How Long Does Laser Gum Contouring Last?

A beautiful smile is about more than the teeth. The way your gums frame those teeth has just as much to do with how balanced and confident a smile looks. When the gum line sits too low, covers too much tooth, or runs unevenly from one side to the other, laser gum contouring is one of the simplest ways to bring everything back into proportion.

The most common question we hear about it is the most practical one: once it is done, how long does it actually last?

The short answer

For most patients, laser gum contouring is a one-time procedure. The laser gently removes and reshapes excess gum tissue, and once that tissue heals into its new shape, it stays there. Gum tissue that has been reshaped does not regenerate or creep back the way it was, so the result you see after healing is the result you keep.

That said, your gums are living tissue, and the health of the surrounding area still matters. Good day to day care is what protects the look over the years.

What protects your result

The biggest factor is gum health. Brushing and flossing well, and keeping your routine cleanings, prevents the inflammation and recession that could change your gum line over time. Patients who grind, smoke, or skip cleanings give themselves the best odds of needing a touch up down the road, so those are the habits worth addressing.

When contouring is done as part of a larger plan, such as alongside veneers, the design is mapped out together so the gums and the new teeth complement each other for the long haul.

Is it right for you?

Laser contouring is quick, precise, and far more comfortable than older techniques, with most people back to normal within a few days. The best way to know whether it fits your smile is a quick look in person, where Dr. Badolato can show you exactly what is possible. You can also start with a complimentary Virtual Smile Consult from home.