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The Gum Contouring Journey: Your Path to a Balanced Smile

What exactly is a “gummy smile”? It’s when excess gum tissue makes your teeth appear shorter than they actually are, creating an unbalanced ratio between teeth and gums.

This common condition affects many people, but the good news is that it’s completely fixable with our minimally invasive techniques.

Step 1. Comprehensive Consultation

Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation of your smile aesthetics. We’ll examine your teeth-to-gum ratio, assess your facial features, and discuss your specific concerns about your smile.

Step 2. Treatment Planning & Preparation

Once you decide to proceed with gum contouring, we’ll take detailed measurements of your current gumline and determine the ideal amount of tissue to remove for optimal aesthetics. 

We’ll explain the procedure in detail, answer any questions, and ensure you feel completely comfortable before moving forward. For your comfort, we’ll administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area thoroughly.

Step 3. The Gum Contouring Procedure 

Using state-of-the-art laser technology, we’ll precisely reshape your gumline according to the predetermined measurements. The laser simultaneously cuts and cauterises the tissue, resulting in minimal bleeding and discomfort.

The laser’s precision allows us to:

  • Create perfect symmetry between teeth
  • Remove just the right amount of tissue
  • Contour a naturally scalloped gumline
  • Seal the tissue as we work, promoting faster healing

Immediately after your procedure, you’ll see a dramatic improvement in your smile! We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.

Most patients are fully healed within 1-2 weeks, with the final result being a beautifully balanced smile that highlights your natural teeth in perfect proportion to your gums.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there's no strict medical definition, cosmetic dentists generally consider a smile "gummy" when more than 3-4mm of gum tissue shows when smiling normally. However, the perception of a gummy smile is also subjective and depends on individual facial proportions and personal preferences.

A gummy smile (excessive gingival display) can be caused by several factors:

  • Overgrowth of gum tissue (gingival hyperplasia)
  • Short or worn-down teeth
  • Hyperactive upper lip muscles
  • Abnormal tooth eruption (teeth didn't fully emerge)
  • Upper jaw development issues

At Chic Dental, we'll identify the specific cause of your gummy smile during your consultation to determine if gum contouring is the right solution or if other treatments might be more appropriate for your situation.

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after gum contouring. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you'll feel nothing during treatment. With our advanced laser technology, post-procedure discomfort is significantly reduced compared to traditional surgical techniques. 

The gum contouring procedure itself typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on how many teeth are being treated. For most patients, we can complete the entire process—from consultation to treatment—in a single appointment. 

Recovery from laser gum contouring is remarkably quick. Most patients experience:

  • Mild tenderness for 24-48 hours
  • Minor sensitivity for 3-5 days
  • Complete tissue healing within 1-2 weeks

You can generally return to work or school the day after treatment, though we recommend a soft diet for the first few days and careful brushing around the treated area. The visual results are immediate, even though complete healing takes a bit longer.

When performed by experienced professionals like our team at Chic Dental, gum contouring is a safe procedure that won't negatively impact your oral health. In fact, in some cases, it can make oral hygiene easier by eliminating deep gum pockets that trap bacteria. 

Yes, gum contouring results are permanent since the removed gum tissue doesn't grow back. However, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent gum inflammation that could alter the appearance of your results.

Yes! Gum contouring is excellent for correcting asymmetrical or irregular gumlines. Whether one side of your smile shows more gum than the other, or individual teeth have different gum heights, contouring can create a perfectly balanced, symmetrical appearance.

Gum contouring in Melbourne typically ranges from $200 to $350 per tooth, with most patients treating 6-8 teeth across their smile line. The total investment depends on the complexity of your case and the number of teeth requiring treatment. We offer flexible payment plans to make this transformative treatment accessible.

When performed purely for cosmetic reasons, gum contouring is typically considered an elective procedure and may not be covered by basic dental insurance. However, if the procedure addresses functional issues or is part of necessary periodontal treatment, partial coverage may be available.

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