Colorado Springs
Laser Gum Contouring
Reshaping your smile's proportion — without scalpels or sutures.
Overview
The shape of your gums has a profound effect on the appearance of your smile — perhaps more than you realize. A gummy smile, uneven gum line, or teeth that appear too short relative to your gum tissue can undermine an otherwise attractive set of teeth. Laser gum contouring corrects these issues in a single visit, with precision a scalpel cannot match and recovery that typically takes a day or two.
How laser gum contouring works
Using the Fotona LightWalker laser, we reshape and sculpt the gum tissue to the precise contour needed to frame your teeth optimally. The laser seals as it cuts, meaning virtually no bleeding, no stitches, and significantly less post-procedure discomfort than traditional gum surgery. In most cases, patients return to normal activity the same day. The change in smile proportion can be striking — often more impactful than whitening or bonding alone.
The Holistic Perspective
Why laser is better for tissue healing
Traditional gum contouring with a scalpel involves cutting, suturing, and a recovery process that can take weeks. The laser bio-stimulates the tissue as it reshapes — accelerating healing at the cellular level. There's less trauma, less inflammation, and faster remodeling. For a practice committed to minimally invasive care, laser is the only option we would consider for elective gum recontouring.
Who This Is For
- Patients with a gummy smile who show more gum than tooth when smiling
- Those with an uneven gum line affecting smile symmetry
- Anyone whose teeth appear too short due to excess gum tissue
- Patients planning veneers or a smile makeover who need an optimal gum contour first
Before You Schedule
Gum contouring is often performed before veneers, bonding, or other cosmetic procedures to ensure the frame is right before the artwork goes in. During your consultation, we'll evaluate whether your gum line needs adjustment as part of your broader smile plan.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions about laser gum contouring in Colorado Springs
Is laser gum contouring permanent?
Yes. Once gum tissue is reshaped, it does not regrow. Results are permanent under stable periodontal health conditions — which is why we ensure your gums are healthy before any elective contouring.
How much discomfort should I expect afterward?
Most patients describe mild sensitivity rather than pain. Over-the-counter pain relief is typically sufficient. Because the laser seals as it works, there's no bleeding and normal activities — including eating soft foods — can usually resume the same day.
How dramatic a difference will laser gum contouring make?
That depends on your anatomy. Some patients see a striking transformation — teeth that looked short and stubby now appear properly proportioned. Others see a more subtle improvement in symmetry. We show you a digital preview before proceeding so expectations are clear.
Can laser gum contouring fully treat a gummy smile?
If excess gum display is caused by excess tissue, yes. If the underlying cause is a high lip line or skeletal positioning, laser contouring alone may not fully resolve it. We'll evaluate the cause and discuss realistic outcomes at your consultation.
Is laser gum contouring covered by dental insurance?
Cosmetic gum contouring is generally not covered. If the procedure is clinically necessary — for crown lengthening prior to a restoration, for example — partial coverage may apply. We'll check your benefits before making a recommendation.
Ready to Get Started?
Your first visit begins with a conversation.
No pressure. No procedure lists. Just an honest conversation about your health and what matters to you.