Your smile is more than just your teeth. Your gums help frame the entire look—literally! Even the tiniest detail can throw the whole look off. That’s why many people turn to gum tissue laser contouring at Frey Orthodontics. It’s a subtle way to create balance between your teeth and gums, helping your smile look more natural and confident.

Aesthetic Reasons Why People Might Consider Gum Reshaping

Everyone’s gum line is a little different. But if your gums sit too high or too low, they can affect the look and symmetry of your teeth. Common aesthetic concerns include:

• Gummy smile: When excess gum tissue covers too much of your teeth, making them look short
• Uneven gum line: When one side sits higher than the other
• Excess gum tissue: Thick or overgrown gum tissue that can make you self-conscious of your smile

You might notice these issues more during orthodontic treatment or after your teeth have been straightened.

Medical Reasons You Might Not Like Your Gum Line

But your dislike of your gum line might not always stem from aesthetic concerns. There are also medical reasons why your gum line might need attention. Excess gum tissue can create deep pockets where bacteria build up, increasing your risk for gum disease. Inflammation, swelling, and tenderness along the gum line can also make it uncomfortable to eat, speak, or maintain oral hygiene.

What Is Gum Tissue Laser Contouring?

Gum tissue laser contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes or removes gum tissue using a soft tissue contouring laser. This laser precisely targets excess tissue without the need for scalpels, so you can improve your oral health and confidence with one comfortable method.

At Frey Orthodontics, we use an approved intra-oral diode laser for gum contouring. This specific type of laser is designed for precision and comfort, allowing for a smooth reshaping process with minimal discomfort. They are a reliable and efficient option for targeting soft tissue, making them a great choice for orthodontic support and cosmetic balance.

Here’s how it works:

• Dr. Frey uses a focused laser to gently remove or reshape gum tissue
• The laser seals as it cuts, which minimizes bleeding, reduces inflammation, and speeds up healing
• Results are visible immediately following treatment

Gum Tissue Laser Contouring Vs. Traditional Surgery

Gum tissue laser contouring has traditionally been done with a scalpel, which remains a dependable option for many patients. However, gum tissue contouring offers an alternative that may result in more precision, less discomfort, and a shorter recovery period for those who are good candidates.

	Gum Tissue Laser Contouring	Traditional Gum Surgery
Invasiveness	Minimally invasive	Surgical
Recovery time	Quicker	Longer
Bleeding/swelling	Minimal	More common
Precision	High	Less precise
Anesthesia needed	Often topical only	Local or general

Gum tissue laser contouring allows you to get back to your day with less downtime. It’s a great option if you’re looking for subtle changes with a big visual payoff.

How Does Gum Tissue Laser Contouring Fit Into Orthodontic Care?

This treatment offers several practical and cosmetic benefits throughout your orthodontic care. For example, when gums are too thick or uneven, they can interfere with proper bracket placement or limit visibility for clear aligners. By reshaping the gum line, we can create a clearer, more accessible area to work with, helping treatment stay on track.

Contouring can also improve oral hygiene during braces or aligner use. When there’s less excess tissue around the teeth, it becomes easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of irritation and plaque buildup.

For some Naperville and Algonquin patients, specifically younger ones, gum tissue laser contouring may help with tooth eruption. If a tooth is slow to emerge or partially covered by gum tissue, gently adjusting the gum line can speed up the process and keep treatment moving forward.

When your orthodontic treatment ends, gum tissue laser contouring is also a great way to round out your journey to smile perfection. Once your teeth are in their ideal position, reshaping the gum line can be the finishing step that brings everything together. It adds polish to your results, helping your smile look more even, balanced, and complete.

How Long Do Results Last?

One of the most common questions Naperville and Algonquin patients ask us about gum tissue laser contouring is whether the results are permanent. In most cases, the results are long-lasting, especially when the excess gum tissue is removed for aesthetic or orthodontic reasons. While the tissue typically does not grow back, your long-term outcome depends on maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding gum-related conditions like gingivitis or inflammation.

It’s also important to follow any care instructions after treatment and keep up with regular dental cleanings. With proper care, most patients enjoy their reshaped gum line for years to come without needing additional treatment. If minor regrowth or shifting does occur, a touch-up may be considered, but this is rare.

Is Gum Tissue Laser Contouring Right For You?

If you’re unhappy with how your gums look or feel, gum tissue laser contouring might be a great fit. To help you determine if gum tissue laser contouring can or should be part of your treatment plan, Dr. Frey will discuss your goals, then examine your gums and assess your overall oral health. He will be looking for things like gum thickness, tooth exposure, and any underlying dental issues that could affect your results. 

This careful evaluation helps ensure that you’re not only a good candidate, but that your treatment plan is customized to meet your specific needs. While many patients are great candidates, gum tissue laser contouring may not be recommended if you have active gum disease, significant inflammation, or very thin gum tissue. In these cases, we’ll walk you through your options and find a solution that fits.

Let’s Talk About Your Gum Line

Whether you’re getting braces, finishing up with aligners, or simply want to improve the look of your smile, gum tissue laser contouring can be the perfect finishing touch. It’s quick, comfortable, and delivers immediate results that enhance both appearance and confidence.

Contact Frey Orthodontics in Naperville or Algonquin today to schedule your gum tissue laser contouring session or free consultation. Your ideal smile is already on its way—let’s make sure every part of it shines.