잇몸 윤곽 (Gingivectomy)

Gum contouring (gingivectomy or crown lengthening) reshapes the gum line by surgically removing or repositioning excess gum tissue to reveal more natural tooth surface. The procedure addresses gummy smiles (where >2-3mm of gum shows when smiling), asymmetric gum lines, or gums that cover too much of the tooth crown making teeth appear short or square.

Two main approaches exist: gingivectomy (simple soft-tissue removal for excess gum without bony involvement) and crown lengthening (more extensive procedure that also reshapes the underlying bone). Modern techniques use lasers (CO2, diode, or Er:YAG) for the soft-tissue work — providing precise control and minimal bleeding. Crown lengthening with bone reshaping requires traditional surgical instruments. Recovery from soft-tissue-only procedures is brief (1-3 days); crown lengthening with bone work takes 7-14 days.

Gum contouring is a complement to (not replacement for) other dental aesthetics. Patients with gummy smiles who also have small teeth may benefit from veneers afterward to fully restore proportion. Distinct from "gummy smile" botox treatment — that’s muscular, while this is structural.