Aesthetic Alignment: Fixing a Gummy Smile with Laser Contouring in Lakewood

Ever looked in the mirror, smiling wide, only to feel self-conscious about how much of your gums show? You’re not alone, and you’re not being vain. A gummy smile can cause many people to cover their laughter, hesitate in photos, or feel less confident in their appearance. 

The good news? There’s a solution that’s minimally invasive, fast, and designed with your comfort in mind. With laser gum contouring at Northstar Dental, you can reshape your smile and feel better about how your teeth and gums look together.

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What Is a Gummy Smile, and Why Does It Matter?

A "gummy smile" refers to a smile that reveals an excessive amount of gum tissue above the upper teeth, typically more than 3-4 millimeters. While completely harmless from a medical standpoint, this style of smile can create an imbalanced appearance, 

When too much of the gum tissue shows, it makes the teeth seem smaller, or creates the illusion that they're out of proportion. Some of the most common causes of a gummy smile include:

• Genetics, some people are simply born this way
• Overactive upper lip muscles
• Teeth that didn’t erupt fully or are naturally shorter
• Excess gum tissue covering the teeth

For those who feel their gums overshadow their smile, laser contouring offers a modern, gentle option to refine the overall alignment and bring harmony to their facial features.

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Meet Your Smile’s New Best Friend: Laser Gum Contouring

Laser gum contouring, also known as gingival sculpting or laser gingivectomy, is a state-of-the-art cosmetic procedure that reshapes excess gum tissue to reveal more of your natural tooth structure. 

At Northstar Dental, Dr. Eric uses precise laser technology to gently remove unnecessary tissue while sealing as he goes, no scalpels or stitches required. The benefits of this technology-driven procedure include:

• Minimally invasive with virtually no bleeding
• Fast healing times with little to no discomfort
• Highly accurate, for beautifully balanced results

Thanks to advanced tools like digital smile design and AI-enhanced imaging, Dr. Eric is able to plan your smile outcome with incredible precision, so you can see what your enhanced smile will look like before treatment even begins.

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The Laser Smile Makeover Experience at Northstar Dental

At Northstar Dental, we know a smile transformation starts with comfort and trust. From the moment you step into our spa-like office, you'll notice the difference. We’re not just here to fix smiles. We’re here to get to know you and support your journey with compassion and care. Your laser gum contouring visit will typically involve:

• Consultation: Dr. Eric will evaluate your gums, teeth, and smile lines using digital imaging tools like iTero scans and 3D CBCT technology. He'll discuss your goals and evaluate whether laser contouring is the right choice, or if a combination of treatments (like veneers or clear aligners) might achieve better balance.
• Laser Contouring Procedure: Performed in a single visit, the procedure takes around 30 to 60 minutes depending on the complexity. You’ll be comfortable with local anesthesia, and our atmosphere, complete with warm blankets, massage chairs, and aromatherapy, helps ease dental anxiety.
• Post-Treatment Comfort: Most patients return to daily activities the same day. Mild tenderness can occur but is typically manageable without prescription medication.

Our goal is to deliver not just beautiful results, but a beautiful experience from start to finish.

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Is Laser Gum Contouring Right for You?

If you’ve ever felt that your teeth are overshadowed by your gums or that your smile lacks proportion, laser gum contouring could be a great option. Candidates typically:

• Are bothered by how much gum shows when they smile
• Have healthy teeth and gums with no ongoing infections
• Are looking for a non-surgical, cosmetic enhancement

One of the advantages of working with a comprehensive practice like Northstar Dental is that we take a holistic look at your smile. That means assessing function, structure, and aesthetics, not just “fixing” one thing without understanding the big picture. Sometimes, laser contouring is paired with other treatments such as same-day CEREC crowns or Invisalign to achieve optimal results.

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FAQs About Laser Gum Contouring

Does the procedure hurt?

Not at all. Patients are fully numbed, and the laser actually seals nerves and blood vessels as it works, meaning less swelling and a smoother healing process.

How long before I see results?

You’ll see immediate improvement, with full healing and final results in about 1 to 2 weeks. Friends and family will notice the change, often without realizing why your smile looks so refreshed.

Will my gums grow back?

In most cases, no. Once the excess tissue is removed, it doesn’t grow back as long as your gums stay healthy following treatment.

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Beyond the Smile: What Makes Northstar Dental Unique

What sets Northstar Dental apart isn’t just our ability to improve smiles, it’s the way we do it. Dr. Eric and his team have served the Lakewood community for decades. We create lasting relationships based on trust, empathy, and an attention to detail that goes far beyond surface-level care.

Whether exploring a cosmetic enhancement like gum contouring or needing routine dental care, our patients appreciate:

• Comprehensive dental services all under one roof
• The calming, spa-inspired atmosphere that transforms dental visits into relaxing experiences
• State-of-the-art technology for quick, precise outcomes
• Genuine relationships, every smile we treat belongs to someone we care about

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Confidence Starts with a Smile You Love

If you’ve been hiding your smile or feeling unsure about your appearance, laser gum contouring could be the subtle transformation that makes a big difference for your confidence. Let Dr. Eric and the team at Northstar Dental help you rediscover your love for your smile with personalized care and leading-edge technology.

Call us today at (303) 234-1112 to schedule your consultation or learn more about our laser gum contouring services. For decades, we’ve helped patients across Lakewood achieve smiles that look great, feel natural, and boost their self-confidence, too.