Reveal more of your
natural smile.
Gum contouring gently reshapes your gum line to reveal more of your natural teeth — for a balanced, even smile. A comfortable procedure performed by a UCLA-trained dentist.
- UCLA-trained dental surgeon
- Implants placed & restored in-house
- Most insurance accepted
- Monthly payment plans
- Se habla español
- Award-winning · West LA Dental Society
Reshaping the gum line for a balanced smile.
Gum contouring — also called gum reshaping or tissue sculpting — evens out your smile by reshaping the gum line. It can correct a “gummy smile” or an uneven gum line, either by removing excess gum tissue or restoring receded gums, so it serves both cosmetic and functional purposes. We use precise laser technology for a comfortable visit, and the results are typically permanent.
What gum contouring does for you.
A more balanced smile
Reshapes an uneven or gummy gum line into a smile that looks even and proportioned.
Better oral health
Reduces deep gum pockets where bacteria collect, lowering your risk of gum disease.
Lasting results
You see a clear improvement right away, and for most patients the change is permanent.
Signs gum contouring may help.
A “gummy smile”
Your smile shows a lot of gum tissue above your teeth.
An uneven gum line
Your gum line is uneven, making your teeth look different lengths.
Self-conscious about your gums
You feel self-conscious about how your gums look when you smile.
Excess gum tissue
Extra gum tissue gets in the way or causes functional issues.
From consultation to a balanced smile.
Consultation
Dr. Bradley looks at your gum line and listens to your smile goals to plan the right approach.
Comfortable numbing
We numb the area with local anesthetic so you stay comfortable throughout.
Contouring & shaping
Excess gum tissue is carefully reshaped and sculpted to even out and balance your gum line.
Recovery
We send you home with simple aftercare instructions to support smooth, easy healing.
Planned and performed in one place.
Dr. Bradley is a UCLA-trained, surgically-proficient dentist who plans, places, and restores your treatment himself — so the dentist who knows your mouth is the one doing the work, start to finish.
Surgically trained dentist
Four UCLA degrees and a decade of education and training, plus advanced surgical and implant fellowships and a faculty appointment at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
Everything under one roof
Surgery, implants, and restorations handled in-house — no being referred across town.
Affordable, explained up front
Most major insurance accepted and monthly payment plans available, reviewed with you up front.
Trusted by Huntington Park families
“Dr. Bradley really cares for your teeth — his philosophy is to keep as much of the natural tooth as possible. He explained everything clearly, calmed my nerves, and did the procedure perfectly.”
“The best dentist in town. They really helped me with my fillings — completely pain-free — and made me feel at home through the whole process. Highly recommend.”
“My oral health has improved a lot with Dr. Bradley. He listens to my concerns and explains exactly what he’s doing and why — he even shows me the X-rays. He handles my cleanings and put on my adult braces himself, and the whole team is stellar.”
Gum contouring questions, answered.
Does gum contouring hurt?
Gum contouring is a minimally invasive procedure, and we numb the area with local anesthetic first so you stay comfortable. Some mild soreness afterward is normal and settles quickly.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan and the reason for the procedure — when it is medically necessary, many plans help. We accept most major insurance and offer monthly payment plans, and we review your options at your appointment.
Will my gums grow back after contouring?
For most patients the results are permanent, as long as you keep up good oral hygiene. Regular cleanings and proper home care keep your reshaped gum line healthy and looking good for years.
Reviewed by Dr. Bradley Salvatore, DDS · Updated July 1, 2026
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Curious if gum contouring is right for you?
Most major insurance accepted · monthly payment plans available.
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