What Is a “Gummy Smile”?

A gummy smile occurs when excessive gum tissue shows above the upper teeth while smiling. Dentists describe this as gingival overexposure of more than 3–4 millimeters. It can make teeth appear shorter or misaligned, even when they are healthy.

Common causes include:

  • Overgrown gum tissue (gingival hyperplasia)

  • Short or worn-down teeth

  • Abnormal tooth eruption

  • Hyperactive upper lip muscles

  • Altered jawbone structure

At Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Jeevan Ghatnekar evaluates the root cause before recommending treatment, ensuring that the solution fits both the anatomy and the patient's aesthetic goals.

How Does Gum Contouring Work?

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes the gumline to create better balance between teeth and gums. The process involves removing small amounts of excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface.

Procedure overview:

  1. Assessment: Dr. Ghatnekar examines your gumline and teeth using digital X-rays and an intraoral camera.

  2. Planning: He marks the new gumline and discusses symmetry goals.

  3. Reshaping: Using a precise laser or scalpel, the excess tissue is removed and sculpted.

  4. Finishing: The gums are sealed to minimize bleeding and speed healing.

Laser contouring offers minimal discomfort, faster recovery, and a reduced risk of infection. Most patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.

Who Is a Candidate for Gum Contouring?

You may benefit from gum contouring if:

  • Your smile shows excessive gum tissue.

  • Your teeth appear small or uneven.

  • You have asymmetrical gumlines.

  • You've had gum overgrowth due to medications or inflammation.

Dr. Ghatnekar assesses medical and dental history before any cosmetic procedure. Patients with healthy gums and no active gum disease typically achieve the best results.

What Results Can You Expect?

The primary goal is to enhance smile symmetry and expose more of the natural tooth. Results include:

  • A balanced gum-to-tooth ratio

  • Visibly longer, even teeth

  • Improved smile confidence

Healing usually completes within a week. With proper care and hygiene, results are long-lasting.

Why Precision Matters in Gum Contouring

Gum contouring requires both artistic vision and clinical precision. A skilled dentist like Dr. Jeevan Ghatnekar ensures that the gumline follows the natural curvature of your teeth and matches facial proportions.

At his Irvine practice, Dr. Ghatnekar uses:

  • Digital X-rays with thyroid collars for safety

  • Intraoral cameras for detailed visual mapping

  • High-resolution imaging to plan precise tissue removal

This careful planning avoids excessive removal and maintains healthy gum support.

Is Gum Contouring Painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort. The gums are numbed with local anesthesia during the procedure. For those with dental anxiety, Dr. Ghatnekar provides calming options such as warm blankets, neck pillows, and music headsets.

He also understands that each patient has different comfort levels—especially individuals with special needs or dental fear—and he adjusts every step of care to make the experience stress-free.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Healing from gum contouring generally takes 7–10 days. Mild swelling or tenderness may occur, but it subsides quickly.

Aftercare recommendations:

  • Avoid spicy or hard foods for 48 hours

  • Rinse gently with salt water

  • Brush carefully near treated areas

  • Follow-up visits to monitor healing

At Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Ghatnekar provides personalized aftercare instructions and monitors each patient's progress closely.

Can Gum Contouring Be Combined with Other Treatments?

Yes. Gum contouring often complements other cosmetic and restorative procedures such as:

  • Teeth whitening: enhances brightness after reshaping the gumline.

  • Veneers or bonding: creates uniform shape and size of teeth.

  • Orthodontics or Fast Braces: aligns teeth for overall smile harmony.

  • Implant restorations: balances gum architecture around crowns.

Dr. Ghatnekar's multidisciplinary experience in restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry ensures that all treatments integrate naturally for optimal results.

What Makes Dr. Jeevan Ghatnekar's Approach Unique?

Dr. Jeevan Ghatnekar brings over 35 years of dental expertise and a personalized approach to every procedure. He has advanced training in implant dentistry (Loma Linda University) and continuous education in restorative and orthodontic innovations, including Fast Braces and Invisalign®.

His patient care philosophy emphasizes comfort, education, and precision. Using visual aids like drawings, large screen TVs, and intraoral imaging, he explains every treatment step to patients. This transparency helps patients understand their oral health and make confident decisions.

Comfort measures include:

  • Warm neck pillows

  • Paraffin wax hand treatments

  • Soft blankets and ambient entertainment

These details help even the most anxious patients feel calm and cared for.

How Safe Is Gum Contouring?

When performed by a trained professional, gum contouring is a safe and controlled procedure. The use of laser technology minimizes infection risk and promotes faster healing.

Safety measures in Dr. Ghatnekar's office include:

  • Sterile instruments and laser systems

  • Protective eyewear during treatment

  • Strict infection control protocols

For patients with underlying health conditions, Dr. Ghatnekar customizes the approach to ensure safety and comfort.

How Does Gum Contouring Improve Oral Health?

While gum contouring is often cosmetic, it can also have functional benefits:

  • Easier brushing and flossing access

  • Reduced plaque accumulation

  • Healthier gum margins

  • Decreased inflammation risk

By removing excess tissue, the gumline becomes easier to maintain—supporting long-term oral hygiene and gum health.

What Should You Discuss Before the Procedure?

Before gum contouring, Dr. Ghatnekar discusses:

  • Desired smile shape and expectations

  • Gum health status

  • Underlying bite or alignment issues

  • Recovery timeline and aftercare

Open communication ensures that aesthetic goals align with oral health priorities.

Why Choose Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry?

Patients choose Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry for:

  • Advanced dental technology and digital precision

  • Gentle, experienced care from a compassionate team

  • Individualized treatment planning

  • Over three decades of proven expertise

Dr. Ghatnekar's long-standing commitment to continuing education and patient comfort reflects his dedication to providing care that blends clinical excellence with human understanding.

Ready to Redefine Your Smile?

A balanced smile can transform not just how you look, but how you feel. If you're self-conscious about a gummy smile, gum contouring might be the subtle change that delivers a powerful difference.

To discuss whether gum contouring is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeevan Ghatnekar at Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry in Irvine, California.

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