Gum Contouring in Delta, BC
Gum Contouring Near You
The amount and shape of gum tissue around your teeth can affect the overall appearance of your smile. Some people naturally show more gum when they smile, while others have an uneven gumline that makes certain teeth appear shorter than those beside them. At Delta Centre Laser Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide gum contouring in Delta, BC, for suitable patients who want to reshape selected areas of gum tissue. We use laser technology to make precise changes while considering the health of the gums and the natural proportions of the teeth.
If you are looking for gum contouring near you, we begin by examining your teeth and gums to determine why excess or uneven gum tissue is present. This helps us decide whether simple soft-tissue contouring is appropriate or whether another procedure would better address the concern.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is a procedure that reshapes the gumline by removing or adjusting small amounts of gum tissue around selected teeth. It may be performed to create a more even gumline or expose more of the visible tooth surface.
The procedure is often cosmetic, particularly when someone feels that too much gum shows when they smile. However, not every “gummy smile” has the same cause. Tooth position, lip movement, jaw development, and the amount of gum and bone around the teeth can all influence how much gum is visible.
For that reason, an examination is important before deciding whether gum contouring will address the concern.
When May Gum Contouring Be Considered?
Gum contouring may help address:
Excess gum tissue around selected teeth
An uneven gumline
Teeth that appear short because of gum coverage
Differences in gum height between neighbouring teeth
Cosmetic concerns related to a “gummy” smile
The gums need to be healthy before elective cosmetic treatment. If inflammation or periodontal disease is present, we may recommend treating that condition first.
How Does Laser Gum Contouring Work?
Delta Centre Laser Cosmetic Dentistry uses BIOLASE Waterlase technology for selected soft-tissue procedures. The laser allows us to precisely reshape targeted areas of gum tissue according to the treatment plan.
When we provide gum contouring in Delta, BC, the procedure generally includes:
Examining Your Smile
We evaluate your gumline, tooth proportions, bite, and overall gum health.
Planning the New Gumline
We determine which areas may be adjusted and how much tissue can safely be reshaped.
Keeping You Comfortable
Local anaesthetic may be used when needed.
Reshaping the Tissue
We use laser technology to remove or contour selected gum tissue.
Checking the Result
We review the gumline and make sure the treated areas follow the planned shape.
Reviewing Aftercare
We explain how to clean the area and what to expect while the tissues heal.
The amount of treatment varies from one person to another. Some patients need only a small adjustment around one or two teeth, while others may have several teeth treated.
Is Gum Contouring the Same as Crown Lengthening?
No. The procedures can look similar because both may expose more of a tooth, but they serve different purposes and may involve different tissues.
Cosmetic gum contouring usually reshapes soft gum tissue to improve the appearance of the gumline.
Crown lengthening may be performed when more tooth structure needs to be exposed for restorative or other clinical reasons. Depending on the case, it may also involve adjusting the bone around the tooth.
If your concern involves more than excess soft tissue, our dentist in Delta, BC, can determine the appropriate procedure after examining the area.
What Is Recovery Like After Gum Contouring?
Some tenderness, sensitivity, or minor swelling can occur after treatment. The gums may also look slightly different while the tissues heal and settle into their final position.
During early healing, we may recommend:
Brushing carefully around the treated area
Eating softer foods if the gums feel tender
Avoiding foods that irritate the tissues
Taking medications only as directed
Following any cleaning instructions provided by our team
Avoiding smoking or vaping while the area heals
Contact us if you experience increasing swelling, persistent bleeding, significant pain, or another symptom that concerns you.
How Long Do Gum Contouring Results Last?
When gum tissue is appropriately reshaped, the change can be long-lasting. However, the stability of the result depends on why the tissue was positioned where it was in the first place.
The relationship between the gums, teeth, and underlying bone affects the final result. This is another reason we evaluate the area carefully before recommending treatment rather than simply removing visible gum tissue.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits also helps keep the gums healthy after treatment.
Can Gum Contouring Be Combined With Other Cosmetic Treatments?
Yes. Gum contouring may sometimes be part of a broader cosmetic treatment plan.
For example, adjusting an uneven gumline may be considered before porcelain veneers or other restorations so the teeth and gums can be planned together. Whitening may also be performed separately when tooth colour is part of the cosmetic concern.
Not everyone needs multiple procedures. We recommend only the treatment needed to address your specific goals.
Why Choose Delta Centre Laser Cosmetic Dentistry for Gum Contouring?
Delta Centre Laser Cosmetic Dentistry has served the Delta community for 35 years and provides cosmetic, restorative, periodontal, and laser dental care in one practice.
At our dental clinic near you, you can expect:
BIOLASE Waterlase technology
Experience with hard- and soft-tissue laser procedures
Treatment planned around gum health and tooth proportions
Cosmetic and restorative care in the same office
Clear explanations before treatment
An anxiety-friendly approach
Dr. Mo was an early adopter of laser dentistry, and our team uses laser technology for selected procedures ranging from soft-tissue contouring to restorative care.
We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and major dental insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan and the reason for treatment. Procedures performed primarily for cosmetic purposes may not be covered.
Schedule Gum Contouring Near You
If excess or uneven gum tissue affects how you feel about your smile, an examination can help determine the cause and whether contouring is appropriate.
At Delta Centre Laser Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide gum contouring near you using laser technology to reshape selected gum tissue with careful attention to your smile and oral health.
Call 604-597-8255 to schedule an appointment at 7337 120 St, Delta, BC V4C 1C9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does gum contouring hurt?
Local anaesthetic may be used to keep the treatment area comfortable. Some tenderness or sensitivity can occur afterward as the gums heal.
Is laser gum contouring suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability depends on your gum health, tooth position, underlying bone, and the cause of the excess gum display. We examine these factors before recommending treatment.
Will my gums grow back after contouring?
The result can be long-lasting when treatment is properly planned, but tissue position depends partly on the underlying teeth and bone. We assess these structures before treatment.
How long does it take for the gums to heal?
Initial healing may occur relatively quickly, but the tissues can take longer to fully settle. We provide aftercare instructions based on the extent of your treatment.
Is gum contouring covered by dental insurance or the CDCP?
Coverage depends on why the procedure is performed and your individual plan. Cosmetic treatment may not be covered, while procedures performed for clinical reasons may be treated differently.