Gum Contouring in Salinas, CA
Sculpt a balanced gumline. Reveal more tooth. Love your smile.
If a “gummy” smile or uneven gumline makes your teeth look short or asymmetrical, gum contouring can refine the frame of your smile with precision and comfort. At NEXT Dentistry in Salinas, we use gentle, modern techniques to reshape excess gum tissue and create a more harmonious tooth‑to‑gum ratio—often in a single visit.
What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring (also called gum reshaping or gingival sculpting) is a cosmetic procedure where excess gum tissue is carefully removed and the gumline is re‑shaped to improve balance and symmetry. Depending on your case, this can be performed with a traditional surgical approach or a soft‑tissue dental laser.
Why lasers? Modern soft‑tissue lasers allow highly targeted tissue removal and can reduce bleeding and postoperative discomfort—helping many patients heal faster.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
You may be a great candidate for gum contouring if you have:
- Excessive gingival display (a smile that shows too much gum)
- Uneven gum heights across front teeth
- Gum overgrowth after orthodontic treatment
- Healthy gums overall (we’ll treat periodontal issues first if present)
If we spot signs of gum disease, we’ll begin with gum disease therapy to create a healthy foundation.
Gum Contouring vs. Gingivectomy vs. Crown Lengthening
- Gum contouring / reshaping: Cosmetic re‑sculpting of excess gum tissue to balance the smile. May use laser or scalpel; sometimes combined with minimal bone recontouring if needed.
- Gingivectomy: Surgical removal of gum tissue—used medically to treat certain gum conditions—and also for some cosmetic cases. Recovery is typically about a week.
- Esthetic crown lengthening: When more tooth structure needs to be revealed for symmetry or to support restorations, your clinician may reshape both gum and underlying bone for a stable, lasting result.
Your dentist will help you choose the right approach based on lip position, tooth proportions, and bone levels so your results look natural and remain stable.
Our Process at NEXT Dentistry
Consultation & Smile Goals
We discuss what you’d like to change, evaluate your smile and gum‑to‑tooth ratio, and ensure your oral health is on track first.
Digital Planning & Preview
We use modern digital planning (Digital‑Smile‑Design‑style) to map proposed changes so you can preview your new gumline before we begin.
Comfort‑first Treatment
After local anesthesia, your dentist gently removes and contours excess tissue—often with a soft‑tissue laser. If you’re anxious, ask about sedation options during your consult. Most cases take about 1–2 hours, depending on how many teeth are involved.
Refinement & Photography
We confirm symmetry and proportion, take “after” photos, and review simple aftercare.
See real‑patient results in our
Before & After Gallery.
Recovery & Aftercare
Most people return to normal routines in 1–2 days, with gums typically healing in about a week. Stick to soft foods (yogurt, eggs, pasta), avoid spicy/crunchy items for several days, keep the area clean as directed, and use over‑the‑counter pain relief if needed. We’ll share personalized instructions and check in as you heal.
Combine Gum Contouring with Other Smile Upgrades
Refining the gumline often pairs beautifully with:
- Veneers & cosmetic dentistry to perfect tooth shape and shade
- Clear aligners to straighten edges before or after contouring
- Professional whitening (see Cosmetic Dentistry) to finish brighter
Curious about trends and options? Explore our blogs: Top Cosmetic Dentistry Trends for 2025 and Preparing Your Smile for Summer: Cosmetic Dentistry Trends.
Cost, Insurance & Easy Financing
Gum contouring costs vary by the number of teeth treated, whether bone recontouring is needed, and if it’s part of a broader smile makeover. Insurance typically does not cover purely cosmetic care, but we’ll help you check benefits and maximize any medically necessary components. We also offer flexible financing (Plan for Health + third‑party options) to make care comfortable for your budget.
Why Patients Choose NEXT Dentistry
- Experienced, compassionate team led by Dr. Veronika Vazquez
- Modern technology and gentle techniques for comfort and precision
- Personalized planning with clear timelines and transparent fees
- Convenient Salinas location serving Monterey County and nearby communities
FAQs: Gum Contouring in Salinas, CA
What exactly is gum contouring?
Gum contouring reshapes excess gum tissue to create a more uniform, balanced smile. It can be done with a scalpel or a soft‑tissue laser, depending on your needs.
Am I a candidate?
If you have a “gummy” smile, uneven gumline, or gum overgrowth after braces—and your gums are healthy—you may be a good candidate. We’ll confirm at your consultation.
Is the procedure painful?
You’ll be fully numbed with local anesthesia. Many people report only mild soreness afterward, managed with OTC pain relievers. Ask us about sedation options if you’re anxious.
How long does it take to heal?
Most patients return to daily activities within 1–2 days; gum tissue typically heals in about a week. We’ll provide tailored aftercare instructions.
Will my gums grow back?
Results are typically long‑lasting. In some cases, if underlying bone isn’t adjusted where needed, limited regrowth can occur; your clinician will plan to minimize this risk.
What’s the difference between gum contouring, gingivectomy, and crown lengthening?
Gum contouring is cosmetic reshaping; a gingivectomy removes gum tissue (often for medical reasons); esthetic crown lengthening may also contour underlying bone to reveal more tooth for symmetry or restorations.
Can gum contouring be combined with other treatments?
Yes—contouring is often paired with veneers, clear aligners, and whitening for a comprehensive makeover.
Will insurance cover it?
Cosmetic portions are usually not covered; medically necessary components might be. We’ll verify benefits and review financing options with you.
What if I have gum disease?
We’ll treat periodontal issues first to protect results. Learn more about gum disease treatment in Salinas.
How long does the appointment take?
Many cases take about 1–2 hours, depending on how many teeth we’re contouring.