Crowns partly covered by gum
When gum sits lower on the tooth than expected, more of the tooth may lie hidden underneath. The clinician checks the tooth’s real dimensions and the tissue around it. That cannot be judged from a selfie, however clear.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Gum Contouring in Burlington
Short-looking front teeth are not always short. Sometimes gum covers more of the tooth than usual, sometimes the edges are worn, and sometimes the lip is the main factor. An exam sorts out which, before any reshaping is discussed.
Burlington gumline questionsHave your gumline assessed
Short teeth, or hidden teeth?
Three things decide how long a front tooth looks: where its biting edge sits, where the gum edge sits, and how much of it your lip reveals. Change any one of them and the tooth seems to grow or shrink. That is why the same complaint, teeth that look small, can have quite different explanations. Two people can describe it in identical words and leave with completely different advice, because the cause behind the look is not the same.
Gum contouring addresses only one of those three. It reshapes the gum margin in planned areas, often where extra tissue covers part of the crown or the outline is irregular. Whether it is appropriate depends on how gum, tooth and supporting bone relate. A smile with plenty of gum on show can be completely healthy.
Coming from Burlington for an assessment, you can expect us to look at all three factors rather than just the gum. We will tell you what is creating the appearance, what reshaping could and could not change, and whether a periodontal specialist should give an opinion.
Worth examining
Sorting tissue from tooth from lip
Mention any bleeding, tenderness, swelling or receding gum along with your cosmetic concern. Healthy tissue that you would like to look different is managed in another way than tissue that is unwell.
Edges that step up and down
Neighbouring teeth with uneven gum heights can draw the eye. Point out the spot and describe your preferred look. Some natural variety is attractive, so ask whether a plan would change one tooth or the overall proportions.
Tissue that seems inflamed, enlarged or shrinking
Report health changes, new medicines and your cleaning habits. Thickened or irregular gum can have causes that need treatment before cosmetics are considered. Gum that has receded is a distinct problem requiring its own plan.
Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own because of your gums. Let us and your prescriber know, so any review is coordinated and safe.
If the gum is the real factor
Reveal tooth that was already there
When surplus tissue is part of the cause, a careful procedure can show more of the natural crown or tidy the outline. It has to make sense given the bone and tissue underneath. How much gum appears when you laugh does not, alone, justify treatment.
Every surgical step carries trade-offs. Expect a recovery period and a possibility of complications, and remember tissue can reposition while healing. Raise questions about soreness, bleeding, infection, sensitivity, regrowth and the potential for further care.
Patient information: Cleveland Clinic — gum contouring, assessment, and recovery · American Academy of Periodontology — cosmetic periodontal procedures
A tooth-by-tooth explanation
You are entitled to know which teeth are included and why. Find out whether only gum would be reshaped or whether other structures are affected. Talk of a more balanced smile is not the same as that explanation.
Length and width that stay in proportion
Revealing more tooth changes its shape relative to its width and to your lip. Discuss how the planned gumline would look in that context, within healthy limits. Ask which aspects of your concern would remain.
A plan that accounts for future work
Veneers, crowns or braces can all interact with gum treatment. Healing affects when they should happen. Ask when the gumline will be checked again before further work is designed.
How we work through it
Measure, discuss, treat if suitable, then review
Findings decide each step. It is reasonable to ask who would provide treatment, whether referral is likely, and what preparation and follow-up would be expected.
Understanding your concern and gum health
We talk about your goals, medical background, medicines and earlier gum treatment. The clinician examines the tissue, tooth dimensions and lip line. Records may help, and any issue requiring care first is identified.
Weighing options and agreeing a plan
The proposed approach is set against other choices, including observation. You learn whether soft tissue alone is involved or whether crown lengthening with bone reshaping is being considered. Risks, fees, healing and any specialist involvement come first.
Performing the planned change
When a procedure goes ahead, it follows the anaesthetic and technique you agreed with the treating clinician. Ask how to stop for a moment and what to expect. The technique is selected for your tissue, not for the name on a brochure.
Recovery instructions and follow-up
You go home with guidance on cleaning, eating, any recommended medicines and activity. A review is scheduled, and you have a contact for concerns. Ask when the result can be assessed if more treatment is planned.
Back home in Burlington
The first weeks are for healing
How recovery goes depends on the amount treated and the technique. Your treating clinician’s instructions apply to you, so use them instead of a generic gum-surgery schedule.
Cleaning and eating with care
Ask how to clean around the treated gum and when normal brushing can return. Eat what was suggested and avoid foods that might disturb healing. Keep your fingers and tongue away from the area.
Following advice on medicines and activity
Use only recommended medicines at the doses given, considering any allergies. Check whether sport, heavy work, smoking or vaping should pause. Some people need an antibiotic or rinse, and many do not.
Coming back for review
Swelling early on can hide the final shape. Attend your follow-up and mention lasting soreness, sensitivity or doubts about the outline. Ask when the result is settled enough to judge.
Questions we hear(905) 876-4488
Short teeth and gumlines explained
Ask why treatment is suggested, what it would change and how healing would work. Answers should fit your own teeth, gum and lip.
How can I tell if my teeth are short or just covered by gum?
You usually cannot tell by looking. The clinician examines the tooth and surrounding tissue and may take measurements or records. That is the only reliable way to know how much tooth lies beneath the gum.
Could worn edges be making my teeth look short?
Yes. Grinding, clenching and erosion can shorten the biting edge. In that case the gum may not be the issue at all. The clinician can explain what is causing the appearance and which kinds of treatment relate to it.
Does my lip affect how much gum I show?
It can. Lip length and how far it lifts when you smile both influence the amount of gum on view. Contouring changes tissue, not lip movement, so understanding the lip’s role helps set realistic expectations.
Would reshaping my gums make my teeth look too long?
It could, if the plan ignores tooth proportions. That is why the clinician considers length, width and lip line together. Ask how the proposed outline would change each tooth’s shape before deciding.
Is a laser always used for gum contouring?
No. The treating clinician chooses a technique suited to the procedure and tissue. Ask about the method, why it was selected, comfort measures and aftercare, rather than deciding by the instrument alone.
Are there reasons I might be told contouring isn’t suitable?
Yes. Gum inflammation, recession, bone position, medical factors or a cause unrelated to the gum may make it unsuitable. The clinician should explain the reason and any other options that fit your situation.
Visiting from Burlington
Find out what is really shaping your smile
Arrange an assessment at our Bronte Street practice to look at your gums, teeth and lip line together. We will explain suitable options, any need for specialist input, and the questions to settle before deciding.
Suitability depends on gum health and anatomy. Procedure, provider and recovery plan are confirmed after assessment.
Visit Milton Dental ClinicUnit 1, 342 Bronte St. S, Milton, ON L9T 5B7Get directions
Clinic hours
- Monday–Thursday
- 11am–7pm
- Friday–Sunday
- By appointment only
Areas we serve
- Milton
- Oakville
- Mississauga
- Georgetown
- Halton Hills
- Acton
- Campbellville
- Brampton
- Burlington
- Puslinch
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- Erin
- Caledon
- Etobicoke
- Old Milton
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- Timberlea
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- Harrison
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- Mountain View
- Milton Heights
- Hawthorne Village
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- Nassagaweya
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- Brookville
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- Glen Williams
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- Ashgrove
- Hornby
- Silver Creek
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- Scotch Block
- North Oakville
- River Oaks
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- West Oak Trails
- Palermo
- Bronte Creek
- College Park
- Joshua Creek
- Uptown Core
- Preserve
- Iroquois Ridge
- Lisgar
- Meadowvale
- Meadowvale Village
- Churchill Meadows
- Erin Mills
- Central Erin Mills
- Streetsville
- East Credit
- Creditview
- Heartland
- Sheridan
- Mount Pleasant
- Credit Valley
- Huttonville
- Churchville
- Springbrook
- Northwest Brampton
- Bram West
- Fletcher's Meadow
- Fletcher's Creek South
- Alton Village
- Orchard
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- Tansley
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- Lowville
- Aberfoyle
- Morriston
- Arkell
- Hillsburgh
- Freelton
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- Mountsberg
