Reveal a Balanced Smile | Gum Contouring with Your Rapid City, SD, Dentist

Do you feel self-conscious about a “gummy smile”—where more gum than tooth shows when you grin? You’re not alone. Many people think that excessive gum tissue makes their teeth look too short or their smile uneven.

At Rushmore Dental, Dr. Tim Kelly, your Rapid City, SD, dentist offers advanced gum contouring treatments that beautifully reshape your gum line to bring out your most confident smile. Whether you’re looking to enhance your appearance or improve your oral health, gum contouring may be the simple, transformative solution you’ve been waiting for.

What Is a Gummy Smile—and What Causes It?

A “gummy smile” occurs when the gum tissue covers more of your teeth than usual, making your teeth appear smaller or disproportionate. Common causes include genetics, excessive gum tissue, a short upper lip, or an overactive upper lip muscle. Fortunately, this condition is highly treatable.

At Rushmore Dental, Dr. Tim Kelly utilizes precision technology and a gentle approach to restore harmony between your teeth and gums, enhancing both aesthetics and function.

Gum Contouring: A Cosmetic Game-Changer

Gum contouring, also known as esthetic crown lengthening or gummy smile treatment, is a cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes the gum line by removing excess gum tissue and sculpting a more even, attractive smile.

Cosmetic benefits of gum contouring include:

A more proportionate smile: Reveal the natural length of your teeth for a balanced appearance.
A symmetrical gum line: Achieve smooth, even contours that complement your facial features.
A boost in confidence: Enjoy smiling in photos, conversations, and social situations without hesitation.

With Dr. Kelly’s careful artistry and years of periodontal experience, you can expect results that look natural and feel amazing.

The Health Benefits You Didn’t Expect

While gum contouring is often pursued for cosmetic reasons, it also offers significant benefits for periodontal health, primarily when performed by an experienced dentist like Dr. Tim Kelly.

Health advantages of gum contouring include:

Improved oral hygiene: Excess gum tissue can create hard-to-clean pockets that harbor bacteria, leading to potential health issues. Reshaping the gums can reduce the risk of decay and gum disease.
Better bite alignment: In some cases, uneven gums can affect the way your teeth meet, leading to jaw discomfort or uneven wear.
Stronger gum-to-tooth seal: Trimming overgrown tissue improves the gum seal around each tooth, which helps prevent plaque buildup below the gum line.

At Rushmore Dental, gum contouring isn’t just about looking great—it’s also about promoting long-term oral wellness.

Why Choose Dr. Tim Kelly in Rapid City, SD?

When it comes to reshaping your smile, experien ce and precision matter. Dr. Tim Kelly brings a wealth of expertise in periodontal care and cosmetic dentistry to every procedure. His personalized approach ensures that your treatment plan aligns with your unique smile goals and oral health needs.

Dr. Kelly utilizes state-of-the-art tools to ensure accuracy and comfort, thereby minimizing discomfort and promoting faster healing. Whether your gummy smile is caused by excess tissue or a combination of factors, Dr. Kelly will perform a thorough evaluation and walk you through your best treatment options.

What to Expect from Your Gummy Smile Treatment

Gum contouring at Rushmore Dental is typically completed during a single visit. Here’s what the process looks like:

Consultation & Exam – Dr. Kelly examines your gums and teeth, discusses your concerns, and takes digital images to plan your new gum line.
Treatment Day – Using local anesthesia for comfort, Dr. Kelly gently removes or reshapes excess gum tissue with advanced laser or surgical tools.
Healing & Results – Most patients experience minor swelling and tenderness for a few days. Healing is fast, and you’ll see noticeable results almost immediately.

You’ll leave our office with a healthier, more radiant smile—and a newfound sense of self-confidence.

Is Gum Contouring Right for You?

You might be a great candidate for gummy smile treatment if:

You feel like your teeth look too short
You’re unhappy with the amount of gum that shows when you smile
You’ve been told you have excessive gum tissue or uneven gums
You want to improve both the appearance and health of your smile

Whether you’re considering gum contouring for aesthetic reasons, oral health improvements, or both—Dr. Tim Kelly, your Rapid City, SD, dentist at Rushmore Dental can help you make an informed, confident decision.

Reveal the Smile You Were Meant to Share with your Rapid City, SD, Dentist

If you’re ready to transform your gummy smile into a beautifully balanced one, the team at Rushmore Dental is here for you. With decades of experience, advanced technology, and personalized care, Dr. Tim Kelly has helped countless patients throughout Rapid City, SD, achieve smiles they love to share.

Call Rushmore Dental today at [605-342-1998] or visit https://www.rushmoredental.com to schedule your consultation. Let’s uncover the smile you were always meant to have.