SOFT TISSUE CONTOURING
Enhance your smile with soft tissue care – little details that make a big difference!
Understanding Soft Tissue Contouring
A confident smile isn’t just about straight teeth—it’s also about healthy, balanced gum tissue. Soft tissue contouring is the process of reshaping the gumline or removing excess oral tissue to improve oral function, hygiene, or aesthetics. Whether you or your child child needs a gingivectomy to reduce a gummy smile or refine your gumline after braces, or a frenectomy to aid in speech or feeding, our laser technology offers precise, gentle, and effective results.
In orthodontics, soft tissue contouring can:
How Soft Tissue Contouring Supports Orthodontic Treatment
1. Gingivectomy After Braces or Aligners
After months of braces or clear aligners, some patients are left with uneven or bulky gum tissue that hides tooth structure. A laser gingivectomy can reveal more of the tooth, creating a cleaner, more symmetrical smile. This is especially helpful in patients who experience “orthodontic gingival hyperplasia” (gum overgrowth during treatment) or that simply need a gum lift after braces or aligners.
2. Frenectomy
A frenectomy removes or modifies the small band of tissue that connects the tongue or lip to the jaw or gums. Lingual frenectomy (release of a tongue-tie) can helps upport better tongue posture and function. Labial frenectomy (removal of tissue between front teeth or between lip and gums) can help prevent reopening of spaces between teeth, and help prevent gingival recession. A tight frenum between the front teeth can cause spacing to reopen after treatment. If you are wondering “Why did my gap reopen after braces?” this may be the reason. A laser frenectomy during or after braces can help prevent relapse by eliminating tension on the teeth and assisting space or diastema closure.
3. Improved Hygiene and Tooth Eruption
Patients with excessive gum tissue can struggle to brush and floss properly around brackets or appliances. Gum reshaping can improve access and reduce inflammation, especially during active orthodontic treatment. In some cases, laser exposure of a partially erupted tooth can speed up orthodontic progress.
Whether you or your child need gums reduced to assist with hygiene, or you’re considering a gingivectomy to reduce a gummy smile or refine your gumline after braces, our laser technology offers precise, gentle, and effective results.
LASER GINGIVECTOMY IN ZIONSVILLE, IN
What is Laser Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is a procedure that removes excess gum tissue. In orthodontics, this is often recommended for patients who have gum tissue overgrowth, gummy smile, and uneven gumlines.
We use advanced laser technology to perform these procedures with minimal discomfort, no stitches, and faster healing compared to other methods. Unlike traditional techniques, with laser contouring you can expect:
- Less bleeding
- No need for sutures
- Faster healing
- Minimal discomfort
This is often done as a final touch after orthodontic treatment to enhance the appearance of the teeth and gums—and give patients a confident, radiant smile. Some cases or conditions may require additional procedures or other dental specialists, known as periodontists, to provide treatment.
Orthodontic Problems Improved by
Soft Tissue Contouring
Uneven Gumline
Overgrown Gums
Gummy Smile
Tight Tongue
Tight Frenum
Short Teeth
Gingival Laser Treatment
Using a dental laser, our orthodontsit can gently reshape the gum tissue with minimal discomfort. The laser gently cauterizes as it works, which means quicker healing and recovery time.
BENEFITS OF LASER SOFT TISSUE PROCEDURES
At Godley Family Orthodontics, we use a modern, advanced laser known for:
Most often, gingival contouring is done as a final touch after orthodontic treatment to enhance the appearance of the teeth and gums—and give patients a confident, radiant smile.
WHO PERFORMS THESE PROCEDURES?
Dr. Danielle Godley, board-certified orthodontist, performs all laser soft tissue treatments in-house. She is a specialist trained in using laser technology to support orthodontic goals. Whether it’s part of an orthodontic treatment plan or a single procedure, we prioritize safety, comfort, and beautiful results. Dr. Godley works in collaboration with other providers. Some cases or conditions are more complex, and may need a referral to another specialist, such as when frenectomies are part of a broader care plan or when the jaw bone needs altered in addition to the gums.
Other providers that patients may need to be evaluated by include:
- General and pediatric dentists
- Myofunctional therapists
- Oral Surgeons
- Periodontists
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the diode laser safe for everyone?
While diode lasers are safe for most patients, there are some contraindications. Your health and safety are always our priority. Dr. Godley will review your medical history to ensure laser treatment is appropriate. Those who should avoid lasers include:
– Active oral infections or uncontrolled periodontal disease
– Photosensitive epilepsy or light-triggered seizures
– Use of photosensitizing medications (e.g., isotretinoin)
– Poor wound healing or uncontrolled diabetes
– Pregnancy (evaluated case by case) - Is gum contouring painful?
Not typically. Thanks to modern laser technology—like the diode laser we use at Godley Family Orthodontics—gingivectomy procedures are relatively comfortable. Most patients report only mild soreness or sensitivity afterward, similar to a mild skin irritation or mild sunburn. Topical numbing jelly (topical anesthetic) is applied to the gums prior to the procedure to ensure you don’t feel discomfort. - How long is the recovery time after gum reshaping?
Recovery from laser gum contouring is usually quick. Most patients return to school or work the next day. Healing typically takes about 1–2 weeks, depending on the extent of the reshaping and your body’s natural healing response. Gums may appear more red during that time. A soft diet and good oral hygiene can help speed healing. - Why would I need a gingivectomy if I already had braces or aligners?
Even after orthodontic treatment, excess or uneven gum tissue can hide parts of your teeth, creating a “gummy” smile or an asymmetric gumline. A gingivectomy reveals more of the tooth surface, improving your smile’s proportions. It’s often a great finishing touch after orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners—especially for patients with naturally thick gums or inflammation from poor hygiene during treatment.
Is Soft Tissue Contouring Right for You or Your Child?
The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with our Zionsville orthodontist. We’ll evaluate your gums, frenum attachments, and overall oral health to determine if soft tissue contouring can help.
At Godley Family Orthodontics, we believe every smile deserves precision care—and that includes the gums! Our orthodontist combines advanced technology with a comfortable, family friendly approach to care. Whether you’re seeking improved function, aesthetics, or both, we’re here to help you achieve the healthiest, happiest smile possible.