Gum Recontouring in Alpharetta, GA
If your teeth look short, your gum line is uneven, or more gum shows than you'd like when you smile, gum recontouring reshapes the gum line so more of your natural teeth show.
What Is Gum Recontouring?
Gum recontouring — also called gum reshaping or gingival contouring — is a cosmetic procedure that removes a small amount of excess gum tissue and shapes the edge of the gums into an even, balanced line. Your teeth themselves are not changed; more of their natural length simply shows.
It can also make teeth easier to keep clean, where overgrown gum tissue has left folds that trap food and plaque.
Before and after gum contouring for one of our patients. Every smile is different, and results vary. See more cases in our smile gallery.
Who It Can Help
- A "gummy" smile, where a lot of gum shows above the teeth
- An uneven gum line that sits higher over some teeth than others
- Teeth that look short because gum covers part of them
- Extra gum tissue caused by genetics or by certain medications
- A gum line that needs evening out before veneers, crowns or bonding
Healthy Gums Come First
Recontouring is for healthy gums. If there are signs of gum disease — bleeding, swelling, or pockets around the teeth — we treat that first with a periodontal deep cleaning. Reshaping gums that are inflamed would not give an even, stable result.
What Happens During Treatment
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1
Consultation and planning: We look at your smile, the shape and length of your teeth and where your gum line sits, and agree what you want to change.
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2
Numbing: Local anesthetic numbs the gums in the treatment area.
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3
Reshaping: Excess gum tissue is carefully removed and the gum line is shaped to the plan.
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4
Checking the result: We check the new gum line for symmetry and go through your aftercare instructions.
Treatment is usually completed in a single visit. How long it takes depends on how many teeth are involved.
Recovery and Aftercare
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal for the first few days. To help your gums heal:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water or the mouthwash we recommend
- Stick to soft, cool foods, and avoid spicy, crunchy or very hot foods for a few days
- Brush gently around the treated area
- Keep your follow-up appointment
- Call us if bleeding, swelling or pain worries you
What Gum Recontouring Can't Do
- It doesn't treat receding gums. Gums that have pulled back from the teeth need a different procedure.
- It doesn't change the teeth. Their shape, color or position is changed by bonding, veneers, whitening or Invisalign® clear aligners.
- It isn't a treatment for gum disease. That comes first, and separately.
Cost & Insurance Coverage
The cost depends on how many teeth are involved and how much tissue is reshaped. Purely cosmetic recontouring is usually not covered by insurance; we'll check your benefits and give you a written estimate before any treatment.
Financing Options:
- • Cherry payment plans — pre-qualify in 60 seconds with no credit impact
- • CareCredit® financing
- • Smile Makers Club — in-house annual plan for the uninsured
- • Major credit cards & HSA
See all our payment options.
Related Services
Porcelain Veneers
New tooth shapes, designed around your gum line
Cosmetic Bonding
Same-visit repairs for chips and small gaps
Periodontal Deep Cleanings
Treating gum disease before cosmetic work
Serving Alpharetta & Surrounding Areas
Gum recontouring at 3275 North Point Pkwy, Suite #103 serves patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, and beyond. View all locations.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Here's what happens, from first conversation to healing check.
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1 Consultation
Smile & Gum Assessment
We look at your gum line and the shape of your teeth, check your gum health, and agree what you'd like to change.
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2 Treatment visit
Numbing
Local anesthetic numbs the area, so you feel pressure rather than pain while we work.
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3 Treatment visit
Reshaping the Gum Line
A small amount of excess gum tissue is removed and the edge is shaped into an even, natural-looking line.
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4 Follow-up
Healing Check
We check how your gums are healing and answer any questions about looking after them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Call (770) 520-4013 and we'll answer anything.
- Does gum recontouring hurt?
- The area is numbed with local anesthetic, so most people feel pressure rather than pain during treatment. Gums are usually tender for a few days afterwards; soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief help, and we'll give you aftercare instructions.
- How long does recovery take?
- Most people are back to their normal routine within a day or two, with some tenderness while the gums heal. Full healing depends on how much tissue was reshaped, and we'll tell you what to expect for your treatment.
- Is gum recontouring covered by insurance?
- When it is done only to change how your smile looks, insurance usually does not cover it. When gum tissue is removed for a health reason, some plans contribute. We'll check your benefits and give you a written estimate before any treatment.
- Can gum recontouring fix receding gums?
- No. Recontouring removes excess gum tissue. Gums that have pulled back from the teeth need a different treatment, and gum disease has to be treated before any cosmetic work. At your consultation we'll tell you which applies to you.
- Can it be combined with veneers, bonding or whitening?
- Yes. An even gum line is often part of a wider smile makeover, and it is often planned before veneers or bonding so the new tooth shapes can be designed around the final gum line.