I Don’t Like My Gummy Smile: Can You Help?

Nov 02, 2023

If you’re self-conscious about your smile because you feel it shows too much of your gum line, we’d love to help. Find out how gum contouring can correct a gummy smile here.

Your smile is a beautiful thing. It’s something that signals joy and human connection. But, if you feel like your smile shows too much of your gum line — a condition known as excessive gingival display — you might feel self-conscious and tempted to hide your smile.

If you have a gummy smile, you might think your teeth are shorter or smaller than average. However, this is not the case. It just means that you have 3-4 millimeters of extra gum tissue, and it covers some of your teeth, making them appear shorter.

Thankfully, we can treat a gummy smile with a cosmetic dentistry procedure known as gum contouring.

Nodesh Shyamsunder, BDS, Jasleen Raina, DDS, and the rest of our team at Beaches Dentistry in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, offer gum contouring as part of our smile makeover services to help you boost your self-confidence and achieve your smile goals.

Explaining gum contouring

When you have a gummy smile, you have excess gum tissue that covers portions of your teeth. So, gum contouring is a procedure by experts — such as our team — to cut away some of that extra gum tissue.

Typically, a laser can give you a more natural-looking gum line, but enough gum tissue is left behind to leave a natural oral structure intact.

How the gum contouring process works

Our team performs a thorough oral exam before conducting the gum contouring surgery. We ensure you don’t have any signs of cavities or gum disease that may affect treatment. Then, we determine how much gum tissue we can cut away to protect your teeth while helping you reach your goals.

When you come in for the procedure, we administer a local anesthetic to ensure your gums are numb. We then mark your new gumline and cut away all the excess gum tissue to match what’s drawn. Depending on your tooth anatomy, we may need to cut some bone. After all the necessary removal, we stitch up your new gum line.

The whole procedure should take 1-2 hours, and if you get sedated, you need a friend or family member to drive you home afterward. You experience mild soreness for a few days after the surgery, so have some over-the-counter pain medication handy to relieve you.

To determine if you’re a good candidate for gum contouring, contact our team to set up a consultation. You can do this by giving us a call at 904-246-6714 or by using our online scheduler today.

What our patients are saying

Dr. Raina has been an outstanding orthodontist for me! I needed upper and lower braces as an adult and she made the entire process a fantastic experience! The entire office staff is so kind, patient, and personable! Another plus is having my dentist, Dr. Nodesh, in the same office so cleanings and routine dental checkups could overlap on the same day as orthodontic appointments.

Rhonda J

I’ve been going here for nearly 35 years, and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. The staff is very professional and friendly.

Will H.

Very friendly and collegial staff. Dr. Nodesh was very kind and explained me my treatment plan in detail. Highly recommended

Shilpa D

Best most thorough and least pain giving dentist I’ve ever experienced. I am 74 years old, blessed with excellent teeth and am particular about them. The office is equipped with the latest medical equipment and accessories. If you are in the market for a new dentist, this is the place.

Amos A.

Dr. Nodesh and his staff are great. I have never had a dentist who is more meticulous and committed to making sure everything is done correctly and looks great. Thanks Doc

Dorri K.

"I have been a long time patient of Beaches Dentistry. I HIGHLY recommend this practice. My experience includes both routine cleaning and checkups..."

Russ

"So kind, endlessly chatty (which I love), intelligent, funny, and engaging. They obviously love their jobs! And their attitude is infectious."

Win C.

"Dr Nodesh at Beaches Dentistry is amazing! He explains the treatment plan clearly and answers all questions before he commences. Never in a rush."

Nasrin R.

"I could not be happier thus far with my past 3 visits to Beaches Dental. Dr Nodesh has a relaxed, yet professional bedside manner."

Alicia C.