Sometimes the teeth aren't the problem.
A balanced smile depends on more than just the teeth. The shape of the gum line matters just as much.
The gums frame the teeth.
Many patients come in feeling their teeth look too short, too small, or uneven.
Often, the teeth themselves are not the real problem. The issue may be excess gum tissue or an uneven gum line covering part of the natural tooth structure.
Cosmetic gum recontouring can help create better balance between the teeth, gums, and smile.
The goal is not simply to make teeth look longer. The goal is to create harmony.
Small change. Real difference.
Gum recontouring is one of the most common treatments used to improve a gummy smile — and may be appropriate whenever the gum line is taking attention away from the teeth.
Even beautiful teeth can look unbalanced.
The gums frame the teeth. When the gum line is uneven or too much gum tissue shows when smiling, the eye sees the imbalance — even when the teeth themselves are healthy and well-shaped.
A small adjustment to the gum line can make a smile look more symmetrical, more youthful, and more natural — often without touching the teeth at all.
"When the gum line is uneven, no amount of veneer work makes the smile look right."
Often planned alongside veneers.
Gum recontouring is sometimes recommended before porcelain or composite veneers — especially when the gum levels are uneven.
If the gum line isn't corrected first, placing veneers on uneven gums often still leaves the smile looking unbalanced. The veneers may be beautiful, but the frame is wrong.
That is why cosmetic smile planning should look at more than just the teeth.
Careful planning. Predictable results.
Over more than 20 years in practice, Dr. Dulay has incorporated gum recontouring into many cosmetic smile enhancement cases where balance and proportion were important to the final result.
The consultation
We evaluate the gum line, tooth proportions, lip movement, and bone level to determine whether recontouring is the right approach for your smile.
The procedure
Performed in the office with local anesthesia. Most cases are completed in a single visit. Dr. Dulay's focus is precise reshaping of the gum line so the final result looks balanced and natural — not overdone.
Healing
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is and how quickly they return to normal activities. Gum tissue typically heals within a few weeks, and we provide aftercare instructions and follow-up.
Not every smile needs recontouring.
Gum recontouring may be appropriate if your gums are healthy and there is excess tissue that can be safely reshaped.
In some cases, the issue isn't gum tissue at all — it may be tooth position, lip movement, or the level of underlying bone. The consultation helps determine the safest and most appropriate approach for your situation.
What patients ask most often.
What is a gummy smile?
A gummy smile occurs when more gum tissue shows than desired when smiling. It is often caused by excess gum tissue covering part of the natural tooth structure, but in some cases the underlying cause is different — which is why a consultation matters.
Can gum recontouring make teeth look longer?
Yes — when excess gum tissue is covering part of the natural tooth structure, recontouring can reveal more of the tooth and make it appear longer and more proportional.
Will the result look natural?
That is always the goal. Recontouring is most successful when the change is subtle enough that no one notices the procedure — they simply notice that the smile looks balanced.
Is gum recontouring always needed before veneers?
No. It depends on the gum levels, tooth proportions, and your smile goals. In some cases the gum line is already balanced and veneers alone are enough.
Does gum recontouring change the teeth?
No. Gum recontouring changes only the gum line around the teeth — the teeth themselves are not altered.
Send a photo. We'll tell you what's possible.
A free virtual smile consultation is the easiest way to find out. Private, no pressure, reviewed by Dr. Dulay.
Dr. Dulay & Associates P.A. · Tamarac, FL