Does gum contouring hurt?

No. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic, so the area is fully numb throughout. Laser technique seals tissue as it sculpts, which reduces bleeding compared with scalpel methods. Most patients report mild tenderness for a few days afterward rather than significant pain, and that discomfort is generally managed with over the counter medication.

How long does gum contouring take to heal?

Soft tissue contouring typically heals within one to two weeks. Tenderness is most noticeable during the first several days, and a soft food diet is recommended during that window. Cases involving bone recontouring take longer, often up to six weeks, because bone remodeling continues after the surface tissue has closed.

How much does gum contouring cost in NYC?

Cost depends on how many teeth are treated and whether the case involves soft tissue only. National ranges reported by CareCredit run from $50 to $350 per tooth, or $1,000 to $3,000 across the upper front teeth. Dr. Pia quotes your exact fee at the consultation once the case is diagnosed.

Is gum contouring covered by insurance?

Usually not. Gum contouring performed purely for appearance is classified as cosmetic and falls outside standard dental coverage. Coverage occasionally applies when tissue removal is medically necessary, such as when excess tissue contributes to periodontal disease. Verify with your carrier before treatment, since determinations vary by plan and by the documented clinical reason.

Can gums grow back after contouring?

Gum tissue does not regrow over healthy tooth structure once it has been removed. Minor tissue rebound can occur in the weeks immediately following treatment as the area settles, but the contoured line is stable. Regrowth concerns generally point to an untreated inflammatory cause rather than to the contouring itself.

What is the difference between gum contouring and gum grafting?

The two procedures move in opposite directions. Gum contouring removes excess tissue to expose more tooth surface and correct a gummy smile. Gum grafting, also called gingival augmentation, adds tissue to areas of recession where root surface has become exposed. Dr. Pia performs augmentation using allografts when tissue volume needs restoring.

Can Botox correct a gummy smile instead of surgery?

Sometimes. Botox relaxes the muscles that elevate the upper lip, which lowers the lip position and reduces visible gum. It works only when a hyperactive lip is the actual cause, and the effect is temporary. When excess tissue is the cause, Botox will not change the gum line and contouring is required.

Treatment

Gum Contouring in NYC

Dr. Pia Lieb performs precision laser gum recontouring at Cosmetic Dentistry NYC, sculpting gingival tissue with artistic accuracy to restore symmetry across the smile.

Book Your Consultation Call 212-829-1515

What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that removes or reshapes excess gingival tissue to expose more of the natural tooth surface. The gum line is raised, leveled, and sculpted to a symmetrical contour.

The procedure carries several names that describe the same objective. Gum reshaping, gum recontouring, gum sculpting, laser gum lift, and gingivectomy all refer to the controlled removal of gum tissue for aesthetic proportion.

Gingivoplasty is the closely related term for reshaping healthy tissue into a natural scalloped form rather than removing diseased tissue. Dr. Pia performs both actions in a single sculpting sequence.

How Much Gum Should Show in a Balanced Smile

Smile proportion is measured in millimeters of gingival display, meaning the band of gum visible between the upper lip and the tooth edges during a full smile. A landmark study in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry found that laypeople and general dentists rated gingival display as unattractive once it reached 4 millimeters, while orthodontists flagged it above 2 millimeters.

Gingival Display When Smiling	Classification	Typical Assessment
1 to 2 mm	Balanced proportion	No treatment indicated
2 to 3 mm	Borderline display	Evaluate against lip position and tooth length
More than 3 mm	Gummy smile	Gum contouring evaluation recommended
4 mm or more	Noticeable to most observers	Treatment usually recommended

What Causes a Gummy Smile or Uneven Gum Line

An uneven gum line has multiple possible causes, and each cause points toward a different treatment. Dr. Pia identifies the specific cause during the consultation before recommending any procedure.

Excess gingival tissue covering teeth that are otherwise normal in length
Altered passive eruption, in which the gums never fully recede from the teeth during development
Short clinical crowns that leave teeth looking small relative to the surrounding tissue
A hyperactive upper lip that elevates further than average during a smile
Vertical maxillary excess, a skeletal position of the upper jaw
Gum recession or tissue deficiency that exposes root surface and breaks the gum line

Matching the Treatment to the Cause

Cause	Matching Treatment	Where It Is Handled
Excess gum tissue	Laser gum contouring	Performed by Dr. Pia
Gum recession or tissue loss	Gingival augmentation with allograft	Performed by Dr. Pia
Short teeth with correct gum position	Porcelain veneers or crowns	Performed by Dr. Pia
Bone level requiring recontouring	Surgical crown lengthening	Assessed and referred
Hyperactive upper lip	Botox lip drop or lip repositioning	Assessed and referred
Skeletal jaw position	Orthodontic or surgical correction	Assessed and referred

Dr. Pia practices cosmetic dentistry exclusively and refers periodontal surgery and oral surgery to her established specialist network. Cases requiring bone recontouring are diagnosed at her office and directed to the appropriate specialist.

Who Is a Candidate for Gum Contouring

Gum contouring suits patients with healthy gum tissue whose primary concern is proportion rather than disease. Active periodontal infection must be resolved by a periodontist before any cosmetic reshaping proceeds.

Candidacy also depends on the underlying cause. Patients whose excess display originates in bone position or jaw structure need a different procedure, which Dr. Pia identifies during the diagnostic evaluation.

Outcomes are consistently well received. A study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology reported that at least 73 percent of aesthetic crown lengthening patients were very satisfied, and every patient said they would undergo the procedure again.

Laser Gum Contouring at Cosmetic Dentistry NYC

Dr. Pia uses a dental laser to reshape gingival tissue with a level of precision that scalpel technique cannot match. The laser seals tissue as it sculpts, which limits bleeding during the procedure.

For patients whose gum lines sit too low, Dr. Pia elevates and sculpts the tissue to reveal the full natural tooth. The reshaped contour is designed to hold as a lifetime transformation rather than a temporary correction.

Where gum recession or tissue deficiency is present, she performs gingival augmentation using carefully selected allografts. This technique restores lost gum tissue to natural fullness and matches color, height, and texture across single or multiple teeth.

The objective is proportion rather than removal. Each gingival zenith, meaning the highest point of the gum arch over each tooth, is positioned so the central incisors, laterals, and canines follow a natural rhythm.

Gum Contouring Combined With Veneers and Crowns

Gum contouring frequently functions as the foundation step of a larger case rather than an isolated treatment. The gum frame determines how long, wide, and symmetrical the finished teeth appear.

Dr. Pia sequences the gum work before placing no prep veneers, because veneer proportions are designed against the final gum position. Her prepless veneers require zero drilling of natural tooth structure and remain fully reversible.

Patients with misaligned teeth, rotated teeth, or narrow arches are assessed for Invisalign before any restorative work begins. Dr. Pia describes occlusion as the foundation of the entire case:

“You have to build a basement in order to build a house.”

Gum contouring also pairs with dental crowns and with a full smile makeover when multiple elements need correction together. Cases involving lip position are coordinated with lip augmentation and Botox.

Many patients complete laser teeth whitening before contouring so shade and gum proportion are evaluated together.

Booking and Practice Information

Appointments are scheduled by phone or text rather than online, because consultation length varies by case. A credit card is charged at the time of booking to hold the appointment, and bookings require 72 hours notice.

The office is open 10:00 to 18:00, Monday through Thursday, at 381 Park Avenue South, Suite 908, New York, NY 10016. Call 212-829-1515 or text 917-843-4000.

Dr. Pia accepts credit cards, checks, wire transfers, and cash. Financing is available through CareCredit for patients who prefer to spread payment across a longer term.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Contouring

Yes. Gum tissue removed during contouring does not regenerate on healthy, properly rooted teeth, so the new gum line is considered permanent. Results hold provided periodontal health is maintained. Patients with active gum disease or ongoing inflammation can experience tissue changes over time, which is why healthy tissue is a requirement before treatment.

Patient Reviews

Featured Review

Nancy Edsparr

Dr Pia is the absolute best! Her attention to detail, her care and concern for her patient, and her hard-headed determination to settle for nothing but perfection makes both the experience in her chair and the resulting smile exemplary. I consulted with 5 different cosmetic dentists before finding Dr Pia and realizing that she was the only one I could trust with my teeth. While her results are magnificent, her care for the health and well being of your teeth is really unmatched. She doesn't unnecessarily cut your gums or grind your teeth. She spent a full day making sure that all my teeth were healthy and there was no decay before starting the cosmetic part of my case. When I finally saw my beautiful veneers, Dr Pia felt the margin between the gum and veneer on one of them was not tight enough and needed to be fixed. I didn't even notice it, but she wasn't satisfied. Veneers are a big investment in money and time, but healthy teeth are the most important. When you put yourself in Dr Pia's care, you can rest easy that under the beautiful smile she creates for you, you have a healthy foundation that will keep your new smile looking good for years to come.

Brooke Shields

Dr. Pia is a perfectionist and this is what you want for a dentist! She goes out of her way to accommodate her clients. Thanks, Pia!

Achilles Zarbis

I've been seeing Dr Pia for 20 years and she is the best- Dr. Pia is amazing, after my visit I felt much more clean and confident than any other dentist has ever made me feel. I am so appreciative of how much she helped me, her great office, and her kind personality, and I am excited to come back.

Patti Schmidt

Dr. Pia has an attention to detail like my own and really listens to what you want for your teeth. She’s a true artist, and my experience has been wonderful!

Eric Price

Dr. Pia was very helpful and straightforward with options available to me. She took her time to understand what I was looking for and how to be of best help. Unlike other dentists, she doesn’t rush you in/out, and you can tell immediately she actually cares about her work & patients. 10/10 would recommend for anyone seeking cosmetic dentistry work. Thanks!

Agnes Lermani

Dr. Pia is the ultimate cosmetic dentist in New York. Her precision, artistry, and expertise in smile makeovers are unmatched. My results are natural and flawless. Truly life changing. If you want the best, Dr. Pia is the one to trust.

Danielle T

Dr. Pia at Cosmetic Dentistry Center is the best cosmetic dentist I’ve ever been to! I’ve been seeing her for years and I’ve never had a dentist take better care of me. And the best part is they have a massage chair for while you’re waiting!

Aymun Salman

Dr. Pia is the best! Her practice is a far cry from your usual stuffy and boring dentist's office. I came to her specifically because she has been a cosmetic dentistry mainstay in Manhattan for a long time, and her results are consistent and natural.

Emily Van Raay

Dr. Pia is the best for cosmetic dentistry - she flawlessly fixed a discoloration on my tooth as well as my alignment !!

Alina Senkiv

I came here for the Dr.Pia’s experience for do my veneers, and I left very satisfied. The consultation lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the doctor provided me with all the information. She saw me and helped bring all my wishes to life.

Nathalie Lyon

Pia is amazing. She is an excellent doctor. Clear communicator and painless as possible. Her knowledge and craftsmanship is incredible. No one compares. She always goes above and beyond, she gave me my smile back!

Electra Zarbis

Dr. Pia changed my life and gave me better advice than any other dentist. I have had a lot of dental issues and the orthodontists I’ve been to haven’t been very helpful, but Dr. Pia told me exactly what I need to do and what help I need to request from my orthodontist.

Theodora Z

Dr. Pia is a smile MIRACLE WORKER! I had some very challenging dental problems that I had tried to resolve at two other dental offices. I was so disappointed that my front teeth supposedly could not be restored properly.

Paul Marron

I've been seeing Dr Pia for 20 years and she is the best- she's always paid close attention to my dental health and pointed out exactly what was happening (in my case it was grinding) she helped get me fixed up with a proper night guard. She also gave excellent advice to take with me after my appointment. Her staff is also exceptional with scheduling- thank you Maryem for sorting us all out! see you in 6 months!

Nicole

Dra Pia is one of a kind an the best in every way. Her work is outstanding, she is the Michelangelo of smiles! I had the experience myself and highly recommend Cosmetic Dentistry Center NYC. You will be treated as royalty, she is so good in what she does! Her office is beautiful, elegant and chic, and her staff very nice and friendly.

Bryanna John

I just had the best experience with Dr.Pia and her assistant Luz! I had a veneer emergency and Dr.Pia saw me right away. She is so skilled, so knowledgeable, funny, and her office is really a vibe. I love it here. If you ever thought about coming here don’t think about it, JUST DO IT! This office is really the best

Schedule Your Consultation

Begin your transformation with Dr. Pia. Same-day and out-of-town visits available.

Book Now 212-829-1515