Correct a gummy smile

Removing excess gum tissue exposes more of the tooth crown, creating better tooth-to-gum proportions and a more balanced smile.

Address gum overgrowth during treatment

Gum tissue sometimes overgrows during orthodontic treatment, covering brackets or creating uneven gum levels. Gingivectomy corrects this so treatment can finish cleanly.

Improve oral hygiene access

Excess gum tissue creates pockets where plaque and bacteria accumulate. Removing it makes brushing and flossing more effective and reduces inflammation.

Create a symmetrical gum line

Uneven gum levels make a finished orthodontic result look incomplete. Recontouring creates the balanced gum architecture that makes straight teeth look their best.

Minimally invasive

The laser simultaneously removes tissue and cauterizes, meaning significantly less bleeding than traditional surgical methods and no sutures in most cases.

Precise and customizable

Laser contouring allows the doctor to sculpt gum levels with a high degree of accuracy, following the natural arch of the gum line for a result that looks completely natural.

Faster healing

Most patients return to normal activities within one to two days. Full tissue healing typically completes in one to two weeks, which is faster than traditional scalpel techniques.

Permanent results

Unlike Botox injections for gummy smiles, which need to be repeated every three to four months, gingivectomy produces a permanent change to the gum line.

$200 to $500

Per tooth area for limited procedures

$500 to $1,200

For full gum line contouring across multiple teeth

Insurance

May apply for functional indications. We verify your benefits before the procedure.

Consultation. Dr. Baharvand or Dr. Kang evaluates your gum tissue, discusses your goals, and explains exactly what the procedure will involve, how much tissue will be removed, and what the final result should look like.

Procedure. Local anesthetic is applied to the gum tissue so the area is completely numb before any treatment begins. The laser removes and sculpts the gum line in 30 to 60 minutes. Most patients feel only pressure, not pain.

Immediate post-procedure. Mild swelling and tenderness are normal for the first two to three days. Soft foods, warm saltwater rinses, and over-the-counter pain relief manage discomfort effectively. Most patients return to normal activities the following day.

Healing and results. Tissue heals fully in one to two weeks. The new gum line is permanent. Results integrate naturally with the existing smile, and when combined with completed orthodontic treatment, the final aesthetic outcome is significantly more polished.

Stick to soft foods

Avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or very hot for the first few days. Yogurt, eggs, pasta, soup, and mashed foods are all comfortable options.

Rinse with warm saltwater

Gently rinse two to three times daily starting the day after the procedure. This reduces bacteria and supports healing without irritating the tissue.

Brush gently near the treated area

You can brush your teeth the day after the procedure. Use a soft-bristle brush and avoid scrubbing directly on the treated gum for the first three to five days.

Avoid smoking and alcohol

Both slow tissue healing and increase the risk of complications. Avoid for at least one week after the procedure.

Patients with a gummy smile

When the upper lip reveals more than 3 to 4 mm of gum tissue when smiling, the cause is often excess gum tissue covering the tooth crowns. Gingivectomy addresses this directly and permanently.

Orthodontic patients with gum overgrowth

Gum tissue can overgrow during braces or aligner treatment, particularly in patients who experience inflammation. Recontouring is often done at or near the end of orthodontic treatment for optimal finishing results.

Patients with uneven gum levels

When some teeth appear shorter than others due to irregular gum height, recontouring creates symmetry across the smile.

Those preparing for veneers or crowns

Gum contouring is often coordinated with restorative dental work to ensure the final gum levels complement the planned restorations. We coordinate with your general dentist as needed.

Orthodontic & Gum Expertise Together

Having gum contouring performed by the same orthodontist finishing your case means the gum levels are planned specifically to complement your final tooth positions, not as an isolated cosmetic procedure.

Laser Technology

Our laser gingivectomy approach minimizes bleeding, reduces recovery time, and allows more precise tissue sculpting than conventional scalpel techniques.

Affordable & Insurance-Friendly

In-network with most PPO plans. Functional procedures may be covered. Financing available for cosmetic cases through our in-house payment plans. Use our finance calculator.

3 Convenient Locations

West Frisco  ·
North Frisco / Prosper  ·
The Colony.

How painful is a gingivectomy?

The procedure itself is not painful because local anesthetic is applied before any tissue removal begins. Most patients feel only mild pressure during the procedure. Afterward, there is typically two to four days of tenderness managed comfortably with over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods.

How long does it take to recover from a gingivectomy?

Most patients return to normal activity the day after the procedure. Tissue heals fully in one to two weeks. Laser gingivectomy heals faster than traditional scalpel techniques because the laser cauterizes as it removes tissue, reducing bleeding and post-operative swelling.

How much does a gingivectomy cost?

$200 to $500 per tooth area for limited procedures, and $500 to $1,200 for full gum line recontouring across multiple teeth. Functional gingivectomy may be partially covered by dental insurance. Cosmetic procedures are typically not covered but can be financed through our in-house payment plans.

Will insurance cover a gingivectomy?

If the procedure is performed for a functional reason, such as gum overgrowth affecting oral hygiene or preventing proper orthodontic treatment, many dental insurance plans will provide partial coverage. Purely cosmetic gum contouring is typically not covered. We verify your benefits before the procedure so you know your out-of-pocket cost upfront.

What are the disadvantages of a gingivectomy?

Temporary side effects include mild soreness, swelling, and gum sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. In rare cases, too much tissue may be removed, which can expose too much of the tooth root. This is why precise planning and an experienced provider matter. Overall, gingivectomy is a low-risk, well-established procedure when performed appropriately.

Can I get a gingivectomy while still in braces?

Yes. In some cases, gingivectomy is performed during orthodontic treatment, particularly when gum overgrowth is covering brackets or interfering with wire placement. More commonly, it is done at or near the end of treatment once the teeth are in their final positions, so the gum recontouring precisely reflects the intended final result.

How do I fix a gummy smile?

The right treatment depends on the underlying cause. When excess gum tissue is covering normal-length teeth, gingivectomy is the most effective and permanent solution. When the teeth themselves are positioned too high in the jaw, orthodontic intrusion with braces or aligners can help. When the upper lip lifts excessively, Botox injections offer a temporary non-surgical option. A comprehensive evaluation determines which approach or combination fits your specific case.

Can Invisalign or braces fix a gummy smile?

Yes, in specific cases. If the gummy appearance is caused by teeth that erupted too high or are over-erupted, orthodontic treatment can intrude the teeth, moving them up into the jaw and reducing the amount of gum visible when smiling. For cases where excess gum tissue is the primary cause, gingivectomy is more appropriate and can be combined with orthodontic treatment.

Is a gingivectomy a high-risk procedure?

No. Gingivectomy is a safe and well-established procedure with a very low complication rate when performed by a trained provider. Risks such as minor bleeding, delayed healing, or infection are uncommon and manageable. Laser techniques reduce these risks further compared to traditional scalpel methods.

Can braces cause a gummy smile?

Occasionally. Gum inflammation during braces treatment can cause tissue to overgrow around brackets, and in some cases tooth movement can change how much gum is visible when smiling. Both situations can be addressed with gingivectomy, typically performed at the end of treatment once final tooth positions are established.