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A patient receiving gum contouring with a dental laser.
Cosmetic

Gum Contouring: How Laser Reshaping Creates a Balanced Smile

By Dr. J. Eric Herrington · March 8, 2026 · 4 min read

Smiles work like architecture: every line should be in proportion. Even small asymmetries in the gum line can make teeth look uneven. Gum contouring with a soft-tissue laser quickly reshapes the gums for a balanced, polished smile.

Conditions it corrects

  • Gum line that sits at different heights on neighboring teeth
  • Mild "gummy smile" where teeth look short
  • "Black triangles" between teeth (sometimes paired with other procedures)
  • Asymmetries after orthodontic treatment

Why a laser?

A soft-tissue laser cauterizes as it cuts, which means very little bleeding, no sutures, and almost no post-op discomfort. Most patients are back to normal the same day.

How long it takes

A typical contouring on the smile zone is 30–45 minutes start to finish, including local anesthesia and a digital design preview.

Recovery

  1. Numbness wears off in 1–2 hours
  2. Mild tenderness for 24 hours, controlled with ibuprofen
  3. Soft, lukewarm foods on day one
  4. Final tissue contour visible in 4–6 weeks

Will the gums grow back?

No. Once the new gum line is established, results are permanent unless underlying issues like teeth grinding or periodontal disease change the supporting tissue.

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