Digital Smile Design
Digital Smile Design is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Precise gum tissue reshaping to correct a gummy smile or uneven gum line.
Gum Contouring: Reshaping the Frame Around Your Smile
The gum tissue is the frame around every tooth — and when the frame is uneven, excessive, or asymmetric, even perfect teeth look disproportionate. Gum contouring at ADSC uses precise tissue reshaping to create a balanced, natural-appearing gum line that reveals the ideal proportion of tooth surface. The procedure corrects "gummy smile" (excess tissue covering the upper teeth), uneven gum levels between adjacent teeth, and tissue excess that makes teeth appear short or square.
Soft tissue-only contouring (gingivectomy) removes excess gum tissue using a diode laser that cauterizes simultaneously, minimizing bleeding and post-operative discomfort. When bone recontouring is also needed to achieve the desired tooth length (crown lengthening), a more involved periodontal surgical approach is used. The distinction depends on whether the excessive gum coverage is due to tissue overgrowth alone or a combination of tissue and bone proximity.
Results are visible immediately for soft tissue contouring, with final tissue maturation occurring over four to eight weeks. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia in 30 to 60 minutes, and most patients return to normal activities the same day. Gum contouring is frequently combined with porcelain veneers or teeth whitening as part of a comprehensive smile makeover, where the gum reshaping is done first to establish the tissue architecture before restorations are fabricated.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for seamless continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
Gingival Architecture and Smile Aesthetics
The aesthetically ideal gum architecture follows specific patterns documented in the dental aesthetics literature. The gingival zenith (highest point of the gum margin) of the central incisors and canines is positioned slightly distal to the longitudinal axis of each tooth and at the same vertical level. The lateral incisor zenith sits approximately 0.5 to 1 mm more coronal (lower) than the central and canine zeniths, creating a gentle scallop effect. The gum margin follows the cementoenamel junction of each tooth, creating thin, knife-edge tissue that tapers to a point between teeth (the interdental papilla). Deviations from this architecture — tissue excess, asymmetric zenith positions, or blunted papillae — create visual disharmony that detracts from tooth aesthetics regardless of the teeth's color or shape. Laser gingivectomy removes soft tissue with precision control, vaporizing tissue at the desired level while sealing capillaries and nerve endings. The healing response produces a new tissue margin that stabilizes at the treated level within four to six weeks.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Gum contouring at ADSC is performed with pre-operative analysis of the ideal gingival zenith positions, tooth proportions, and biologic width dimensions. When soft tissue removal alone is insufficient (because bone proximity limits how far the tissue margin can be moved apically without biologic width violation), crown lengthening surgery is performed to recontour the bone first. This distinction is critical — soft tissue removed without addressing underlying bone excess will grow back. The clinical team determines the appropriate approach through clinical measurement, radiographic assessment, and, when needed, CBCT imaging of the bone architecture.
Your Digital Smile Design Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive digital smile design evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your digital smile design options, timeline, and costs. Our procedures maintain a 95%+ success rate, backed by advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for optimal healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
A Note from Your Dental Team
In my experience, the patients who get the best results from digital smile design are those who come in with realistic expectations and follow their post-treatment instructions carefully. I’d rather spend extra time explaining what to expect than have a patient be surprised later.
“Every patient I see has a different story, a different set of concerns, and a different definition of what ‘success’ looks like. That’s why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans. When you come in for a consultation, I’ll listen first, examine second, and recommend third.
I also won’t recommend a procedure you don’t need. If your tooth can be saved with a filling instead of a crown, I’ll tell you that. If watchful waiting is appropriate, I’ll explain why. My job isn’t to sell treatment — it’s to give you my honest clinical judgment so you can make an informed decision.
If you have questions about whether this treatment is right for you, or if you’ve been told you need this procedure by another dentist and want a second opinion, call us at (503) 822-0096. We’re happy to take the time to explain everything — no rush, no pressure.”
— Dr. Merat Ostovar & Dr. Jovan Gvozden | Aloha Dental Specialty Center, Beaverton, OR
I know many patients feel anxious about dental procedures — you’re not alone in that. What I hear most often after treatment is: “That was so much easier than I expected.” We’re here to make this as comfortable as possible for you.
Are You a Candidate for Digital Smile Design?
Most patients in good general health are candidates for digital smile design. However, certain factors may affect your eligibility or require modifications to the treatment plan:
- Medical conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or blood-thinning medications may require coordination with your physician before treatment.
- Bone quality: For digital smile design involving the jawbone, adequate bone density is essential. A CBCT 3D scan during your consultation determines this precisely.
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly impairs healing. We strongly recommend quitting 2-4 weeks before and after any surgical procedure.
- Age: There is generally no upper age limit. What matters is your overall health, not your age. We have successfully treated patients in their 80s and 90s.
The only way to know for certain is a consultation with our board-certified specialists. Call (503) 822-0096 to schedule your evaluation — we’ll tell you honestly whether this is the right treatment for your situation.
Typical Healing Timeline:
Days 1-3: Initial healing, mild swelling managed with ice and medication. Days 4-7: Swelling subsides, gradual return to normal diet. Weeks 2-4: Soft tissue heals completely. Months 2-6: Bone remodeling and full integration (for surgical procedures). Individual recovery varies — we provide detailed post-op instructions specific to your procedure.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
Related Dental Services
Frequently Asked Questions
How does digital smile design help plan cosmetic dental treatment?
Digital smile design uses facial photographs, intraoral scans, and specialized software to create a virtual preview of your new smile before any dental work begins. You see projected results on screen, provide feedback, and approve the design. This replaces guesswork with precision — ensuring your veneers, crowns, or implants are positioned for optimal aesthetics and function.
Does gum contouring hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the treatment itself is painless. Post-procedure discomfort is mild — tenderness and sensitivity for two to three days, manageable with over-the-counter analgesics. Laser contouring typically produces less post-operative discomfort than scalpel-based techniques due to the tissue sealing effect.
How long does gum contouring take?
Soft tissue-only contouring takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of teeth treated. Crown lengthening (involving bone recontouring) takes 60 to 90 minutes. Most patients return to normal activities the same day for soft tissue procedures.
Is gum contouring permanent?
Yes, when performed correctly. Soft tissue contouring that respects the biologic width produces a permanent change in gum level. If tissue is removed without addressing bone proximity, the gum can regrow (rebound) to its original position. Proper clinical assessment prevents this outcome.
How much does gum contouring cost?
Laser gingivectomy costs $200 to $500 per tooth. Crown lengthening (periodontal surgery) costs more due to the surgical complexity. Insurance may partially cover gum contouring when it is performed for functional reasons (exposing decay, facilitating a crown). Purely cosmetic gum contouring is not typically covered.
Can gum contouring be done with a laser?
Yes. Diode laser contouring is the standard technique for soft tissue-only procedures. The laser vaporizes tissue precisely, cauterizes blood vessels (minimal bleeding), and seals nerve endings (reduced post-operative pain). The result is a clean, precise tissue margin with faster healing compared to scalpel technique.
How long is recovery from gum contouring?
Laser soft tissue contouring: two to three days of mild tenderness, with the tissue looking fully healed within two to three weeks. Crown lengthening surgery: one to two weeks of moderate recovery, with full tissue maturation at four to six weeks. During healing, a soft diet and gentle oral hygiene around the treated area are recommended.
Will my gums look different immediately after the procedure?
Yes. The improved gum line is visible immediately. However, the tissue appears slightly inflamed and red for the first one to two weeks. As healing progresses, the tissue tightens, pinkens, and matures to its final appearance. The full aesthetic result is apparent at four to six weeks.
Can gum contouring be combined with veneers?
Yes, and this combination is common in smile makeovers. Gum contouring is performed first to establish the tissue architecture. After healing (four to six weeks), veneer preparation begins with the gum margin in its final, stable position. This sequencing ensures accurate veneer margin placement.
Is gum contouring safe?
Yes. Gum contouring is a well-established procedure with high predictability. Risks include minor bleeding, temporary sensitivity, and the potential for tissue regrowth if biologic width is not respected. These risks are minimized through proper clinical assessment and technique.
How many teeth can be treated at once?
For cosmetic gum contouring (gummy smile correction), four to ten upper anterior teeth are typically treated in a single session. The number depends on the extent of excess tissue and the aesthetic goals. All visible upper teeth can usually be treated in one appointment.
Can Botox help with a gummy smile without surgery?
Yes. When a gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive upper lip (the lip rises too high when smiling), Botox injected into the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle reduces the lip elevation, showing less gum without tissue removal. This non-surgical option is available at ADSC and produces results lasting three to four months per treatment.
Do I need gum contouring or crown lengthening?
Soft tissue contouring alone is sufficient when the bone level is already in the correct position and excess tissue simply needs removal. Crown lengthening (bone + soft tissue recontouring) is needed when the bone level is too close to the desired gum margin, which would cause tissue regrowth. Clinical probing and radiographic assessment determine which approach is indicated.
What is altered passive eruption?
A condition where the gum tissue never receded to its normal adult position during tooth eruption, leaving excess tissue covering the clinical crown. Teeth appear short and square, and smiling reveals excessive gum. This is the most common cause of gummy smile in adults and is corrected definitively with gum contouring or crown lengthening.
Can gum contouring help teeth that look too small?
If the teeth appear small because excess gum tissue covers the upper portion of the crown, removing that tissue reveals more tooth surface and creates teeth that appear longer and more proportionate. If the teeth are genuinely small (microdontia), veneers or bonding may be needed in addition to gum contouring to achieve ideal proportions.
Uneven or Excessive Gums? Contouring Can Transform Your Smile
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026