Gum Contouring Costs*

Gum contouring costs typically range from $ 1200 to $ 3000*. Gum reshaping prices vary depending on the extent of the work, where you live, the expertise of the dentist etc.

Most dental clinics offer flexible financing and payment options, some of which allow staggered payments or loans from VARIOUS FINANCING COMPANIES.

If you are thinking about having a gum contouring treatment but want more information about the financing options available before you make your decision, PLEASE CLICK HERE. You can discuss your financial options with your dentist, and find out if there are any loans of flexi-payment plans that will allow you to achieve the beautiful, even smile that you want.

Am I a candidate for a Gum Contouring Procedure?

You may be a suitable candidate for gum reshaping if you feel that:

1. Your smile is too “gummy”, i.e. too much gum is on show when you smile
2. Your teeth look too short or stubby
3. You have an uneven gum line

Gum contouring removes excess gum tissue and exposes more of the crown of the tooth to create a better looking smile.  

Gum Contouring Definition

Gum contouring (gum reshaping or cosmetic gum lifting) is the removal of excess gum tissue to create the correct, aesthetically pleasing proportion of gum tissue to visible tooth surface to create an improved smile.

What is a Gum Contouring Procedure?

Healthy, well-contoured gums complement the teeth and create a great smile. Unhealthy, unsymmetrical or excess gum tissue can spoil the look of otherwise good teeth. Patients with a gummy smile may be concerned that too much gum shows when they smile, the teeth may be short, or the gum tissue may grow at different heights on adjacent teeth which creates an uneven appearance. "Gummy" smiles are a common problem caused by an overgrowth of the gum tissue. This excess tissue covers a larger part of the teeth, and can be hereditary health conditions, or by the use of some types of medication. Gum reshaping can remedy the cosmetic appearance of the teeth and gums

During the gum contouring procedure, the dentist marks out the excess gum tissue, then carefully trims it away using a special laser which also cauterises (seals) the blood vessels to minimise bleeding. A topical anesthetic is normally used to reduce any discomfort. The gum reshaping procedure ususally takes about an hour. The tissue usually heals quickly with little or no discomfort. If a large amount of gum tissue has been removed, healing may take longer and it may also be necessary to trim some bone on the front of the tooth root to prevent re-growth of the gum tissue.

The results are immediately obvious, and usually permanent. Though gum contouring is a commonly performed and relatively safe procedure, as with any surgical procedure there are gum reshaping risks involved. If too much gum tissue is removed, healing may be permanently impaired, which can lead to swelling and further treatment.

How is Gum Contouring done?

The dentist prepares the patient for the cosmetic gum lift procedure by applying a topical or local anesthetic to the gums. A laser (a concentrated ray of light) is then directed at the gum area to be treated to precisely trim away the excess gum tissue. This reshapes the edges of the gums above the front teeth to form an even looking smile. At the same time as trimming away the tissue, the laser cauterizes (seals off) the blood vessels to prevent bleeding and accelerate healing.

If trimming the gum tissue is not sufficient to satisfactorily reshape the appearance of the teeth, some bone at the front of the tooth root may need to be trimmed away too to prevent re-growth of the gum tissue.

The results are immediately obvious, and healing is relatively fast due to the cauterization process at the time of the gum contouring treatment.

Questions to Ask a dentist about Gum Contouring

Here is an essential check list of questions you may want to ask your perfectyourself.com dental professional:

1. Am I a good candidate for gum contouring?
2. Are my described expectations realistic?
3. How long will the procedure take?
4. What kind of anesthesia or pain relief is used?
5. What is your experience in performing gum contouring?
6. Can I see your qualifications?
7. Ask to see any gum contouring before and after photographs of recent procedures
8. What percentages of your gum contouring patients have had significant post-treatment complications?
9. How much will my gum contouring procedure cost?
10. Do you offer patient financing? (Flexible payment schemes for your surgery)
11. Will you repeat/correct procedures if the agreed goals are not met? If this is the case, will I be charged again?
12. Ask to observe the exact procedure you are considering before you decided to have surgery if you are unsure (this could be on videotape or in real life).
13. What is the recovery and healing period for gum contouring? When can I resume full normal activity?
14. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended
15. Ask for and follow up on patient references (these can be invaluable to finding out what your surgeon is really like and the level of customer satisfaction he/she has received in the past)

Cosmetic Dentist Checklist

Knowledge is power so arm yourself with the facts before making any decision about Gum Contouring procedures; click here for an essential check list to help you find the right Perfect Yourself dentist.