Cosmetic
What is gum contouring, and is it safe?
Gum contouring reshapes or eases back excess gum tissue to even out a gummy or lopsided smile. In trained hands it's generally very safe, with most people back to normal within a few days.
What gum contouring is for
Gum contouring is a tidy-up of the gum line, done by a dentist or gum specialist. By reshaping or gently easing back excess gum tissue, we can even out a smile that looks a little 'gummy' or lopsided, letting more of the tooth show and bringing better balance to the whole picture. Sometimes it's purely cosmetic; occasionally it also helps with keeping an area clean.
It's a small, precise procedure rather than a big operation. In trained hands it's generally very safe, and most people are back to normal within a few days, with the gums settling into their new shape over the following weeks.
Why we talk it through first
Because reshaping your gums is a permanent change, we'd never rush into it. We like to sit down with you first, look closely at what's realistic for your particular smile, and talk honestly through the benefits and any risks before anything happens. Now and then, what looks like too much gum is really about the teeth or the way your lip moves, so it's worth getting the diagnosis right.
That careful, unhurried approach is very much how we do cosmetic work here — the least invasive route that genuinely gets you the result you're after. If you're curious whether contouring would suit you, come in for a chat and we'll give you a straight answer.
Common questions
Is gum contouring painful?
The area is numbed, so you shouldn't feel pain during it. Mild tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal, and most people are back to their routine quickly.
Is gum contouring permanent?
Reshaped gum tissue is a lasting change, which is exactly why we plan it carefully and talk through what's realistic before going ahead. It's not something to undo, so getting it right matters.