Some people have teeth that look too "short" due to the relationship between their teeth and gums. This creates a "gummy" smile. A procedure called "gum contouring" is often used to remove excess gum tissue and expose more of the crown of the tooth. In fact, your gum line can be carefully sculpted to create just the right proportion between gum tissue and tooth surface -- and the result is a better looking smile.

Before Gum Contouring	After Gum Contouring

If the gum is uneven around a tooth, gum contouring can smooth and balance the way your tooth and gum look. The procedure produces a consistent, even gum line that is esthetically pleasing. Crown Lengthening is another name for the same procedure when it is applied for functional instead of (or in addition to) cosmetic reasons.