Gum Contouring

Gum Contouring in Great Falls & Ashburn, VA

If you have a gummy smile, gum contouring may be the treatment for you! Gum contouring at Costa Dentistry is a quick, minimally invasive treatment that reshapes your gum line to better frame your teeth and create a more balanced, proportionate smile. Meet with us to learn more about improving your smile!

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A woman smiling with bright uniform teeth.

Best Candidates for Gum Contouring Treatment

Gum contouring is a great option if you:

Have excess gum tissue that makes your smile appear ‘gummy’
Have an uneven or asymmetrical gum line
Feel your teeth look too short or small relative to your gums
Have healthy gums with no signs of active gum disease
Are looking to enhance your smile as part of a broader cosmetic treatment plan

Our team of cosmetic dentists will evaluate your gum health and smile goals at your consultation to confirm that gum contouring is the right treatment for you.

Before and after photo showcasing significant veneer results, highlighting improved brightness and overall appearance.

The Gum Contouring Process at Costa Dentistry

What to expect from a gum contouring treatment—often a standalone service or combined with other cosmetic procedures.

STEP 1 Consultation

Our dental team checks your gum line, discusses your smile goals, and evaluates how much tissue should be removed for the best aesthetic outcome.

STEP 2 Numbing

A local anesthetic is applied to keep you fully comfortable throughout the procedure.

STEP 3 Laser Treatment

We use a soft tissue dental laser to gently and precisely remove and reshape the excess gum tissue. The laser simultaneously seals the tissue as it works, which minimizes bleeding and reduces healing time.

STEP 4 Recovery

Gum contouring can often be completed in one appointment with minimal recovery time! Most patients experience only mild sensitivity for a few days.

Choosing Costa Dentistry for Gum Contouring

Gum contouring is as much an art as it is a procedure to create a gum line that looks natural, balanced, and proportionate to your specific smile. Costa Dentistry’s award-winning cosmetic team brings both the technical precision and the aesthetic sensibility needed to deliver results that complement your overall appearance. We serve patients from Ashburn, Great Falls, Fairfax, and throughout Northern Virginia.

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Gum Contouring FAQs

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring, sometimes referred to as crown lengthening, is a simple procedure to remove gum tissue that is impacting the appearance of your smile. By exposing more of your tooth structure, we can give you a better gumline and a more beautiful smile.

How should I care for my gums after my treatment?

You may experience some sensitivity after your gum contouring treatment. Continue to practice your normal dental hygiene routine, but be gentle and take care to avoid irritating or causing damage to your gums. The sensitivity should subside shortly so that you can fully enjoy your new smile.

Does gum contouring hurt?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel no pain during treatment. Afterward, some tenderness and mild sensitivity around the gums is normal for a few days and is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients find the recovery very manageable.

Is gum contouring permanent?

Yes. Once gum tissue is removed with a laser, it does not grow back. Your reshaped gum line is a permanent change.

Can gum contouring be combined with other cosmetic treatments?

Absolutely. Gum contouring pairs well with dental veneers, teeth whitening, and Bioclear as part of a comprehensive smile makeover with Costa Dentistry.

Real Results From Costa Dentistry Patients

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Whitening, Gum Contouring & Veneers

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