Gum Contouring in NW Calgary
Gentle laser contouring that reshapes your gum line and balances your smile.
About Gum Contouring at Bow River Dental
If your smile looks uneven or "gummy", gentle laser contouring can reshape the gum line and balance your smile. If you are looking for gum contouring in Calgary, Bow River Dental offers a quick, low-recovery procedure done with laser precision and minimal discomfort.
Gum contouring is one of the cosmetic treatments from our cosmetic dentist team, and we welcome new patients of all ages.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, removes a small amount of gum tissue to change the shape or height of your gum line. It can make short-looking teeth appear longer, even out an uneven gum line and reduce the look of too much gum when you smile.
We use a dental laser, which allows very precise reshaping with minimal discomfort and little bleeding. Because the laser is gentle on the tissue, healing is usually quick.
Who Is Gum Contouring For?
Gum contouring may be a good option if you:
- Feel your smile shows too much gum
- Have gum lines that are uneven from one tooth to the next
- Have teeth that look short because gum tissue covers part of them
- Want a more balanced, proportionate smile
Gum contouring is a cosmetic treatment for healthy gums. If you have red, swollen or bleeding gums, we will first treat the cause with Periodontal Treatment.
What Is Included
- A smile assessment and a plan for your ideal gum line
- Gentle laser contouring
- Laser precision with minimal discomfort
- Local anesthetic for comfort, with sedation options for anxious patients
- Aftercare instructions
- A follow-up check to make sure you are healing well
- Direct insurance billing for eligible services
What to Expect at Your Visit
- 1Consultation. We look at your smile, discuss your goals and check that your gums are healthy.
- 2Planning. We mark your ideal gum line so you can see the result before we begin.
- 3Comfort. We numb the area with a local anesthetic.
- 4Contouring. We reshape the gum line gently with the laser, usually in a single visit.
- 5Aftercare. We explain how to care for your gums as they heal.
Recovery and Aftercare
Gums typically heal in a few days. You may notice some tenderness or mild swelling, which usually settles quickly. To help your gums heal:
- Eat soft, cool foods for the first day or two
- Avoid spicy, hot or crunchy foods until the area feels comfortable
- Keep brushing gently and rinse with warm salt water
- Avoid smoking, which slows healing
Call us if you have bleeding that does not stop or pain that gets worse.
Why Choose Bow River Dental for Gum Contouring
- Laser precision with minimal discomfort
- A quick procedure with low recovery time
- Natural-looking results planned around your face
- Comfortable care with sedation options
- Fees that follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
- 20+ years of care and trusted by 10,000+ families
- Evening and Saturday appointments, free parking and a convenient NW Calgary location, with a 4.5 rating from 277 Google reviews
Related Treatments
- Porcelain Veneers: to reshape and brighten teeth
- Composite Bonding: to repair chips and close gaps
- Invisalign®: to straighten teeth
- Periodontal Treatment: for gum disease
Cost of Gum Contouring
The cost of gum contouring depends on how many teeth are treated and how much reshaping is needed, so there is no single price. Bow River Dental follows the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and we explain your options and costs before treatment begins. Many insurance plans cover only part of cosmetic work, and some do not cover it at all, so we recommend checking your plan. Call 403-247-0999 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gum contouring painful?
Most patients find it comfortable. We numb the area with local anesthetic, and the laser is precise with minimal discomfort. You may feel some tenderness for a day or two afterward.
How long does it take to heal after gum contouring?
Gums typically heal in a few days, though full healing of the tissue can take a couple of weeks. You can usually return to normal activities right away. Follow your aftercare instructions and call us if anything feels wrong.
Is gum contouring permanent?
Yes, removed gum tissue does not grow back, so the results are long-lasting. In rare cases, if the bone under the gum is the cause of a gummy smile, additional treatment may be needed. We check for this during your consultation.
What causes a gummy smile?
A gummy smile can be caused by teeth that did not fully come in, an upper lip that lifts high when you smile, gum tissue that covers too much of the teeth, or the jaw and bite. Some medications can also cause gums to overgrow. An exam shows which cause applies to you and which treatment is best.
Is gum contouring covered by insurance?
Gum contouring done only to improve appearance is often not covered, or is covered only in part. Some cases may qualify if they also serve a functional purpose. Please check your plan, and we will gladly provide the information you need for your insurer.
Book Your Gum Contouring Consultation
Ready for a more balanced smile? Call Bow River Dental or book online, and we will find a time that works for you.
- Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Bow River Dental, 4411 16 Ave NW Suite 110, Calgary, AB T3B 0M3
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We're welcoming patients of all ages to our family dental clinic in NW Calgary. Book your first visit online — most appointments available the same week.