Gum contouring

Gum contouring in Miami

When the gums sit low or uneven, teeth can look short or mismatched however healthy they are. Reshaping the gumline lets them show at their natural length — and frames a new smile beautifully.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Rodolfo Rodriguez, DMD · Updated October 4, 2026

What gum contouring does

Gum contouring trims and reshapes the gum along the teeth to create an even, balanced line. It can make teeth that look short appear their true length, even out a gumline that is higher on one side, and reduce how much gum shows when you smile.

Who it suits

Teeth that look short because gum covers part of them
A gumline that is uneven from tooth to tooth
A smile that shows more gum than you would like
Planning porcelain veneers or crowns, where an even gumline frames the new teeth

The gums need to be healthy first. If there is inflammation or gum disease, we treat it before any cosmetic work.

Why a smile shows extra gum

Extra gum over the teeth is one cause. Another is an upper lip that lifts high when you smile; that is often softened with Botox instead. Sometimes both play a part. Dr. Rodriguez looks at your smile, your lips and your teeth together and tells you which approach fits.

What treatment involves

The gumline is planned first, as part of your smile design. The area is numbed with local anesthesia, and the gum is reshaped with fine instruments. Most people return to normal activities the next day.

If more than the gum needs to change to reach the result you want, Dr. Rodriguez will explain the options before anything is done.

Healing

The gums are usually tender for a few days. Eat soft foods, brush gently around the area and follow your aftercare instructions. The new gumline settles over the following weeks, and veneers or crowns are made once it has healed.

FAQs

Is gum contouring painful?

The area is numbed first. Afterward, tenderness for a few days is common and usually eased with over-the-counter pain relief.

Will my gums grow back?

When the new gumline is planned around the bone and the teeth, it usually stays where it was placed. Your exam tells us where the gum can safely sit.

Can it be done with veneers?

Yes. Contouring is often part of a veneer plan, done first so the porcelain is made for the final gumline.

Is it covered by insurance?

Cosmetic gum contouring usually isn't. See Insurance & membership for financing.

Terms

Gumline: The edge where the gum meets the teeth.
Gummy smile: A smile that shows more gum above the upper teeth than usual.
Gum contouring: Reshaping the gum to even out the gumline or show more of the teeth.

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