Gum Contouring in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn

Gum contouring in Sheepshead Bay at VITAdent is a cosmetic procedure that can help improve the appearance of a smile when the gums look uneven or cover too much of the teeth. Ideally, the gum line should frame the teeth naturally and show only a small amount of gum when you smile. If you have a “gummy smile” or an irregular gum line, gum contouring can gently reshape the tissue to create a more balanced, attractive smile.

This guide provides an in-depth explanation of gum reshaping, including its benefits, when it is necessary, and the treatment process.

What Is Gum Contouring?

Gum reshaping is a cosmetic treatment in which Dr. Levin removes excess gum tissue, carefully reshaping it to expose more of your natural teeth. Often, the natural teeth underneath are exactly the right size and shape.

Sometimes treatment is used in preparation for other procedures, such as placing dental veneers or crowns.

The result is a more aesthetically pleasing smile, with a gum line that is evenly shaped, exposing just the right amount of gum when you smile.

What Is the Process for Gum Reshaping?

There are two ways we can remove excess gum tissue. The first method is using a traditional scalpel. However, VitaDent has a dental laser which will likely be our preferred choice of treatment.

Why Choose Laser Gum Contouring in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn?

Laser gum contouring is a far gentler treatment and is extremely precise. The laser allows Dr. Levin to remove exactly the right amount of tissue.

As the tissue is removed, the laser energy automatically seals the gum. The result is less bleeding and swelling afterward, and there is no need for stitches.

What Are the Benefits of Gum Contouring?

Generally, the benefits of this treatment are purely aesthetic and can include:

• Improving the overall appearance of your teeth so they are in proportion rather than appearing too small.
• Achieve a symmetrical smile.
• Boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Results are long-lasting.
• Treatment is minimally invasive.
• Recovery afterward is relatively quick and comfortable when laser dentistry is used.

Sometimes gum contouring can provide oral health benefits. It may make it easier to brush and floss thoroughly, thereby maintaining good dental health.

Gum Contouring Process Step-By-Step

Several steps are involved to ensure your gum contouring treatment is carefully planned to obtain the best results.

Step One: Initial Consultation & Assessment

• Dental Exam. An initial consultation with Dr. Levin is required so that he can conduct a thorough dental exam to assess your gum health. You mustn’t have active gum disease or any other dental issues requiring treatment. If you do, we can provide treatment to remedy these issues first before planning your gum reshaping.
• Assessing the Reason for Your Gummy Smile. During this appointment, Dr. Levin will assess the cause of your gummy smile and determine whether gum reshaping is an appropriate treatment option. A gummy smile can be caused by overactive facial muscles in the upper lip. If this is the case, you would require a different treatment than gum reshaping to help these muscles relax and lower your lip line.

Step Two: Treatment Planning

Treatment planning will involve diagnostic tests to ensure your custom plan is devised accurately.

• Digital Imaging. Digital dental X-rays are needed so Dr. Levin can visualize your jawbone. Some gummy smiles are caused by excessive gum tissue around the tooth, which would need to be removed during your treatment.
• Your Custom Treatment Plan. Several factors are considered when planning your treatment, including the position of your lips as you smile and your facial structure. Dr. Levin will discuss the treatment plan with you, including how many teeth may require excess gum tissue to be removed and reshaped.

Step Three: Gum Reshaping Surgery

Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable during the procedure, which is minimally invasive. Once it takes effect, a marking pen is used to outline how much gum tissue will be removed.

Dr. Levin then uses a dental laser to remove excess gum and reshape the gum line. The laser also cauterizes blood vessels as it works, which helps reduce bleeding, lowers the risk of infection, and supports a smoother recovery.

Step Four: Recovery & Aftercare

It’s normal for your gums to feel sore after the anesthetic wears off. Discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief, and you’ll be advised on what to take before you leave. You’ll also receive clear instructions on how to care for your gums, including oral hygiene and which foods to avoid during healing.

Stick to soft foods at first that don’t require much chewing. Choose cool foods and avoid anything hot, spicy, crunchy, or with seeds or nuts, as these can irritate your gums or get stuck.

Step Five: Reviewing the Results

Once your gums have healed, a follow-up visit is scheduled to check the results. Only a small amount of gum tissue is removed during the procedure, so healing can be assessed properly. If needed, your gum line can be refined at the follow-up appointment to improve the final shape.

Are There Any Risks to Gum Reshaping?

This is a relatively low-risk procedure, and you can rest assured that every precaution is taken to ensure your treatment is a success. Although rare, there is a minor risk of infection. Using laser dentistry helps reduce this risk by sealing any blood vessels in the gum tissue as it is cut.

Sometimes, the gum tissue can regrow, and you may need an additional procedure to remove it later. Once healing is complete, some patients choose to complement their new gum line with professional teeth whitening for an even more polished smile.

Is Gum Contouring Right for You?

Gum contouring may be a good option if your gums are healthy, but you feel you show too much gum tissue when you smile or talk. It’s also useful if your teeth look small because they are covered by excess gum tissue, but have a normal shape underneath. Gum reshaping uses minimally invasive techniques to improve how your gums frame your teeth. In some cases, it’s combined with cosmetic dental bonding to improve tooth shape and symmetry.

If you’re unhappy with a “gummy smile” or uneven gum line, experienced dentist Igor Levin at VITAdent, located on Avenue X in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn (11235), offers gentle, precise laser gum contouring to make your smile more beautiful. Call us at (718) 766-0002 or visit to book your consultation.