Based in Central London’s world renowned Harley Street district
Based in Central London’s world renowned Harley Street district
Gum reshaping, also known as gum contouring or gingivectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of your teeth. If you feel self-conscious about showing too much gum when you smile, or your teeth appear short due to gum overgrowth, this treatment can create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
A gummy smile affects around 10-30% of people and can be caused by genetics, certain medications, or the way your teeth have erupted. Modern laser techniques have transformed this procedure, allowing precise reshaping with minimal discomfort, no bleeding, and rapid healing compared to traditional surgical methods.
The treatment is performed under local anaesthetic and typically completed in a single appointment lasting around one hour. Using advanced laser technology, we carefully remove small amounts of excess tissue to create an even, natural-looking gum line. Results are visible immediately, and because the gum tissue doesn’t grow back, your new smile is permanent.
Many patients choose to combine gum reshaping with composite bonding or veneers for a complete smile transformation. For cases where a hyperactive upper lip contributes to excessive gum display, Botox can provide an alternative or complementary solution by relaxing the muscles that lift the lip too high.
We offer flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of your treatment.
We use soft tissue lasers for precise, controlled gum reshaping. Laser treatment seals blood vessels as it works, meaning no bleeding, reduced swelling, and faster healing compared to traditional surgical techniques. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and return to normal activities within days.
Creating a beautiful smile requires an artistic eye as well as technical skill. Our practitioners assess your facial proportions, lip dynamics, and tooth shape to design a gum line that complements your unique features. The goal is a natural, balanced result that enhances your overall appearance.
Gum reshaping is often most effective when combined with other cosmetic treatments. We can create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of your smile, from gum proportions to tooth colour and shape, ensuring every element works together harmoniously.
No, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic so you won’t feel any pain during treatment. Laser gum contouring is particularly gentle, with most patients reporting only mild tenderness afterwards that resolves within a day or two. Over-the-counter painkillers are usually sufficient if needed.
Recovery is quick. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the following day. We recommend eating soft foods for two to three days while your gums heal. Any minor swelling or tenderness typically resolves within a few days. Full healing is usually complete within one to two weeks.
No, gum reshaping provides permanent results. The gum tissue that is removed does not regenerate. However, in cases where only a small amount of tissue is removed without addressing the underlying bone, there can occasionally be some minor regrowth. We assess each case carefully to ensure lasting results.
With laser gum contouring, typically 0.5mm to 2mm of tissue can be safely removed. While this sounds small, even 1-2mm makes a significant visible difference in your smile. For cases requiring more extensive reshaping, crown lengthening surgery may be recommended, which involves adjusting the underlying bone as well.
Yes, gum reshaping is often performed alongside other cosmetic dental treatments for optimal results. It’s commonly combined with veneers, composite bonding, or teeth whitening as part of a complete smile makeover. We can design a treatment plan that addresses all your concerns in the most effective sequence.
