Teeth that look partly covered
Gum overlapping the crown may make a tooth look short, but wear or the tooth’s shape could also be responsible. An exam clarifies the cause. Photos alone can’t show how much tissue could be appropriately changed.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Gum Contouring in Erin
Much of what makes gum reshaping go well happens at home: how you brush, what you eat and how patiently you wait for the tissue to settle. We start with whether contouring suits you, then prepare you for the routine that follows.
Erin · the home side of gum careAsk about gum contouring
The procedure is one day. The healing happens in your bathroom.
People tend to picture gum reshaping as a single appointment. In reality, the result also depends on the days and weeks afterward: a softer brush, a changed flossing pattern, meals chosen with care and the discipline not to keep checking the mirror. Knowing that routine in advance makes it far easier to pick a sensible week and set up the bathroom shelf before the appointment.
Before any of that, the question is suitability. Gum contouring is a planned reshaping of the gum margin in specific areas, usually where surplus tissue or an uneven outline affects how the teeth look. It is appropriate only when the gum, tooth and bone relate in a way that supports the change. Lots of visible gum can be entirely healthy.
For households in Erin and Hillsburgh, it makes sense to understand both parts before booking anything. We examine your gums, explain whether reshaping would address your concern, mention when a periodontist should be consulted, and walk you through what home care would look like.
Before treatment, health
Healthy tissue heals more predictably
Tell us what you would like to change and mention any bleeding, tenderness, swelling or receding gum. A cosmetic goal and a gum problem need different first steps, and home care habits are part of the picture.
An outline that varies across the front teeth
Say where the line looks uneven and what you would prefer. Natural variation is common and may be worth keeping. You can ask whether a plan would involve one tooth, a few, or the shape of the entire smile.
Gums that bleed, swell or have pulled back
Describe your brushing and flossing routine, along with health changes and medicines. Bleeding or swelling often needs attention before any cosmetic step. Receding gum is a different issue from extra tissue and is planned for separately.
Keep taking prescribed medication even if you wonder whether it affects your gums. Raise it with us and with your prescriber so that a review can be coordinated.
When it is the right choice
More natural tooth, supported by good habits
For a suitable case, reshaping chosen areas can reveal more of each natural tooth or smooth an irregular edge. Good daily care then helps the tissue settle well. Simply showing gum when you smile is not a reason to operate.
Weigh what recovery asks of you. Surgery brings a healing phase and the possibility of complications, and tissue may change position as it heals. Ask what to expect regarding tenderness, bleeding, infection risk, sensitivity, tissue rebound and any further care.
Patient information: Cleveland Clinic — gum contouring, assessment, and recovery · American Academy of Periodontology — cosmetic periodontal procedures
Knowing each tooth in the plan
The clinician should explain which teeth are included and why. You should also understand whether only gum would be changed or deeper structures too. A broad aim of balance isn’t an explanation.
A gum position that suits your smile
Talk about how the new edge would relate to tooth length and your lip line. Preferences matter within healthy limits. Ask which parts of the concern would stay the same after healing.
A sequence that works with other dental plans
Mention any planned veneers, crowns or orthodontics. Healing affects the order. Ask when the gumline will be re-evaluated before further work is designed around it.
Step by step
Check, choose, treat, then care at home
Every step follows your findings. Feel free to ask who would provide the procedure, whether a specialist would be involved, and what to prepare before and after.
Assessment of gums and home care
We discuss your goals, health history, medicines and any previous gum treatment, along with how you clean your teeth now. The clinician examines the gum and its relationship to the teeth. Records may be taken, and problems needing care first are flagged.
A clear choice between options
Reshaping is weighed against alternatives, including improving gum health or waiting. You will hear whether only soft tissue is involved or whether crown lengthening that reshapes bone is being discussed. Costs, risks, healing and referral are explained first.
The appointment itself
If you proceed, the treating clinician carries out the plan using the agreed anaesthetic and method. Ask how you can signal a pause and what you will feel. The technique suits your tissue rather than a label.
Home care instructions and review
Before leaving, you receive guidance on brushing, flossing, food, recommended medicines and activity. A review is booked, and you know how to reach us. Ask when the gum can be checked if more treatment is planned.
The routine at home
A gentler routine for a little while
Healing depends on how much tissue was treated and how. Your treating clinician’s instructions come first, including any changes to your usual brushing and flossing.
Adjust brushing and flossing around the site
Ask exactly how to keep the healing gum clean, which brush to use, and when you can floss there again. Keep brushing the rest of your mouth normally. Choose foods as suggested, and leave the area alone between cleanings.
Medicines, habits and activity
Take only the medicines and doses recommended for you, considering allergies and other prescriptions. Ask whether exercise, work, smoking or vaping should pause. A special rinse or antibiotic isn’t needed for everyone.
Return to your usual routine at the review
The early appearance is not usually the settled one. At your follow-up, mention ongoing tenderness, sensitivity or worries about the shape. Ask when you can return fully to your regular home care.
Home care questions from Erin(905) 876-4488
Brushing, eating and healing, answered
Ask what the procedure involves, how it heals and what you’ll need to do at home. Answers should fit your gums and your routine.
Can I brush my teeth normally after gum contouring?
You can usually keep brushing the rest of your mouth, but the treated area may need a gentler approach for a while. Follow the specific instructions you are given, including when to return to normal technique.
What kinds of food are easiest during healing?
Softer foods that don’t require heavy chewing near the treated gum are often easier. Your treating clinician will advise you. Avoid anything that might catch on or irritate the healing site.
Could my flossing habits affect whether contouring is suitable?
They can affect gum health, which matters for any procedure. Inflamed tissue may need attention first. Your dental team can suggest cleaning techniques to help the gums become healthier before planning.
Is it normal for the gum to look different in the first week?
Yes, healing tissue often looks different from the eventual result. Swelling and colour changes can occur. Keep your review and call if symptoms worsen rather than improve.
Do I need an electric toothbrush after treatment?
Not necessarily. What matters is cleaning effectively and gently. A manual brush with soft bristles can do the job well, and some people find a powered brush easier. Ask which type of brush and technique suits your healing gum and your regular routine afterward.
Would bone be involved, or just the gum?
It depends on the anatomy. Some procedures reshape soft tissue only, while crown lengthening may reshape supporting bone. The clinician will explain which applies and how that affects healing.
Planning a visit from Erin
Know the procedure and the routine that follows
Arrange a consultation at our Bronte Street practice. We’ll examine your gums, discuss suitable choices and any specialist input, and explain the home care you would need, so you can decide with the whole picture.
Whether contouring suits you depends on gum health and anatomy. The procedure, provider and home care 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
- Rockwood
- Erin
- Caledon
- Etobicoke
- Old Milton
- Bronte Meadows
- Timberlea
- Dorset Park
- Dempsey
- Clarke
- Beaty
- Coates
- Harrison
- Scott
- Willmott
- Ford
- Bowes
- Cobden
- Walker
- Mountain View
- Milton Heights
- Hawthorne Village
- Valley View
- Fallingbrook
- Nassagaweya
- Trafalgar
- Esquesing
- Nelson
- Brookville
- Moffat
- Glen Williams
- Norval
- Limehouse
- Stewarttown
- Ashgrove
- Hornby
- Silver Creek
- Speyside
- Scotch Block
- North Oakville
- River Oaks
- Glen Abbey
- 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
- Millcroft
- Headon Forest
- Tansley
- Brant Hills
- Tyandaga
- Kilbride
- Lowville
- Aberfoyle
- Morriston
- Arkell
- Hillsburgh
- Freelton
- Carlisle
- Waterdown
- Flamborough
- Mountsberg
