An uneven gum line may feel like a small detail, but it can change how freely you share your smile with others. The good news is that reshaping your smile at Los Gatos Dental Group is often simpler than you expect. Dr. Diercks, Dr. Karamardian, and Dr. Berozsky take time to understand what has been holding you back before helping you reveal more of the smile that was there all along.
You may find yourself covering your mouth when you laugh, or hesitating just before a photo, because some part of you feels your smile is too gummy. Maybe your gums appear uneven, or perhaps they cover more of your teeth than you’d like. If this sounds familiar, you know how frustrating it can feel when such a small detail affects the way you see your smile.
Here’s the part that tends to surprise our patients. A gummy smile may be easier to change than you imagine. Gum contouring at Los Gatos Dental Group reshapes the tissue framing your teeth so more of your natural smile can show through. During your consultation, our doctors will explain which approach suits your particular gum line rather than assuming one method fits everyone.
A gum line can shift for several reasons, and each one may require a different kind of care.
You don’t have to identify the cause of your gummy smile by yourself. When you visit our office, our doctors will examine your gum line and walk you through everything they find.
It's easy to describe a procedure in clinical terms and skip past what it actually changes for the person sitting in the chair. So here's what gum contouring tends to give patients at Los Gatos Dental Group:
We start by listening. What bothers you about your smile, and what would you like to feel instead? From there, your doctor will check your gum-to-tooth ratio and confirm you're free of cavities or gum disease, because cosmetic work only belongs on a healthy foundation.
Once your consultation is complete, your doctor will explain your specific treatment plan, including the technique recommended for your case, how long treatment is expected to take, and what recovery will likely look like for you.
During the procedure, you’ll remain awake, but we’ll apply local anesthesia to thoroughly numb your gums so you stay comfortable. Your doctor will then use a soft tissue scalpel or laser to precisely remove excess tissue and reshape your gum line to reveal more of your teeth.
Your doctor will give you specific aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment, including guidance on eating and managing any soreness while you heal. Should you have questions or feel concerned about your healing, our team is just a phone call away and ready to help.
Precision matters here, but so does being genuinely heard. That's the standard Dr. Matthew Diercks, Dr. Liza Karamardian, and Dr. Lucretia Berozsky hold themselves to with every patient who sits in our chair. That’s why they don't treat a consultation like a formality. Before recommending anything cosmetic, they take the time to understand what's actually bothering you, not just what a textbook might flag as imperfect. From there, the plan gets built around your goals and your comfort.
All three doctors have trained broadly across dentistry, so if your visit uncovers something beyond gum contouring, you won't be sent somewhere else. It stays here, with people who already know your smile.
An uneven or gummy smile is common, and it's also one of the things dentistry handles well. With a consultation built around your specific goals and a team willing to actually listen first, gum contouring with Los Gatos Dental Group tends to feel far simpler than people expect walking in.
If you've quietly wished your smile looked a little more like you, that's reason enough to call us. We'll tell you honestly whether this is right for you and make sure you feel good about the decision long before you sit down for treatment.
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Gum contouring results are generally long-lasting because the removed tissue does not usually return. In some cases, the bone beneath your gums may also need adjustment to help your new gum line remain stable. Your doctor will tell you if that applies to your smile.
Gum contouring is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified dentist. Possible risks include infection, changes in tooth sensitivity, or removing more tissue than intended. Your doctor will examine your gums carefully and explain any concerns related to your treatment before you decide.
The cost depends on how much tissue needs reshaping and how many teeth are involved. Because gum contouring performed for appearance is usually considered cosmetic. You will receive an estimate before treatment, and financing options are available.
Gum contouring removes or reshapes excess tissue around your teeth. It can create a more even gum line and reveal more of your teeth that appear short or hidden beneath your gums.
Removed gum tissue does not usually grow back. Regrowth can occur when the tissue is connected to the position of the underlying bone, which is why your doctor evaluates both areas before treatment. If bone adjustment is needed to support a lasting result, it will be discussed during your first consultation.