Bring Your Teeth and Gums Into Balance
Gently reshape uneven or excess gum tissue
When Your Gums Take Over Your Smile
If your teeth look too short or your gumline sits uneven in photos, excess gum tissue is often the reason. At Dr. Mark A. Miely, DDS, in Upper Arlington, OH, you can reshape the frame around your teeth with soft-tissue laser contouring for a balanced, even smile.
Why Do Teeth Look Short or Uneven?
Your teeth might be a normal, healthy size underneath, but extra gum tissue can cover up the enamel and make them appear small. For other people, the gumline dips lower over certain teeth and higher over others, creating an uneven look even when the teeth themselves are straight.
Gum contouring addresses the tissue directly to reveal the natural shape of your teeth underneath. Patients often choose laser reshaping to:
- Show more of their natural teeth when they smile
- Even out a gumline that sits higher on one side
- Frame their teeth symmetrically before getting porcelain veneers
- Expose healthy tooth structure to support dental crowns
The goal is a gumline that looks like it was always yours.
What Does Soft-Tissue Laser Reshaping Do?
Rather than a scalpel, Dr. Miely uses a soft-tissue laser to gently sculpt the gumline. Using a dental laser offers practical benefits for your visit and recovery:
- Comfortable care: The soft-tissue laser seals the tissue as it works, which minimizes bleeding and removes the need for stitches.
- Quicker healing: Because the laser is gentle on your mouth, swelling is minimal, and you can get back to your normal routine faster.
- Long-lasting results: Once your gums are reshaped, the tissue usually stays that way, so you can expect your new gumline to last for years.
What Can You Expect?
We take this step by step so nothing feels rushed or unclear. Getting the gumline you want comes together in three simple steps at our Upper Arlington Office:
Plan your new gumline: We start by talking through what bothers you about your gums. Dr. Miely examines your mouth and marks the new line so you can see how much tooth will show before anything begins.
Reshape with a soft-tissue laser: Once your gums are thoroughly numbed, Dr. Miely uses a specialized soft-tissue laser to gently remove the extra tissue and smooth out uneven edges in a single visit.
Enjoy a balanced smile: You walk out of the office seeing the difference right away, with simple instructions to keep your gums comfortable while they heal over the next few days.
Intentional & Thorough
Dr. Miely looks closely at how your gums frame each individual tooth, so your results fit your face naturally. He takes the time to listen to what you want to change and maps out every detail before treatment begins. Meet Dr. Miely and our team to see how we make every visit calm and comfortable.
Stop Second-Guessing Your Gumline
When your teeth and gums are in proportion, you stop worrying about how much gum shows when you laugh, talk, or smile for a photo. If laser gum contouring sounds like the right step for you, our team at Dr. Mark A. Miely, DDS, in Upper Arlington is here to talk through your options and answer your questions.
Call Us (614) 451-2100 | Book a Consultation
What Our Patients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser gum contouring hurt?
Local anesthesia numbs your gums completely before the procedure starts, so you should not feel pain during the reshaping. Afterward, your gums may feel mildly tender for a few days, similar to a slight irritation from hot food, which you can manage with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does it take for gums to heal after laser reshaping?
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days, while full tissue healing typically takes about one to two weeks. Because the soft-tissue laser seals the area as it works, there are no open incisions or stitches to slow down your recovery.
Will my gums grow back after gum contouring?
Results are long-lasting, and in most cases the tissue does not grow back once it has been removed.
What can I eat after gum reshaping?
Soft, cool foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, pasta, and scrambled eggs are best for the first two to three days. Avoid spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods, as well as small seeds like strawberries or poppy seeds that could get caught along the healing gumline.
How long does a gum contouring appointment take?
Most gum contouring visits take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on how many teeth you are adjusting. You can have the planning and laser reshaping completed in a single appointment.
