Gum Contouring & Gummy Smile Correction in Upland

If too much gum shows when you smile, the problem isn’t your teeth — it’s the gumline

Many people hide their smile not because their teeth look bad, but because their gums take over the smile. When the gums sit low or uneven, the teeth look short, square, or “baby-like.” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone gummy smiles are extremely common, and they have nothing to do with brushing or dental hygiene.

At Higher Ground Dentistry, we specialize in gum contouring (gum reshaping) — a gentle cosmetic procedure that sculpts the gumline to make teeth look longer, more even, and naturally attractive.

Book a consultation for gum contouring in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Claremont, and Ontario. Call (909) 946-9090 to get started.

CALL or TEXT (909) 946-9090

What makes a smile look “gummy”?

A gummy smile happens when too much gum tissue shows above the upper teeth. Sometimes gum shape is hereditary; other times it happens due to braces, jaw growth, or inflammation.

  • Gums covering too much of the tooth surface

  • Uneven gumline (one tooth looks longer or shorter)

  • Small-looking teeth even though teeth are normal size

  • Lips lift too high during smiling

Gum contouring precisely removes and reshapes the excess gum to restore balance and symmetry.

The transformation — what gum contouring achieves

  • Makes teeth look longer and more proportional

  • Creates a smooth, even gumline across all teeth

  • Enhances symmetry in photos and everyday smiling

  • Instantly improves confidence and facial aesthetics

  • Often combined with veneers or whitening for full smile makeovers

Recovery & comfort

  • Mild tenderness for 1–3 days

  • Most patients return to work the same day

  • No stitches required

  • Soft foods recommended for 24 hours

  • Final gumline settles fully within 2–4 weeks

Who is a good candidate for gum contouring?

  • Small-looking teeth caused by excessive gums

  • Uneven or asymmetrical gumline

  • Gummy smile affecting photos and confidence

  • Planning veneers or a smile makeover and want perfect balance

Gum contouring vs. crown lengthening — when each is recommended

Gum contouring focuses on reshaping soft tissue only.
Crown lengthening involves adjusting both gum and bone tissue when more tooth structure must be exposed for functional reasons (e.g., before placing a crown).

During your consultation, Dr. Sikka will determine the safest and most effective option based on your goals and smile anatomy.

Ready for a more confident smile?

A beautiful smile isn’t only about the teeth — the gums matter just as much. Fix your gummy smile with precision laser gum contouring. Call (909) 946-9090 to schedule your consultation.

CALL or TEXT (909) 946-9090

Frequently Asked Questions

1Is gum contouring painful?
No. The procedure is done with local anesthesia and laser technology, so most patients feel comfortable throughout.
2How long do gum contouring results last?
Results are permanent — excess gum tissue does not grow back in the vast majority of cases.
3How long does healing take?
Mild tenderness usually lasts a couple of days. Full healing and tissue settling occur over 2–4 weeks.
4Can gum contouring be combined with veneers or whitening?
Yes — many patients pair gum contouring with whitening or veneers to complete their smile transformation.
5Can the procedure fix a smile where only one tooth looks shorter?
Yes — gum contouring can correct individual tooth asymmetry as well as full gummy smile cases.