A beautiful smile isn’t just about teeth — it’s about the harmony between your teeth and gums. Gum contouring reshapes an uneven or excessive gum line to reveal more tooth structure, creating a balanced, proportionate smile that completes your overall cosmetic result.
Gum contouring is typically completed in a single comfortable
appointment
Gum contouring — also called gingival sculpting — is a procedure that reshapes the gum tissue around your teeth to create a more balanced, even, and aesthetically pleasing gum line. It can address teeth that appear too short because they are covered by excess gum tissue, an uneven gum line that makes the smile look asymmetrical, or a ‘gummy smile’ where too much gum is visible when smiling.
The procedure is performed using a soft tissue laser or fine surgical instruments under
local anaesthetic. It is minimally invasive, precise, and in most cases completed in a single appointment. The results are immediately visible and permanent — once gum tissue is removed, it does not grow back in the treated area.
- Gummy smile — Reducing the amount of visible gum when smiling for a more balanced appearance
- Uneven gum line — Correcting asymmetrical gum levels to create a symmetrical smile
- Short-looking teeth — Revealing more tooth structure covered by excess gum tissue
- Pre-veneer preparation — Creating the ideal gum architecture before placing porcelain veneers
- Crown lengthening — Exposing sufficient tooth structure for a crown or restoration
Gum contouring is often performed as part of a comprehensive smile makeover before veneer placement. By establishing the correct gum architecture first, we ensure the final veneer result is as proportionate and aesthetically ideal as possible. The sequence matters — gum first, then veneers.
to your new smile.
Dr Kozor assesses your gum line in relation to your teeth, lip line, and smile arc. Digital imaging is used to show the expected result and the precise amount of tissue to be removed.
The treatment area is numbed thoroughly with local anaesthetic. You will feel no pain — only minor pressure during the procedure. Topical gel is applied before the injection for maximum comfort.
Excess gum tissue is gently removed and the gum line is sculpted to the pre-
planned shape. Precision is essential here — symmetry and proportion are evaluated continuously throughout.
The gum heals rapidly — most patients see the final result clearly within 1–2 weeks. We review the outcome at a follow-up appointment and complete any subsequent cosmetic treatment at the right time.
patients choose us.
Once gum tissue is removed and shaped, it does not grow back in the treated area. Gum contouring is a one-time procedure with a permanent cosmetic outcome — no touch-ups or maintenance required.
The change to your smile is visible immediately after the procedure. While minor healing occurs over 1–2 weeks, the transformation is evident from day one — a substantially more balanced gum line.
An even gum line is an integral aspect of ideal smile aesthetics. An uneven one can undermine even the most beautiful veneer work, so by correcting the gum architecture first, every subsequent treatment — whitening, veneers, bonding — achieves a significantly better, more balanced result.
want to know.
Questions are part of the process. Here are the ones we hear most often about
composite veneers. Call us if yours isn’t here.
Is gum contouring painful?
No — gum contouring is performed under local anaesthetic and you should feel no pain during the procedure. There may be mild tenderness and sensitivity in the treated area for 2–5 days afterwards, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients find the recovery much easier than they expected.
Is the result of gum contouring permanent?
Yes. Once gum tissue is removed and the gum line is reshaped, it does not grow back in the treated area. The result is permanent. In rare cases where the underlying bone is also involved, there is a small chance of minor gum regrowth — this is discussed at consultation. For most patients, it is a once-only procedure.
How long is recovery after gum contouring?
Most patients experience mild soreness for 2–5 days and eat soft foods for about a week. You can typically return to work and normal activities within 24–48 hours. We recommend avoiding very hot or spicy foods for the first week. The gum tissue fully heals and the final aesthetic result stabilises over 2–4 weeks.
Can gum contouring be combined with veneers?
A consultation takes 30 minutes and includes a full assessment of your gum line, a digital preview of your expected result,
and a clear treatment plan with all costs. No pressure — just information.
with our
team.
Whatever you need, we’re here to help. Complete the form and we’ll get back to you soon.
“Your time is important to you.
It’s important to us too.”
Once we receive your message, we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
