your gum line and reveal more of your natural teeth. Dr. Alber is quoted saying, “I love helping people feel more confident with their smile and teeth.” Dr. Marc Alber uses precision laser technology to create balanced, aesthetically pleasing proportions that enhance your smile’s appearance. This cosmetic dentistry procedure addresses concerns that many Boulder patients have lived with for years but didn’t realize could be corrected with a relatively straightforward treatment.
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping or gingivectomy, removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface. The procedure creates symmetry across your smile and establishes proper proportions between your teeth and gums.
Crown lengthening serves a similar purpose but often involves removing both gum tissue and small amounts of bone to expose more tooth structure. Dentists use this technique when preparing teeth for restorations or when teeth have fractured below the gum line. Both procedures create the foundation for an attractive, well-proportioned smile.
The causes of excessive gum tissue vary. Genetics plays the primary role in determining your gum line’s natural position. Certain medications can cause gum overgrowth as a side effect. Some patients develop uneven gum lines due to inflammation or inadequate oral hygiene that allows tissue to extend further over the teeth than normal.
Modern dental lasers have transformed gum contouring from a more invasive surgical procedure into a precise, comfortable treatment with minimal recovery time. During your consultation, Dr. Alber evaluates your gum tissue, tooth proportions, and overall facial aesthetics to create a treatment plan tailored to your smile goals.
The procedure begins with local anesthesia to ensure complete comfort. Dr. Alber then uses a dental laser to carefully remove excess tissue along the predetermined contour line. The laser simultaneously cuts and cauterizes tissue, which minimizes bleeding and promotes faster healing compared to traditional scalpel techniques.
Laser technology allows exceptional control during the contouring process. The focused beam removes tissue in precise increments, enabling adjustments that create natural-looking symmetry. This precision proves particularly valuable when reshaping the gum line around individual teeth or creating uniform contours across your entire smile.
The laser’s sterilization effect reduces infection risk significantly. Because the beam seals blood vessels and nerve endings as it works, patients typically experience less discomfort both during and after the procedure. Many Boulder patients appreciate that laser treatment means they can return to normal activities more quickly than traditional gum surgery would allow.
This procedure benefits patients whose primary concern involves the appearance or position of their gum tissue rather than underlying periodontal disease. Ideal candidates have good overall oral health, realistic expectations about outcomes, and sufficient tooth structure beneath the excess gum tissue.
You might consider gum contouring if you experience any of these concerns:
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Many patients achieve their most dramatic results by combining gum contouring with additional cosmetic procedures. After reshaping your gum line to expose more tooth surface, treatments like teeth whitening or porcelain veneers can enhance the newly visible enamel. This comprehensive approach addresses both the soft tissue framing your smile and the teeth themselves.
If you have teeth that appear short or worn, gum contouring may reveal sufficient tooth structure to support restorations without more extensive procedures. Patients planning smile makeovers often begin with gum reshaping to establish proper proportions before proceeding with veneers, crowns, or bonding treatments.
Dr. Alber evaluates how various procedures can work together to achieve your aesthetic goals. His experience with comprehensive cosmetic dentistry means he can explain which sequence of treatments will produce the most satisfying final result while respecting your budget and timeline preferences.
Most patients resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours following laser gum contouring. The treated area may feel tender for several days, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Unlike traditional gum surgery, laser treatment rarely requires prescription pain medication.
You’ll need to follow specific care instructions during the first week. Eating soft, cool foods prevents irritation while tissues heal. Avoiding very hot beverages, spicy foods, and crunchy items protects the treatment area. Gentle oral hygiene remains important, though you’ll temporarily modify your brushing and flossing techniques around the affected gums.
The tissue remodels and settles over several weeks. Initial healing occurs quickly, but the gums continue refining their new contour for up to three months. Dr. Alber schedules follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing. Most patients notice their final results within six to eight weeks.
Gum contouring produces permanent changes to your gum line. The removed tissue does not grow back, so the enhanced proportions and symmetry remain stable for years. Maintaining your results requires consistent oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings to keep the remaining gum tissue healthy and prevent inflammation that could affect appearance.
If you develop periodontal disease after your procedure, gum tissue can recede or change position. This makes proper preventive care essential. Regular checkups allow us to monitor your gum health and address any concerns before they impact your cosmetic results.
Some patients experience minor settling or adjustment in gum position during the first few months after treatment. These changes typically refine the contour slightly rather than reversing the procedure’s benefits. Your commitment to excellent oral hygiene and professional maintenance protects your investment in your smile.
Dr. Marc Alber brings over 26 years of experience to cosmetic dentistry procedures, combining technical expertise with an artistic eye for facial aesthetics. Our practice utilizes advanced laser technology that makes gum contouring more comfortable and predictable than ever before. Patients appreciate our straightforward communication about what procedures will accomplish and realistic timelines for achieving their goals.
We understand that changing your smile involves both excitement and some nervousness about the process. Our team takes time to answer your questions thoroughly and ensure you feel comfortable with every aspect of your treatment plan. For patients who experience dental anxiety, we offer sedation options that help you relax throughout the procedure. Contact our Boulder office today to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation and discover how gum contouring can enhance your smile’s natural beauty.
Alber dental is a truly outstanding practice. By far the best dental practice I have visited. Every person there cares deeply about their patients and providing a comfortable, relaxing and extremely professional experience for their guests. Cannot recommend highly enough.
A true 5 stars experience. I’m a new patient. Had a great experience under the care of two lovely and skilled hygienists, both highly knowledgeable and with good manner. My interactions with Dr Alber were also very pleasant, filled with great info and advice and without the feeling badgering salesmanship of upselling me on orthodontics I know I don’t need. Overall, very content and will be happy to return.
Having recently moved to Boulder, I feel lucky to have found this dental practice. They carefully diagnosed and quickly addressed the problems I had with a couple of teeth. All of the staff are very knowledgeable and communicate well.I feel that they know and care about their patients, and I’ve learned a lot about teeth!
I had a very good experience at Alber Dental. The technology is modern and efficient with crowns and onlays completed in under two hours. Everyone I interacted with are professional, polite and happy to answer questions. On top of that, they accept my insurance.
Dr. Alber is the best. He employs the best hygienists who use the best instruments, he provides the latest gadgets ensuring patient comfort. The office is comfortable. I will never have another dentist
I have been a patient of Dr. Alber for several years now, and am very pleased with him and his team. They are professional, compassionate, and efficient. I highly recommend them.
We LOVE going here and feel such a relief to have them! Wouldn’t want any other dentist for my family.
Whole office is supportive and friendly. Dr. Alber is skilled and works quickly.
I’ve been a patient for 20+ years. Goes to show that I rather not try any other dentist. Every one of Dr Alber’s staff is exceptional.
Absolutely the best experience I’ve ever had!! I’m extremely picky about dentists and hygienists. This team has it dialed in to the moon and back!!
