Assessment and planning
Assess gum health, tooth proportions, bone position, and smile display.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Vancouver
Gum Contouring
Selective reshaping of gum tissue to adjust the visible gumline around suitable teeth.
Overview
Understanding gum contouring
Gum contouring may be considered for uneven margins or excess gum display. The underlying bone level, periodontal health, tooth proportions, smile movement, and healing expectations guide planning.
The care pathway
What an appointment may involve
The exact sequence can change with your diagnosis, health, anatomy, and treatment plan.
Treatment stage
Explain the proposed tissue changes, limits, and healing instructions.
Completion and follow-up
Contour the selected areas and monitor healing before final cosmetic decisions.
Personalized care
What shapes a recommendation
A clinician may consider these factors alongside your symptoms, priorities, and reasonable alternatives.
- Stable periodontal health
- Cause of the uneven or high gumline
- Whether bone treatment or another approach would be needed
Treatment goals
Potential benefits
Benefits vary by diagnosis and individual response; no outcome can be guaranteed.
Can improve the visual balance between teeth and gums
Your dental team can explain how this goal applies to your case and what limitations or tradeoffs to consider.
Treatment can be limited to specific areas
Your dental team can explain how this goal applies to your case and what limitations or tradeoffs to consider.
May support the proportions planned for other cosmetic care
Your dental team can explain how this goal applies to your case and what limitations or tradeoffs to consider.
Is gum contouring right for you?
Start with a diagnosis and a conversation. We will review appropriate options and explain why a particular approach is or is not recommended.
Patient guides
Related dental health reading
Original educational articles with visible sources, safety guidance, and publication dates.
Patient Guides
What Happens During a Dental Checkup?
A dental checkup covers far more than cavities. Here is what the dentist is looking for, when X-rays help, and what to ask before you leave.
Read article →Oral HealthWhy Are My Gums Bleeding?
Bleeding once may be a brushing mishap. Bleeding in the same places again and again is something worth showing your dentist or hygienist.
Read article →Cosmetic Dentistry
Related services
Service
Porcelain Veneers
Custom ceramic shells designed to change the visible colour, shape, or proportions of selected front teeth.
Learn more →ServiceProfessional Teeth Whitening
Clinician-supervised in-office or take-home whitening for suitable natural teeth.
Learn more →ServiceFull Smile Makeover
A coordinated plan that may combine selected cosmetic and restorative treatments.
Learn more →