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Gum contouring & crown lengthening in Pleasant Prairie

— 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 Waupaca

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

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. Piontek 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

4.8 ★★★★★ Google
Sherry Werner
Sherry Werner3 months ago
★★★★★

She was awesome. She was concerned and listened to me

Gary Prochnow
Gary Prochnow3 months ago
★★★★★

I had work done in both Waupaca and Wausau locations over the past year. Doctors…

Sharrey Kalbus
Sharrey Kalbus3 months ago
★★★★★

Very professional and friendly.

Karen Galske
Karen Galske5 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Lap Nguyen was the dentist I saw today, and I was very impressed. I…

Cindy Roberts
Cindy Roberts5 months ago
★★★★★

All of the staff are so very friendly. They always get to me on time….

Mary Robinson
Mary Robinson5 months ago
★★★★★

Great dentist and coworkers!

Janet Kitzrow
Janet Kitzrow5 months ago
★★★★★

I had an exam with Dr Nguyen, that was very thorough. I appreciate his comprehensive…

Mark wheaton
Mark wheaton5 months ago
★★★★★

Great attention to detail.

doc finn
doc finn2 months ago
★★★★★

I'm very pleased with the service and the professionalism at Crystal River dental. I felt…

David Golke
David Golke4 months ago
★★★★★

I've been with crystal river for about a year now and they have been nothing…

Paul Hanneman
Paul Hanneman4 weeks ago
★★★★★

I appreciate their honest work and explanation of what is going on when I get…

Rodney Frankovis
Rodney Frankovis4 months ago
★★★★★

Very good. On time and thorough.

Karin Nieubuurt
Karin Nieubuurt6 months ago
★★★★★

Staff is always upbeat and friendly.

MJB
MJB2 months ago
★★★★★

Good experience! Dr.Saad, assistant Lisa, and hygienist Angela have all been very professional and helpful….

Jim Tomasko
Jim Tomasko5 months ago
★★★★★

Everyone is very polite and helpful. I had to make a last minute appointment because…

Josh Jahnke
Josh Jahnke6 months ago
★★★★★

Doc was great. Got one tooth pulled didn't feel a thing. Doc was very informative…

Julie Johannes
Julie Johannes4 months ago
★★★★★

Met Hygienist Angela today for the first time. She was extremely thoughtful, thorough and educational….

Christine Galyardt
Christine Galyardt4 months ago
★★★★★

Love the dentist! They are very caring and efficient.

Cara Frias
Cara Frias6 months ago
★★★★★

Friendly, professional, took the time to answer my questions.

Timothy Hein
Timothy Hein3 weeks ago
★★★★★

Crystal River Dental is a top notch practice from top to bottom. Highly competent and…

Debbie Altenburg
Debbie Altenburg5 months ago
★★★★★

Friendly Staff and the dentist is the best dentist I’ve ever been to 😊

Marlene Germundson
Marlene Germundson5 months ago
★★★★★

The assistants and the doctor are very nice and explains things very well.

Lynn Anderson
Lynn Anderson6 months ago
★★★★★

I highly recommend Crystal River Dental. Everyone there is professional and kind. I have been…

Bonita Erdmann
Bonita Erdmann4 months ago
★★★★★

I was very pleased with the staff and Dr. Matte. Thank you.

Gwynn Schroeder
Gwynn Schroeder4 weeks ago
★★★★★

The appointment was right on time. My cleaning was great without discomfort. Dr. did a…

LRSchuelke
LRSchuelke1 month ago
★★★★★

Dentist, associates, & all office staff are absolutely awesome. They don’t treat their patients as…

Gator G
Gator G4 months ago
★★★★★

Great and helpful always listens to my concerns

Tonette Decker
Tonette Decker5 months ago
★★★★★

I like Dr. Nyugen my dentist here at Dental Crystal River – Waupaca very professional…

Brittany Durrant
Brittany Durrant3 months ago
★★★★★

Great experience! Made me feel very comfortable and wanted to make sure I was okay…

Tami French
Tami French5 months ago
★★★★★

First experience went awesome & I look forward to my future visits! I broke my…

Emilie Eppensteiner
Emilie Eppensteiner2 months ago
★★★★

I chatted with hygienist and dentist. Both were nice and knowledgeable. I had a filling…

Russell Delgado
Russell Delgado6 months ago
★★★★★

A very good dentist and very nice and friendly

Anna Gallegos-Hunt
Anna Gallegos-Hunt3 months ago
★★★★★

Dr Nguyen is a very knowledgeable and caring person..he explains options and the why of…

Jesus isLord
Jesus isLord3 months ago
★★★★★

The dentist is very cordial and respectful. I appreciate the care she gives.

Marcia Lieske
Marcia Lieske4 months ago
★★★★★

Great experience! Very thorough, friendly & gentle. They provide detailed explanations of procedures and upfront…

Michael Messing
Michael Messing4 weeks ago
★★★★★

The new dentist was very friendly and good and the hygienist was great.

Steve and Linda
Steve and Linda5 months ago
★★★★★

They have always done a great job with my regular teeth cleaning. got same day…

dirk williams
dirk williams4 weeks ago
★★★★★

I had my first visit. I had to miss my first appointment….The staff was very…

Jan Niemuth
Jan Niemuth3 weeks ago
★★★★★

Routine 6 mo cleaning and exam today. Punctuality is appreciated. Comfortable, painless procedures done in…

martine mancini
martine mancini4 months ago
★★★★★

Service was on time and very friendly.

Chuck Wieland
Chuck Wieland1 month ago
★★★★★

Tina was excellent in what she was doing with my teeth. Was able to get…

Bpontzloff Bigboyss
Bpontzloff Bigboyss3 months ago
★★★★★

Very friendly and professional staff.They are honest and do a great job.

b c (BC)
b c (BC)1 month ago
★★★★★

Very through and honest dentist. Sugested but did not try 2 push expensive improvements.

Linda Hughes
Linda Hughes6 months ago
★★★★★

The receptionists, the hygienist, Nicole and Dr. Nguyen were all very communicative, professional, efficient and…

Stephen L Manske
Stephen L Manske4 months ago
★★★★★

I've been really impressed with the service and the quality of work. This visit provides…

Linda Kubczak
Linda Kubczak3 months ago
★★★★★

Very sad to see Doctor Lap Nguyen had left sure enjoyed going to have him…

Cliff
Cliff5 months ago
★★★★★

Glad to be here: good listeners, good attention to detail, and hospitable. All make you…

Kathy Wagner
Kathy Wagner4 months ago
★★★★★

Everything they did was pain free. Thank you

Aaron Mueller
Aaron Mueller2 months ago
★★★★★

Very pleased! As an itinerant substitute dentist she did a fantastic and thorough job.

Christopher Gudex
Christopher Gudex2 months ago
★★★★★

Very professional and thorough.

Ruth Hanson
Ruth Hanson2 months ago
★★★★★

Very thorough exam and nice people!

Tracy Karabelas
Tracy Karabelas1 month ago
★★★★★

Love this place & the Dentist! They are efficient, friendly and realistic! They work with…

Anthony Brzozowski
Anthony Brzozowski2 months ago
★★★★★

Had a crown done today, always professional and painless work done by the dentist here…

Kathy Baker
Kathy Baker6 months ago
★★★★★

Hygienist, Angela, very thorough, does an excellent job explaining teeth and toothbrush issues. Reminding me…

bonnie banaszak
bonnie banaszak2 months ago
★★★★★

Thank you for getting me in today you made my day.

Randy Thern
Randy Thern1 month ago
★★★★★

The cleaning was done in a relatively painless way. The exam was thorough and I…

Debra Olsen
Debra Olsen2 months ago
★★★★★

For the first time in my life I am not afraid to go to the…

Beth Ann Zellmer
Beth Ann Zellmer2 months ago
★★★★★

Today, I had a cleaning of my teeth at Crystal Dental. The service I received…

desiree lucena
desiree lucena2 months ago
★★★★★

A perfect place with super-professional people who provide excellent service. I was extremely satisfied with…

Ben Schroeder
Ben Schroeder6 months ago
★★★★★

Great customer service and friendly staff! Outstanding dentist!

John Charleston
John Charleston5 months ago
★★★★★

Professional and sensitive to patients needs.

Dave N
Dave N4 months ago
★★★★★

Very friendly and great service

Alyssa Schauer
Alyssa Schauer4 months ago
★★★★

Dr. B was thorough and I am glad that my son had his chipped tooth…

Judith Gudex
Judith Gudex5 months ago
★★★★★

Great experience at Crystal River Dental. My Hygienist, Angela did an outstanding job and I…

Heather Meyer
Heather Meyer4 months ago
★★★★★

This dentist made me feel BEYOND comfortable! I have never had a dentist so forward,…

Lynn Eberly
Lynn Eberly5 months ago
★★★★★

I had my bottom teeth removed. I had no bruising, swelling or any pain, just…

Darrell Bartel (Flatlineyourbird)
Darrell Bartel (Flatlineyourbird)3 months ago
★★★★★

Amazing from when you first walk in the door until you leave. Everyone treats you…

Kevin Killeen
Kevin Killeen6 months ago
★★★★★

Great care, friendly staff. Hard to find a dentist this good and caring but this…

Brenda Sedlar
Brenda Sedlar4 months ago
★★★★★

Everyone there is friendly. The office is spotless and the hygenists are very thorough. Office…

Deb Ostrander
Deb Ostrander5 months ago
★★★★★

Jan, their dental hygienist did a fabulous job cleaning my teeth. Very knowledgeable and thorough.

Dennis Marten
Dennis Marten4 weeks ago
★★★★★

Very nice, I was totally comfortable. Thanks.

Heather Krueger
Heather Krueger4 months ago
★★★★★

They were very nice and took care of me right from the start

Nancy Anderson
Nancy Anderson6 months ago
★★★★★

Very happy with the crown Color was perfect and so was the fit.Thank you!

Chad
Chad5 months ago
★★★★★

It was a great experience, they were very unstanding and very kind.

Barbara
Barbara5 months ago
★★★★★

I always feel very cared about. 😊 I am cared about as a person compassionately…

Cindy Cate
Cindy Cate2 months ago
★★★★★

I thought she is very kind and gentle! Gave me good advice for future care!

Lois Richter
Lois Richter4 weeks ago
★★★★★

The staff at Crystal River Dental is very professional, friendly & efficient. I am so…

Christal Berg
Christal Berg6 months ago
★★★★★

I feel very comfortable there

Edward McCardell
Edward McCardell6 months ago
★★★★★

Crystal River Dental does a fantastic job. Hygienist Angela is very thorough and takes the…

Marilyn Lange
Marilyn Lange6 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Nguyen and staff are great. I'm very happy with the excellent care and the…

Del Volpel
Del Volpel6 months ago
★★★★★

Outstanding care. Professional and compassionate.

All-Time Greatest Music
All-Time Greatest Music3 months ago
★★★★★

The young lady that cleaned my teeth was very thorough and had a very pleasant…

Jeanine Kes Bode
Jeanine Kes Bode6 months ago
★★★★★

Always on time. Always very friendly.

Patrick Kelly
Patrick Kelly5 months ago
★★★★★

They are very friendly an efficient

Mark Forseth
Mark Forseth6 months ago
★★★★★

Excellent care in a friendly and professional manner.

Pauline Suhs
Pauline Suhs5 months ago
★★★★★

Very kind and efficient. Friendly staff.

Timothy Lemerand
Timothy Lemerand5 months ago
★★★★★

CRD stands behind its work and products Rarely do you see a company that has…

Lisa Kasner
Lisa Kasner6 months ago
★★★★★

Crystal River Dental is a very professional and caring establishment. The atmosphere is relaxing. I…

Vicki Sommers
Vicki Sommers5 months ago
★★★★★

Very friendly and efficient, best dentist I've ever had. Due to exposed roots teeth are…

Stacy
Stacy3 months ago
★★★★★

All employees are very nice and listen to ymy issues and explain what needs to…

Dale Hazard
Dale Hazard6 months ago
★★★★★

Even being late everyone was pleasant

Nate Kahler
Nate Kahler2 months ago
★★★★★

First visit to Crystal River Dental. The staff was very accommodating and helpful.

Nancy Anderson
Nancy Anderson4 months ago
★★★★★

I had a wonderful experience. The dental hygienist was very nice and was also encouraging…

Debby Dear
Debby Dear3 months ago
★★★★★

I couldn’t be happier with Crystal River Dental. Everyone from the front desk to the…

Denny Schroeder
Denny Schroeder5 months ago
★★★★★

Always a pleasant experience Thank you

Cindy Buenning
Cindy Buenning5 months ago
★★★★★

As a first time patient, I was very happy with the hygienist and the dentist.

Kay Konen
Kay Konen2 months ago
★★★★★

Hygienist was great,and Dr.'s explanation of teeth matters explained throughly.

Becca Lewis-Clifton
Becca Lewis-Clifton1 month ago
★★★★★

After starting in 2022, at CRD, I was happy the practice finally settled down with…

Patricia steinbarth
Patricia steinbarth3 months ago
★★★★★

Very competent and friendly people. Angela did a great job cleaning my teeth.

Dorene Knolle
Dorene Knolle2 months ago
★★★★★

Every was nice and helpful.

Darrell Bartel
Darrell Bartel3 months ago
★★★★★

Amazing Dental Care. From the Receptionist, throughout the whole process, Everyone makes you feel special….

Joel Altenburg
Joel Altenburg6 months ago
★★★★★

I found a diamond of a dentist office in Waupaca, WI . From the reception…

Sherry Nushart
Sherry Nushart6 months ago
★★★★★

My Hygienist, Angela, was very friendly and thorough. She has nice conversation and lets me…

Avilomah Ridge
Avilomah Ridge6 months ago
★★★★★

I had dental phobia, but everyone here is so kind, patient and understanding. Dentist does…

Joyce Greenholdt
Joyce Greenholdt5 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Nguyen and all the staff have been friendly, helpful, very skilled, and very good…

Mary Lindenmeyer
Mary Lindenmeyer4 weeks ago
★★★★★

You really care about your clients!!! More than the one I had after40 plus years…

Linda Mueller
Linda Mueller6 months ago
★★★★★

Every time I’m here the entire staff is friendly, helpful, kind and on top of…

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.

A more balanced smile could be just one appointment away. Schedule your gum contouring consultation today.