Can gummy smile treatment be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

Yes. Many patients combine laser gum contouring with veneers, teeth whitening, or a full smile makeover. If lip positioning contributes to the gummy appearance, Botox can relax the upper lip for a more balanced result.

Gummy Smile Treatment in Gilbert, AZ

Q: What causes a gummy smile?

Several factors can contribute: excess gum tissue covering the tooth surface, how the upper lip moves when smiling, jaw development, or teeth that didn’t fully erupt. A consultation identifies the specific cause and the most effective treatment approach.

Q: What is laser gum contouring?

A minimally invasive procedure that uses a soft-tissue dental laser to remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gum line. The laser cauterizes as it works, reducing bleeding and promoting faster healing compared to traditional gum surgery.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

Typically 30 to 60 minutes depending on how much tissue needs to be removed and how many teeth are involved. It is completed in a single appointment with no follow-up visits required.

Q: Are the results permanent?

Yes. Once excess gum tissue is removed, it does not grow back. The cosmetic outcome is visible immediately after treatment. Full tissue healing takes one to two weeks.

If you feel like your teeth look too short or your gums take over when you smile, you’re not imagining it, and you’re not stuck with it. I use soft-tissue dental lasers to gently reshape the gum line and reveal more of your natural tooth structure, usually in a single visit. The procedure is precise, minimally invasive, and requires very little recovery. After 28 years of cosmetic dentistry in Gilbert, I’ve treated hundreds of gummy smiles, and it’s one of the most immediately rewarding procedures I perform.

What to Expect During Your Gummy Smile Treatment

Personalized Consultation

Every gummy smile has a different cause: excess gum tissue, a short upper lip, how the jaw developed, or a combination. I evaluate your gum line, tooth proportions, bone structure, and lip dynamics to identify exactly what's creating the appearance. From there, I build a treatment plan specific to your anatomy and goals.

Laser Gum Contouring

Using a soft-tissue dental laser, I carefully remove the excess gum tissue and sculpt a more balanced gum line. The laser seals as it works, which means less bleeding and faster healing than traditional gum surgery. Most patients are surprised at how quick and comfortable it is.

Instant, visible
rESULTS

You'll see the difference the moment I'm finished. Your teeth will look longer, more proportional, and your smile will appear more balanced. There's no waiting weeks for final results. What you see in the mirror right after treatment is essentially your new smile.

Simple recovery

Post-treatment care is straightforward. Most patients experience only mild tenderness for a day or two, and I'll walk you through exactly what to eat, how to brush, and what to avoid. No stitches, no surgical packing. You can typically return to normal activities the same day.

Gentle Gummy Smile Correction That Lasts

Traditional gum surgery involved scalpels, sutures, and extended recovery. Laser gum contouring eliminates all of that. The soft-tissue laser precisely targets excess gum tissue without cutting into surrounding areas, which means less swelling, less bleeding, and a significantly faster recovery. Most patients return to their regular routine the same day.

The results are also long-lasting. Once excess gum tissue is removed, it doesn’t grow back. Many patients choose to combine gum contouring with veneers or teeth whitening for a complete smile transformation. If lip positioning is contributing to the gummy appearance, I may recommend Botox as a complementary option to relax the upper lip and further improve your smile line. I’ll walk you through every option during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Why Choose Arizona Smiles?

28+ Years of Trusted Care

I've been practicing cosmetic and family dentistry in Gilbert since 1997. Patients across the East Valley, including Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and Tempe, trust Arizona Smiles with their smiles. That experience matters when you're reshaping something as visible as your gum line.

Laser Precision, Not Guesswork

Soft-tissue lasers give me millimeter-level control over exactly how much gum tissue to remove and where. That precision is what separates a good gum contouring result from a great one: balanced, symmetrical, and natural-looking.

One-Visit Convenience

Laser gum contouring typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much tissue needs to be addressed. No referrals to a specialist, no multiple appointments, no weeks of waiting. You walk in, the procedure is done, and you leave with a transformed smile.

Honest Recommendations

Not every gummy smile needs laser contouring. If your issue is caused by how your upper lip moves rather than excess gum tissue, I'll tell you and recommend a better approach. You'll always know exactly what I think will work and why before we do anything.

What causes a gummy smile?

Several factors can contribute. The most common is excess gum tissue that covers too much of the tooth surface, making teeth appear short. Other causes include how the upper lip moves when you smile, the way your jaw grew during development, or teeth that didn’t fully erupt. During your consultation, I’ll identify what’s causing yours and explain which treatment will address it most effectively.

What is laser gum contouring?

It’s a minimally invasive procedure that uses a soft-tissue dental laser to carefully remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gum line. The laser cauterizes as it works, which reduces bleeding and promotes faster healing compared to traditional gum surgery with scalpels and sutures.

Is gummy smile treatment painful?

The area is numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure, so most patients feel little to no discomfort during treatment. Afterward, mild tenderness is normal for a day or two, but it’s manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients describe it as far more comfortable than they expected.

How long does the procedure take?

Typically 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much tissue needs to be removed and how many teeth are involved. It’s a single appointment with no follow-up visits required for the gum contouring itself.

Are the results permanent?

Yes. Once excess gum tissue is removed, it doesn’t grow back. The gum line you see immediately after treatment is essentially your permanent result. Full healing of the tissue takes one to two weeks, but the cosmetic outcome is visible right away.

Can gummy smile treatment be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely. Many patients pair laser gum contouring with veneers, teeth whitening, or a full smile makeover for a comprehensive transformation. If lip positioning is part of the issue, Botox can relax the upper lip for an even more balanced result. I’ll discuss the best combination for your specific goals during the consultation.

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About the Author

Dr. Sam Bollwinkel, DDS

Dr. Sam Bollwinkel has been practicing cosmetic and family dentistry in Gilbert, Arizona since 1997. With advanced training in laser gum contouring, veneers, implants, and full smile makeovers, he focuses on delivering precise, natural-looking results with minimal discomfort. He is known for his honest, patient-first approach and his commitment to helping every patient feel confident about their smile.

Learn more about Dr. Bollwinkel →