(920) 667-0038 [email protected] 2805 Libal Street Suite B, Green Bay, WI 54301
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Gum contouring & crown lengthening in Green Bay

— reshape your smile’s frame for a more balanced, beautiful result

The shape of your gum line frames every tooth in your smile — and when it’s uneven, too high, or too low, even otherwise healthy teeth can look disproportionate. Gum contouring and crown lengthening are precise, minimally invasive procedures that reshape the gum line for a more symmetrical, proportionate, and confident smile.

Often fully completed inside a single comfortable appointment

Clinical Distinctions

Two Specialized Structural Approaches

These two advanced procedures are frequently grouped together, but they serve entirely distinct structural purposes. Separating them helps you identify exactly which solution addresses your needs.

Cosmetic gum contouring

Who it’s for: Patients with a “gummy smile” — where an excessive volume of soft pink gum tissue remains highly visible during normal smiles, making healthy teeth appear abnormally short or stubby.
What it does: Carefully trims back excess, redundant gum tissue layers to reveal more of the hidden natural tooth surface, establishing a balanced, symmetrical tooth-to-gum profile ratio.
Purpose: Primarily aesthetic — enhancing the natural frame of the smile zone.
Commonly paired with: Porcelain veneers, composite bonding, full smile makeovers.

Functional crown lengthening

Who it’s for: Patients needing a dental crown placed over a tooth that has fractured or broken down near the gumline, leaving insufficient exposed enamel structure to grip a restoration securely.
What it does: Strategically alters local gum margins (and occasionally a micro-layer of supportive bone) to expose healthy underlying enamel, creating the surface area required for a lasting restoration.
Purpose: Functional and/or cosmetic — ensuring proper structural crown retention.
Commonly paired with: Porcelain dental crown placement, full restorative reconstructions.
Diagnostic Checklist

Common Visual Indicators We Correct

Gummy smile

When more than 3–4mm of pink gum tissue shows during a full smile, making teeth look disproportionately short. This is almost always a natural anatomical asset, not a hygiene problem.

Uneven gum line

When gum levels differ across teeth — some sitting higher and others lower — creating an asymmetric frame even when the teeth themselves are perfectly straight.

Teeth appear too short

When healthy, adult natural teeth are partially covered by excess soft tissue margins. Advanced laser contouring safely exposes the full crown underneath, often with dramatic results.

Crown placement prep

When a broken tooth lacks the surface area needed to hold a permanent crown. Crown lengthening safely creates the clear structural space required for a predictable restoration.

Indistinguishable from natural enamel

Dental veneers are micro-thin shells crafted from dental porcelain or durable composite resins that are custom-engineered and permanently bonded over the front faces of your teeth. They create a beautiful aesthetic shell that instantly covers structural, alignment, or color imperfections.

Because dental porcelain mimics the translucent depth and light-reflecting properties of biological enamel, veneers look completely natural. The final porcelain matrix is highly stain-resistant against coffee or tea and bonds molecularly to reinforce your existing tooth stability for decades.

Procedure Facts Baseline

Typical Duration: 30–60 minutes total chairside block

Anesthesia Method: Localized comfort numbing
Clinical Technology : Advanced soft-tissue dental laser
Sutures Required : None — laser cauterizes tissue instantly
Recovery Window : 1–3 days of mild tenderness; easy tracking
Aesthetic Longevity: Permanent results — tissue does not grow back
Insurance Standard: Cosmetic is elective; functional lengthening may be covered

Transformation Portfolio

Real Patient Results from Green Bay Smiles Dental

Explore true clinical outcomes achieved by our neighbors under the direct care of our clinical team. All cases executed with explicit HIPAA privacy consent documentation.

Porcelain-Veneers-Placement-Case-beforePorcelain-Veneers-Placement-Case-after
Gummy smile correction
Smile-Makeover-beforeSmile-Makeover-after
Crown lengthening + veneer prep
Cosmetic-Composite-Bonding-Path-beforeCosmetic-Composite-Bonding-Path-after
Uneven gum line balancing

Precision gum reshaping for a more balanced, beautiful smile

gum contouring and crown lengthening at Green Bay Smiles Dental

Laser precision

Our soft-tissue dental lasers ensure exceptional safety and control. By eliminating traditional surgical blades, we maximize comfort, minimize bleeding, and support faster healing response times.

A trained cosmetic eye

Gum contouring requires as much artistic vision as technical skill. Dr. Messer evaluates tooth shapes, facial structures, and ideal smile proportions to craft a symmetrical, flattering frame for your teeth.

Coordinated with your smile plan

When contouring is part of a larger cosmetic plan, we sequence it properly — reshaping the gum architecture first, letting it heal, and then crafting restorations for a perfectly balanced final result.

Real Patient Feedback

Google reviews

Trusted by local families

4.9 ★★★★★ Google
Kathleen E
Kathleen E4 months ago
★★★★★

My Dental Hygenist was so friendly, professional, knowledgeable, positive, and caring. She shared information relating…

Michael Messer
Michael Messer4 months ago
★★★★★

I had a great experience. Everyone is so friendly and Casey did great with all…

Brian D
Brian D5 months ago
★★★★★

Green Bay Smiles is a great place for dental work. Dr Messer is a credit…

John Mandl
John Mandl4 months ago
★★★★★

Excellent service, everyone was friendly and the dentist knew her profession. I’am happy to be…

Carolyn Maritato
Carolyn Maritato2 months ago
★★★★★

The GBS clinic was prompt in confirming appointments and the staff was extremely courteous ….

Jesse Greene
Jesse Greene6 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Messer exemplifies what outstanding dental care should be. The approach is thoughtful, precise, and…

Brandon Schwarz
Brandon Schwarz5 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Messer and staff are always friendly, professional and knowledgeable at Green Bay Smiles. They…

Laura Alar
Laura Alar1 month ago
★★★★★

Green Bay Smiles is timely, thorough and always has a relaxing environment.

Melony Killian
Melony Killian4 months ago
★★★★★

Excellent service and friendly staff

Tim Sass
Tim Sass2 months ago
★★★★★

The friendly staff at Green Bay Smiles were a delight to work with, providing a…

Samantha Tamayo
Samantha Tamayo5 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Casey and her team are truly the best!

Patricia Love
Patricia Love5 months ago
★★★★★

I mistakenly went on the wrong day and Green Bay Smiles graciously worked me in….

Brenda Beyer
Brenda Beyer6 months ago
★★★★★

Emily was very good at her job

Mariss Cook
Mariss Cook4 months ago
★★★★★

All staff at Green Bay Smiles in Green Bay were very friendly & personable. I…

Meredith Obry
Meredith Obry1 month ago
★★★★★

The staff at Green Bay Smiles demonstrated exceptional professionalism, providing a consistently polite and courteous…

Jack Vial
Jack Vial5 months ago
★★★★

Counter staff are friendly and informative. Hygienist was gentle, informative and had a great bedside…

Michael Sule
Michael Sule4 months ago
★★★★★

Courteous, explains thoroughly and timely.

Kelly Nelson
Kelly Nelson4 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Messer & her dental care team are very knowledgeable and have taken excellent care…

Rebeca Mejia
Rebeca Mejia5 months ago
★★★★★

(Translated by Google) An excellent place, everyone is friendly and very attentive. I especially felt…

Holly Wegner
Holly Wegner3 months ago
★★★★★

Had a wonderful first time there. Felt very welcomed and my concerns were addressed very…

Wayne Richardson
Wayne Richardson5 months ago
★★★★★

I always have a good experience with the people there . They are professional and…

Richard Reimer
Richard Reimer3 months ago
★★★★★

My appointment was on time and the people that worked on me were great and…

Leda
Leda3 months ago
★★★★★

Thank you so much for the outstanding care and professionalism. I truly appreciate how detailed…

Jessica Hamer
Jessica Hamer4 months ago
★★★★★

I needed a lot of dental work and chose Green Bay Smiles as they had…

Jill Baeten
Jill Baeten5 months ago
★★★★★

Love Dr. Messer! She's speedy, fun, kind and does quality work. Will never go anywhere…

Kathleen Warren
Kathleen Warren6 months ago
★★★★★

Very professional and friendly

Katherine Smits
Katherine Smits4 months ago
★★★★★

I arrived for my appointment in a state of very high anxiety. I was given…

Pat Vanden Bergh
Pat Vanden Bergh4 months ago
★★★★★

Very efficient and courteous

Joann Wanek
Joann Wanek3 months ago
★★★★★

Very thorough, and friendly, but they listened to what I wanted after I explained what…

S Bjar
S Bjar6 months ago
★★★★★

Great dentist great staff great hygenist! Friendly personable helpful!

Norma Olivier
Norma Olivier3 months ago
★★★★★

I trust Dr. Messer. Dr. Messer, and the Green Bay Smiles staff are totally awesome!…

Barb Wickham
Barb Wickham3 months ago
★★★★★

They are amazing! All the staff are super efficient and very professional! I would highly…

julio
julio5 months ago
★★★★★

Very happy, everyone very nice and helpful, answered all my questions, and explained procedures and…

Bailey Hintz
Bailey Hintz4 months ago
★★★★★

I used to go to Green Bay Smiles, but after moving, I started seeing a…

Steve Endter
Steve Endter6 months ago
★★★★★

The assistant was very nice, 5 star!

Paula Colling
Paula Colling1 month ago
★★★★★

Is it possible to say that you look forward to the dentist?? YES. Love Green…

Pam Supa
Pam Supa4 months ago
★★★★★

Everyone in the office was very nice and made me feel at ease. It is…

Maureen Steiner
Maureen Steiner5 months ago
★★★★★

Always a great experience! Fantastic teeth cleaning – very thorough, detailed, and considerate! Highly recommended.

Thijs Dewey
Thijs Dewey3 months ago
★★★★★

Great atmosphere and customer service all the staff was very friendly and helpful

Sue L
Sue L6 months ago
★★★★★

I took my 95 year old mom to the dentist. First visit in 7 years….

Rob Themeister
Rob Themeister5 months ago
★★★★★

I've recently had major restorative dental work completed at GB Smiles, and can't speak highly…

Monica Golomski
Monica Golomski2 months ago
★★★★★

Great team work – all levels. Office, dental associates and of course, Dr. Casey. A…

Mike
Mike2 months ago
★★★★★

Very understanding and informative to my own situation.

Jan Charles
Jan Charles1 month ago
★★★★★

You were ALL very professional, kind, knowledgeable, etc, etc. I appreciate entrusting my smile to…

Geneva Macco
Geneva Macco4 months ago
★★★★★

Had a very friendly visit every time I go in to have any dental work…

Robert Kadrlik
Robert Kadrlik6 months ago
★★★★★

Outstanding job, very happy with his work.

Bonnie Plouff
Bonnie Plouff4 months ago
★★★★★

My first experience with Green Bay Smiles. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Messer, the…

Steve Perry
Steve Perry5 months ago
★★★★★

Great getting me in waiting list All is good. Great staff Friendly 👍🏻

Mary Reiter
Mary Reiter4 months ago
★★★★★

Very friendly people. They make it easy and explain everything very clearly. Will be back.

Lisa Dillhunt
Lisa Dillhunt5 months ago
★★★★★

Really kind people who do their best to make each experience a good one.

Cathy Hedrick
Cathy Hedrick2 months ago
★★★★★

The team at Green Bay Smiles went above and beyond with their friendly, helpful, and…

Paula Culligan
Paula Culligan6 months ago
★★★★★

Took me on time. Good results. No pain. This place is great! I always feel…

susan casper
susan casper6 months ago
★★★★

An hour after I got home I developed a toothache which still persists tonight. Did…

Linda Havlicek
Linda Havlicek5 months ago
★★★★★

My questions were answered in a patient and caring manner.

Peter Anderson
Peter Anderson3 months ago
★★★★★

It was very pleasant and they got me in 5 minutes ahead of my scheduled…

Bonnie VanDeHey
Bonnie VanDeHey3 months ago
★★★★★

Love this dental office! I've been going for a few years now and the staff…

JANETTE DREWS
JANETTE DREWS3 months ago
★★★★★

Dr Messer is excellent.

Evan Miller
Evan Miller4 months ago
★★★★★

Efficient and friendly service

Roxanne Cole
Roxanne Cole5 months ago
★★★★★

This was a great office visit. I got more information in the first 15 minutes…

Nic Wessely
Nic Wessely1 month ago
★★★★★

The staff at Green Bay Smiles was incredibly professional, friendly, and gentle in their approach,…

Rita Schroeder
Rita Schroeder5 months ago
★★★★★

Professional, friendly and very detailed from when you enter the office till you leave. Dr…

Craig Satori
Craig Satori3 months ago
★★★★★

On time, down to business, good care and conversation with my hygienist!

Kevin O'Connor
Kevin O'Connor5 months ago
★★★★★

Everything was on time and handled very professionally.

Jeff Hall
Jeff Hall6 months ago
★★★★★

Dental care made easy. I actually enjoy going!

Steve Seyler
Steve Seyler4 months ago
★★★★★

Always a great place to visit. Staff is always friendly and helpful.

Edwin Miller
Edwin Miller6 months ago
★★★★★

Great place to get your teeth fixed/cleaned.

Laurie Caebe
Laurie Caebe5 months ago
★★★★★

Finding a provider that could work with my insurance was challenging, but luckily my search…

Janet Wickman
Janet Wickman6 months ago
★★★★★

Awesome dental office with friendly staff who really care about your concerns. They fit me…

Randy Van Goethem
Randy Van Goethem4 months ago
★★★★★

Jena is awesome. Best of luck with your new born!

LYNN MOORE
LYNN MOORE3 months ago
★★★★★

I’m so happy with Dr Messer in her care and friendliness. She knows what she…

David Tellock
David Tellock4 months ago
★★★★★

I was in for a 6 month routine checkup and cleaning. As always, Dr Messer…

Tim Ahtonen
Tim Ahtonen3 months ago
★★★★★

At Green Bay Smiles, the dentist and staff provided a friendly and professional experience, putting…

Payton Weires
Payton Weires3 months ago
★★★★★

Great experience awesome people. Have been coming here for almost 10 years now and I…

Emily Boneff
Emily Boneff5 months ago
★★★★★

Always a pleasure with great staff and dentist!

Patti Van Eyck
Patti Van Eyck4 months ago
★★★★★

The employee was very nice. She listened to what I was saying was wrong.

Alan Holewinski
Alan Holewinski6 months ago
★★★★★

Relaxing and friendly atmosphere. Don’t mind stopping there at all!

Karen Geiger
Karen Geiger4 months ago
★★★★★

Great dental office. Staff is professional, kind and efficient.

kevin petasek
kevin petasek2 months ago
★★★★★

Dental staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful!

Brittany Schmidt
Brittany Schmidt4 months ago
★★★★★

Very welcoming staff. The hygienist was patient, kind, and explained everything that was occurring. The…

Sarah Miller
Sarah Miller3 months ago
★★★★★

The dentist and staff at Green Bay Smiles were professional, friendly, and gentle, making me…

Frequently Asked Reshaping Questions

No. The procedure is performed under standard local anesthesia to keep you completely comfortable — you will feel pressure but no pain. Most patients report only mild soreness and slight swelling for 1 to 3 days afterward, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

No. Once excess soft tissue is safely removed and the healthy margins are established, gum tissue does not grow back. Rare exceptions only occur due to specific medication-related overgrowth side effects or unmanaged underlying systemic medical changes.

Gum contouring is a purely cosmetic treatment that reshapes uneven or excess gum tissue to improve smile symmetry. Crown lengthening is a restorative procedure that lowers both the gum and a micro-layer of bone to expose enough healthy tooth structure for a crown to fit securely.

Purely cosmetic gum contouring is an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, functional crown lengthening performed to prepare a damaged tooth for a necessary crown is frequently covered under restorative benefits. We verify your specific coverage before treatment.

Your updated gum line contours are visible immediately on the day of your appointment. While minor swelling resolves and the final tissue position fully settles over 1 to 2 weeks, patients are universally thrilled with the high-impact changes on day one.

Related services

Teeth whitening

Brighten your surrounding teeth before matching your new, custom porcelain veneers to ensure a radiant, beautifully blended look.

Dental bonding

A fast, conservative alternative that uses tooth-colored composite resin to sculpt away minor chips and cosmetic gaps in a single visit.

Smile makeover

Combine professional whitening, veneers, and porcelain crowns into a comprehensive smile design plan tailored perfectly to your face.

Welcoming New Patients

Your Healthiest Smile Starts Here

Comfortable, personalized dentistry for every stage of life. Tell us how we can help and our friendly Green Bay Smiles team will take care of the rest.

Questions are always welcome. Our team is happy to help.