If you feel your smile shows “too much gum” or the edges look uneven, you are not alone. Many people love their teeth but feel shy about the gum line that frames them. Gum contouring offers a gentle way to rebalance that frame so your smile looks more open and harmonious while still feeling like you.
We start by listening. We want to understand what bothers you in the mirror, what you hope to change, and what you want to keep. From there, we explain realistic options and build a plan that respects both your oral health and your sense of beauty.
How gum contouring gently reshapes your gums
In gum contouring, we remove and sculpt tiny amounts of gum tissue to change the shape and symmetry of your smile. We usually focus on the front teeth that show when you smile or laugh.
During your assessment, we measure how much gum shows, look at the length of your teeth, and check the bone level on X-rays. When the gums cover too much enamel, even healthy teeth can look short or “child-like.” By adjusting the gum line, we reveal more of the natural tooth and create a smoother, more balanced curve.
We often carry out gum contouring with a soft-tissue laser or a fine surgical instrument and local anaesthetic. This approach lets us:
- Reduce excessive gum display in a “gummy smile”
- Even out uneven gum lines from tooth to tooth
- Slim bulky gum edges so the teeth look more proportionate
Small changes along the gum line can make a surprisingly big difference to how confident you feel.
Who might choose gum contouring
You may be a good candidate for gum contouring if one or more of these apply:
- Your teeth look short because the gums sit low on the enamel
- One side of your smile shows more gum than the other
- A few teeth have noticeably higher or lower gum levels
- You plan veneers or bonding and want the gums to match the new tooth shapes
For example, imagine healthy front teeth that look square and small because several millimetres of gum cover them. In that situation, gum contouring alone may soften the gummy look without braces or jaw surgery.
We usually recommend gum contouring only when your gums stay healthy. If you have gum disease, inflammation, or bone loss, we treat those issues first so we work on a stable, healthy foundation.
Gum contouring and other smile options
Patients often hear several terms and feel unsure which one they actually need. We commonly compare gum contouring with crown lengthening and veneers or bonding.
| Treatment | Main purpose | Tissues changed | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gum contouring | Cosmetic reshaping of the gum line | Gum (soft tissue) | Gummy smile, uneven gum levels |
| Crown lengthening | Expose more tooth for strength | Gum and sometimes bone | Broken/decayed teeth, very short crowns |
| Veneers/bonding | Change tooth colour/shape | Tooth surface | Discoloured, chipped or uneven teeth |
Gum contouring focuses on the pink frame. Crown lengthening goes deeper and often supports restorative work like crowns on damaged teeth. Veneers and bonding change how the teeth themselves look and can work together with a reshaped gum line for a full smile makeover.
Laser gum contouring and traditional methods
Years ago, dentists relied mainly on scalpels and stitches to reshape gums. Today, we often use soft-tissue lasers or radiofrequency tips for suitable cases. These tools cut and seal at the same time, which usually means less bleeding during the procedure and a more comfortable early healing period.
We always choose the technique based on your gum thickness, bone position, smile goals, and medical history—not just on technology.
What happens during your visit
On the day of your gum contouring treatment, we follow calm, predictable steps:
- Assessment and smile planning
We review your photos and X-rays, measure the current gum levels, and discuss how much change makes sense. Sometimes we sketch or digitally preview your new gum line before we start. - Comfort and local anaesthetic
We numb the area much like we do for a small filling. You may feel some pressure and movement but not sharp pain. - Shaping the gum line
With a laser or fine instrument, we trim tiny amounts of tissue and smooth the edges. We move slowly and check each tooth so the new gum line follows a gentle, consistent curve. - Final checks and home care advice
We confirm that the new gum margins keep a healthy distance from the underlying bone and natural attachment. Before you leave, we explain how to clean the area, what to eat, and which activities to avoid for a short time.
Most appointments take around 30–60 minutes, depending on how many teeth we treat.
Healing, results and how long gum contouring lasts
After gum contouring, you can expect mild soreness or swelling for a few days. Many people describe the feeling as a bruise rather than sharp pain.
To support healing, we usually suggest:
- Soft, cool foods for the first few days
- A soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing near the gums
- Short-term use of an antiseptic mouthwash if appropriate for you
The surface tissues often settle within 1–2 weeks. The final shape of the gum line can take several weeks to mature, so we may schedule a review visit to check healing and symmetry.
In healthy mouths with a stable bite and good home care, gum contouring results often last many years. Gums are living tissues, though, and they can react to factors such as grinding, orthodontic movement, or ongoing inflammation. Regular check-ups and cleanings help keep the new contour stable.
When to book a dental visit
Consider booking a consultation for gum contouring if:
- Smiling in photos makes you uncomfortable because too much gum seems to show
- Cosmetic work on your front teeth is already planned and you want the gums to match the result
- One or two “short” teeth stand out compared with their neighbours
- Previous gum surgery has left you unhappy with the shape of your smile
If you see bleeding, swelling, or recession, do not wait. Those signs may point to gum disease or other problems that we must treat before we talk about cosmetic changes.
Risks, limits and when we say no
Even though gum contouring counts as a minor procedure, it still carries risks and limitations. We believe in discussing these openly.
Possible issues include:
- Short-term sensitivity to hot and cold
- Temporary swelling, tenderness or small bruises
- Slight over- or under-correction that may rarely need a small touch-up
- Minor relapse as the tissues remodel during healing
We may advise against gum contouring if you have very thin gums, uncontrolled gum disease, certain medical conditions, or unrealistic expectations. Sometimes another treatment—such as orthodontics, crown lengthening, or no treatment at all—fits your situation better. Our job is to guide you, not to push you.
Gum contouring questions patients often ask
Will gum contouring hurt?
We numb the area so you stay comfortable during the procedure. Afterward, you may feel a dull ache or soreness for a few days. Most patients manage this with standard pain relief, if it suits their medical history, and cool compresses.
How long will the results last?
With healthy gums, a stable bite and good cleaning habits, the new contour usually stays stable for many years. No dental treatment lasts forever, but long-term improvements are common when we plan carefully.
Is laser treatment always better?
Laser tools can reduce bleeding and may make the early healing phase feel easier. They do not automatically suit every case. We choose between laser and traditional methods based on your anatomy and overall plan.
How much does gum contouring cost?
The fee depends on how many teeth we treat, whether we need to work near the bone, and whether this procedure forms part of a larger cosmetic plan. After a full assessment, we give you a clear estimate before you decide.
Is gum contouring safe for my teeth and gums?
When we respect the natural distance between tooth, gum and bone, gum contouring usually stays within safe, established guidelines. Careful planning and precise technique play a bigger role than the tool itself.
Is this treatment right for you?
If you feel your smile looks too gummy or uneven, you do not have to guess which option you need. A calm consultation gives us time to examine your teeth and gums, understand your goals, and explain whether gum contouring, another treatment, or a simple clean and polish would serve you best.
This information supports your decisions but does not replace a full examination or personalised advice.
When you feel ready, you can book a visit or send us your questions. We are here to walk you through each step and help you move toward a smile that feels more like you.