Your smile is one of the first things people notice, and when excess or uneven gum tissue takes center stage, even the healthiest teeth can look smaller or out of proportion. Gum contouring is a precise cosmetic procedure that reshapes the gum line to reveal more of your natural tooth structure, creating a more balanced and confident smile. Whether your gums are naturally uneven, asymmetrical, or simply cover more of your teeth than you would like, this treatment offers a lasting solution.
At Mesa Dental in Summerlin, Las Vegas, the team takes a thoughtful, whole-patient approach to every smile transformation. As part of our cosmetic dentistry offerings, gum contouring is performed with precision and care, guided by the belief that great dentistry starts with truly listening to patients and understanding their goals. We blend science-backed techniques with personalized attention to help you feel genuinely comfortable and assured throughout every step of your care.
When properly placed and with good oral hygiene habits including regular preventive care, dental crowns can last up to 15 years.
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, is a dental procedure designed to remove or adjust excess gum tissue along the gum line. As noted by Cleveland Clinic, dentists use this procedure to treat uneven or “gummy” smiles, where extra tissue covers parts of the teeth. Some people are born with smaller teeth and more prominent gums, while others experience changes that develop through the years. Gum contouring provides a result that is more symmetrical and proportionate in appearance, letting your teeth take center stage.
A gummy smile can develop for several reasons, including genetics, the way teeth erupted during childhood, or natural variation in how gum tissue developed over time. In some cases, certain medications or health conditions can also contribute to excess gum tissue. Regardless of the cause, gum contouring addresses the issue directly and with a permanent, lasting effect.
Before moving forward with gum contouring, we will review your overall oral health to confirm whether you are a good candidate. Good gum and tooth health is essential prior to the procedure, meaning that any existing issues, such as gum disease or cavities, should be addressed first. Most patients who are bothered by an uneven or gummy smile and are in good general health are strong candidates for this treatment.
Stainless steel crowns are typically used to restore baby orprimary teeth in children.
The gum contouring process typically begins with a consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals and examine your gum-to-tooth ratio. During this visit, we will also consider factors like your lip position and facial structure to design a result that creates the right balance so that your smile looks harmonious with the rest of your face. The procedure itself is minimally invasive, and most patients return to their normal routines within a short recovery period.
Recovery from gum contouring generally involves some mild tenderness and swelling for a few days following the procedure. Before you leave our dental office, we will give you specific aftercare guidance, including recommendations for soft foods to eat and gentle oral hygiene practices during healing. The final results become fully visible once the tissue has healed, and most patients find the improvement both significant and worth it.
One of the most popular reasons patients pursue gum contouring is to complement other cosmetic work they are planning or have already completed. When gum tissue is reshaped to better frame the teeth, treatments like veneers or teeth whitening can have even more of a dramatic impact. A well-proportioned gum line sets the foundation for a complete and polished smile, one that you will always want to show to the world.
Pairing gum contouring with a commitment to preventive dentistry helps protect your investment long-term. Maintaining healthy gums through regular cleanings and exams ensures the results of your cosmetic work stay just as beautiful for years to come. Our team at Mesa Dental is happy to walk you through a personalized treatment plan that considers every aspect of your oral health and aesthetic goals.
Mesa Dental is proud to serve patients throughout Summerlin and the greater Las Vegas area with a level of care that goes far beyond aesthetics. Dr. Browner and our team treat the whole patient, drawing on both eastern and western perspectives to deliver dentistry that is rooted in science and guided by genuine trust. We also offer flexible payment options, including an in-house membership plan through Illumitrak, CareCredit, and HSA/FSA payments, making it easier to move forward with the smile you have been dreaming about.
If you are ready to explore what gum contouring can do for your smile, we would love to meet you. Our team takes the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and create a plan built around your individual needs. Reach out today by visiting our contact page to schedule your consultation.
Dr. Emily Browner
A Las Vegas native, Dr. Browner developed her passion for dentistry while working as a dental assistant throughout college. She earned her B.S. in Health Ecology from the University of Nevada Reno before completing her DMD at UNLV School of Dental Medicine. She focuses on personalized preventive and cosmetic dentistry, helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles through veneers, Invisalign, and whole-health dental care.
Dr. R.J. Guideng
Dr. Guideng brings specialized expertise in dental implantology to Mesa Dental. As an AAID-credentialed dentist through the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, he is dedicated to advancing his skills in implant dentistry and providing patients with lasting solutions for missing teeth, including All-on-X full arch restorations and single-tooth implants.
We make quality dental care accessible with flexible payment options.
We work with most PPO insurance plans. Our office files claims on your behalf and provides benefit estimates before treatment begins.
We offer financing through CareCredit and in-house payment plans to help you break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments. For patients without insurance, our in-house membership program starts at just $33/month and includes cleanings, exams, and 20% off all treatments.
Questions? Call us at (702) 640-0004 to discuss your coverage, financing, or membership options.
Mesa Dental offers comprehensive dentistry for patients throughout Las Vegas and Summerlin. From preventive care to advanced cosmetic procedures, our conservative and whole-health approach delivers exceptional results. Below are just some of the services we provide.
Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your goals and discover how Mesa Dental can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
