Cosmetic Gum Recontouring
Gum Contouring in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Refine your gumline for a more confident, balanced smile at Wauwatosa Dental Arts.
If you feel your smile looks “gummy” or uneven, gentle gum contouring can reshape the edges of your gums to better frame your teeth. At Wauwatosa Dental Arts in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, our dentists use a careful, conservative approach to reveal more of your natural tooth structure while keeping you comfortable every step of the way.

Gum Contouring
Gum Contouring at Wauwatosa Dental Arts
Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the gumline so your teeth and gums look more balanced and attractive. At Wauwatosa Dental Arts in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, we take time to understand what you would like to change about your smile, then plan a personalized treatment that enhances your appearance while protecting your oral health.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring, sometimes called gum reshaping, gently removes or sculpts excess gum tissue around the teeth. By adjusting the height and shape of the gums, we can reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile,” even out an irregular gumline, and help certain teeth look longer and more proportional.
Why Patients Choose Gum Contouring
Even healthy gums can sometimes sit too low, cover too much tooth, or look uneven from one tooth to the next. Gum contouring can be a simple way to refresh your smile and boost your confidence in photos, at work, or in social settings.
- Improve a “Gummy” Smile Reveal more natural tooth surface for a brighter, less gum-heavy look.
- Even Out an Uneven Gumline Smooth out high and low spots so neighboring teeth look more symmetrical.
- Enhance Cosmetic Treatments Create a better frame for veneers, crowns, or bonding so your results look more natural.
- Support Oral Health In select cases, contouring can make it easier to keep the gumline clean and reduce plaque buildup.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your comfort is our priority. Before any reshaping begins, we will review your goals, take photos and measurements, and outline the recommended changes so you know exactly what to expect from treatment and healing.
- Gentle Numbing Local anesthetic keeps the area comfortable while we work.
- Precise Gum Sculpting Your dentist carefully reshapes the gumline tooth by tooth to match your smile design.
- Quick, Same-Day Results In many cases, you will see a noticeable difference in your smile as soon as the procedure is finished.
Technology and Comfort Measures
Thoughtful technology and gentle techniques help us make gum contouring as smooth and predictable as possible.
- High-quality magnification for detailed gumline planning
- Modern instruments designed for precise tissue contouring
- Careful bite and smile evaluation to keep your results natural
Healing, Results, and Next Steps
Mild soreness or swelling is common for a few days, but most patients are comfortable with over-the-counter pain relief and simple home-care instructions. As the gums heal, your new smile line becomes more defined and natural-looking. If you are considering additional cosmetic work, our team can coordinate gum contouring with treatments like whitening, bonding, or veneers for a complete smile makeover. To learn if gum contouring is right for you, call our Wauwatosa, Wisconsin office or contact Wauwatosa Dental Arts to schedule a consultation.




Gum Contouring: Frequently Asked Questions
- What issues can gum contouring fix?
- Gum contouring is ideal for patients who feel their smile looks too “gummy,” their teeth seem small or short, or their gumline is uneven across the front teeth. By gently reshaping the gums, we can create a more balanced, proportionate smile.
- Will gum contouring hurt?
- Before we begin, the gums are thoroughly numbed so you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may notice some pressure or movement while we work. Mild soreness afterward is common but usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and simple home-care instructions.
- How long does it take to heal?
- Most patients feel significantly better within a few days, and the gums continue to refine over the next couple of weeks. We will review how to clean the area gently, what foods to avoid at first, and when to return for a follow-up visit to check healing.
- Are gum contouring results permanent?
- In many cases, gum contouring provides long-lasting results because the reshaped tissue typically does not grow back to its previous position. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular checkups at Wauwatosa Dental Arts helps keep the gums healthy and stable over time.
- Is gum contouring only cosmetic?
- Gum contouring is often done for cosmetic reasons, but in some situations it can also support oral health or restorative treatment. For example, gently reshaping the gumline can make certain teeth easier to clean or help prepare the area for crowns or veneers.
- Will my dental insurance cover gum contouring?
- Coverage depends on whether the procedure is considered cosmetic or medically necessary by your insurance plan. Our team can review your benefits, provide a detailed estimate, and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
- Am I a good candidate for gum contouring?
- You may be a good candidate if you have healthy gums and teeth but are unhappy with how your gumline looks. During your consultation at Wauwatosa Dental Arts in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, we will examine your mouth, discuss your goals, and recommend whether gum contouring, other cosmetic options, or a combination of treatments is best for you.
- How do I get started?
- To explore whether gum contouring is right for your smile, contact Wauwatosa Dental Arts to schedule a visit. Our friendly team will answer your questions, review your options, and help you choose a plan that fits your goals, timeline, and budget.
Schedule Appointment
Call us at (414) 462-3160 or visit us at 11600 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.





