Gum Lifting

Gum lifting, also known as gum contouring or crown lengthening, reshapes the gum line to create a more balanced smile or to expose more of a tooth's surface for a restoration. Patients often consider it when gums appear uneven, when a smile looks "gummy," or when a tooth needs more visible structure before a crown or veneer is placed. Dr. Adam Salm, DMD, evaluates each smile individually to determine whether gum lifting is a good fit and how it may work alongside other treatments.

When Gum Lifting Is Considered

Uneven Gum Lines — Gums that sit higher on some teeth than others can make a smile look asymmetrical.
Excess Gum Tissue — A "gummy" smile, where teeth appear short because gum tissue covers too much of them.
Restorative Preparation — Additional tooth structure sometimes needs to be exposed before a crown, bridge, or veneer can be placed properly.

What to Expect at a Visit

Dr. Salm reviews your gum and tooth structure, discusses your goals, and explains the approach before any procedure begins. Comfort sedation options are available to help keep the visit comfortable, and our digital smile design software can help preview how contouring may change the look of your smile before treatment starts.

Related Care

Gum lifting is sometimes paired with periodontal treatments, veneers, or crowns, which Dental Office of Dr. Salm, Kanner, and Grandeau also offers as part of a broader treatment plan.