Gum Contouring in Washington DC
Your teeth can be the right size and shape and still look short. The reason is often the gums. A "gummy smile" or an uneven gumline changes how your teeth appear. Gum contouring fixes the frame, so your smile looks balanced.
Here is how the treatment works at DC Pearls, what the visit feels like, and what to expect while you heal.
What gum contouring does
Gum contouring removes or reshapes excess gum tissue. That exposes more of each tooth's surface. The goal is a uniform, symmetrical gumline.
You might consider it if:
- Your teeth look short because gum tissue covers part of them.
- Your gumline sits higher on some teeth than on others.
- You show more gum than you would like when you smile.
Gum contouring removes tissue. If your concern is gum recession, where gums have pulled back, ask about the Chao Pinhole® Technique instead.
Why we use a soft-tissue laser
At DC Pearls, gum contouring is done with soft-tissue laser technology. The laser seals tissue as it works. For you, that means less bleeding, faster healing, and more precise control than traditional surgical methods. Because the laser cauterizes as it cuts, you do not need sutures.
What happens during your visit
Gum contouring takes a single appointment. It follows three steps.
Evaluation and mapping. Your dentist examines your gumline and digitally maps the ideal contour. You preview the planned reshaping before any work begins.
Laser sculpting. You receive local anesthesia. Then the soft-tissue laser removes the excess gum tissue along the mapped line.
Healing and results. You see the change right away. Your gumline settles into its final shape within 1 to 2 weeks.
Recovery
Most patients return to normal activity the next day. There are no sutures to remove.
Is gum contouring right for you?
The best way to know is a consultation. Your dentist will look at your gumline, listen to your goals, and show you the planned contour first. You decide with a clear picture of the result.
Learn more about gum contouring at DC Pearls. When you are ready, book a consultation online or contact us. You can also call (202) 750-8718. We are at 2440 M Street NW, Washington DC.
Gum contouring questions answered
It removes or reshapes excess gum tissue to expose more of each tooth. It treats a gummy smile or an uneven gumline and creates a uniform, symmetrical gumline.
A single appointment. You see results right away, and your gumline settles within 1 to 2 weeks.
No. The laser cauterizes as it cuts, which minimizes bleeding and removes the need for sutures.
Most patients return to normal activity the next day.
Ready to book? Book your appointment online or call (202) 750-8718.