Gum Contouring

What role do the gums play?

A smile is not framed by teeth alone — the gums are just as decisive. Even when the teeth are the same length, an uneven gum line can make the smile look unbalanced. In some people, more gum than expected is visible when smiling (widely known as a gummy smile).

Finding the cause comes first

Excess gum display does not always originate in the gum tissue itself. Upper lip mobility, the vertical height of the upper jaw, how far the tooth has erupted and its length are each examined separately. Removing gum tissue without first identifying the cause neither solves the problem nor can be undone.

That is why bone level is measured on a radiograph beforehand: if the distance between gum and bone — the biologic width — is not respected, the gum can regrow after healing, or permanent recession can follow.

How is it carried out?

Under local anaesthesia, the gum margin is shaped along the planned line, and bone level is adjusted where necessary. Depending on the case, either a laser or a conventional technique may be chosen.

Healing takes roughly two to four weeks. When aesthetic restorations such as veneers or crowns are planned, we wait until the gum line has fully settled.

This page is general information and does not replace a dental examination. Whether the treatment suits you, and the method and duration, are decided only after an intraoral examination and radiographic assessment.