For a limited time, enjoy $1000 OFF smile designs (Includes: Exam, X-Rays)
- 561-733-0004
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- 8188 Jog Rd Unit 104, Boynton Beach
- (561)-733-0004
- Location
For a limited time, enjoy $1000 OFF smile designs (Includes: Exam, X-Rays)
Reshape and refine your smile with gum contouring in Boynton Beach, FL—precision treatment that balances your gum line, enhances tooth appearance, and creates a more symmetrical, confident smile.
Gum contouring reshapes the gum line to improve the appearance of your smile and correct functional issues. This cosmetic dental procedure removes excess gum tissue or reshapes uneven gums to create a better proportion between your teeth and gums. At Boynton Beach Dental Services, Dr. Eliseo Fiffe and Dr. Katiuska McIntosh perform gum contouring using modern techniques that deliver natural-looking results with minimal discomfort.
Many people feel self-conscious about a gummy smile or teeth that appear too short due to excess gum coverage. Gum contouring addresses these concerns by sculpting the gum tissue to reveal more of your natural tooth structure. Our husband-and-wife dental team evaluates your smile proportions and creates a treatment plan tailored to your aesthetic goals. We serve patients throughout the Boynton Beach area and offer Spanish-speaking services for your convenience.
A gummy smile occurs when excessive gum tissue covers a significant portion of your teeth, making them appear shorter than they actually are. This condition can result from genetics, certain medications, or how your teeth erupted. Gum contouring removes the excess tissue to expose more of the tooth surface, creating better balance and proportion.
Uneven gum lines create an asymmetrical appearance that draws attention away from your teeth. One tooth may appear longer or shorter than its neighbor due to irregular gum levels. Gum contouring evens out the gum line to create symmetry and improve overall smile aesthetics. Some patients have excess gum tissue covering parts of their teeth due to inflammation or overgrowth, and contouring removes this tissue to restore proper contours.
Your treatment begins with a thorough examination and discussion of your concerns and goals. Dr. Fiffe or Dr. McIntosh evaluates your gum tissue, tooth proportions, and smile line to determine how much tissue needs to be removed or reshaped. Digital imaging may be used to show you the expected results before beginning treatment.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout. Modern techniques often use laser technology to remove excess gum tissue with precision. Lasers cauterize as they cut, which minimizes bleeding and promotes faster healing. For more extensive contouring, traditional surgical instruments may be used to sculpt the gum tissue. The procedure typically takes one to two hours depending on how many teeth are being treated and the extent of reshaping required.
Laser technology offers several advantages over traditional surgical methods.
The laser precisely removes or reshapes tissue with minimal impact on surrounding healthy gums. This precision reduces trauma and promotes faster healing compared to conventional scalpel techniques.
Lasers seal blood vessels during the procedure, which significantly reduces bleeding and eliminates the need for sutures in most cases.
The sterilizing effect of the laser also lowers infection risk.
Many patients experience less discomfort after laser gum contouring compared to traditional surgery.
Healing time is typically shorter, allowing you to return to normal activities more quickly.
The laser creates clean, even contours that heal with minimal scarring.
Mild discomfort and sensitivity are normal for a few days following gum contouring. Over-the-counter pain relievers typically provide adequate relief, though prescription medication may be provided for more extensive procedures. Swelling usually subsides within 48 hours and can be managed with ice packs applied to the outside of your face.
Stick to soft foods for the first few days to avoid irritating the treated areas. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could damage healing tissue. Maintain oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, being careful around the treated areas. Rinsing with warm salt water several times daily helps keep the area clean and promotes healing. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, with complete healing occurring over two to three weeks.
Gum contouring often serves as part of a comprehensive smile makeover. When combined with teeth whitening, the newly exposed tooth surface benefits from brightening treatments for a more dramatic transformation. Porcelain veneers can be placed after gum contouring to further enhance tooth shape, size, and color for a complete aesthetic improvement.
For patients undergoing crown placement, gum contouring may be performed first to create proper gum levels and ensure the crown margins are positioned correctly. This sequencing produces better aesthetic results and healthier gum tissue around the restoration. Dr. McIntosh, with her focus on cosmetic dentistry, coordinates multiple treatments to achieve your desired smile transformation efficiently.
Crown lengthening is a type of gum contouring performed for functional rather than purely cosmetic reasons. When a tooth breaks at or below the gum line, insufficient tooth structure may remain above the gums to support a crown. In these dental emergency cases, crown lengthening removes gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of the tooth, creating adequate structure for restoration.
This procedure is also necessary when decay extends below the gum line. Removing tissue allows proper access to clean out the decay and place a filling or crown. Crown lengthening ensures that restoration margins are positioned on healthy tooth structure rather than compromised tissue, which improves long-term success rates.
Good candidates for gum contouring are individuals in good overall health with healthy gums and teeth. The procedure works best for people whose concerns are primarily related to excess or uneven gum tissue rather than tooth size or position issues. If your teeth appear short but are actually normal length beneath excess gum tissue, contouring can reveal your natural tooth proportions.
Patients with active gum disease need treatment for the infection before considering cosmetic gum procedures. Certain medical conditions and medications affect healing and may require special considerations. During your consultation, we review your medical history and examine your oral health to determine if gum contouring is appropriate for your situation.
Gum contouring offers a straightforward solution for improving smile proportions and addressing concerns about excess or uneven gum tissue. Dr. Fiffe and Dr. McIntosh combine technical skill with an artistic eye to create natural-looking results that enhance your overall appearance. Our practice uses modern technology and proven techniques to deliver comfortable treatment and predictable outcomes.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn whether gum contouring is right for your smile. We take time to understand your aesthetic goals and create a personalized treatment plan designed to help you achieve the smile you envision. Let us help you feel more confident about your appearance through expert cosmetic dental care.
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