Gum Contouring for First-Timers, What It Costs and How It Corrects a Gummy Smile

Gum contouring has become well known and more popular in recent years. A smile can lose its appeal for reasons other than protruding or gapped teeth, because an attractive smile also depends on the gums.

For example, some people have well-shaped teeth but show a lot of gum when they smile (a “gummy smile”), or their teeth look short when they smile (“short teeth”). These issues can affect how people come across and how confident they feel. Gum contouring treats the problem directly and with visible results, which is why more patients are choosing it.

If you are reading up on gum contouring, or wondering what it is, how many methods there are, whether it is risky and what the pros and cons are, this article answers each of these questions.

What Is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring (gum contouring surgery), also called gum reshaping surgery, is a procedure that raises the gum line where the gum has grown larger than normal, or removes excess gum tissue with dental instruments. The aim is to even out the gum line or to make the teeth look longer.

Gum contouring is often done together with crowns or veneers, root canal treatment, or wisdom tooth surgery or extraction, to give the gums a smooth, attractive shape.

Why Is Gum Contouring Needed?

There are several reasons. Incomplete eruption of the teeth (delayed passive eruption) makes teeth look short and shows too much gum when smiling (a gummy smile). Gum contouring also supports restorations such as crowns and veneers, so the teeth look more defined and attractive. Other reasons include an uneven gum line that shows when smiling (protruding gums), decay below the gum line, and a crack below the gum line that may lead to periodontal disease. It can also help with receding gums or gaps between teeth, and with decayed molars that trap food between the teeth and become a place where bacteria build up.

How Many Gum Contouring Methods Are There?

Today, gum contouring can be done in 2 ways: trimming the gum line with a scalpel, or contouring with a laser or an electric gum-cutting device. The two methods work differently, as described below.

1. Gum Contouring with a Scalpel

Scalpel contouring is the surgical method that has been in use the longest. The dentist uses a blade to remove excess gum tissue along a line planned around the teeth. After surgery, the area is stitched and covered, and the patient comes back for another visit to have the stitches removed.

During healing, the patient needs to keep the area very clean because the wound can become infected, and should attend regular check-ups. Scalpel contouring has several limitations, such as heavier bleeding, a recovery period, and a wound that carries a risk of infection. Above all, the dentist must be highly skilled, so this method is chosen less often today.

2. Laser and Electric Gum Contouring

Compared with scalpel contouring, laser or electric gum contouring is the more popular choice. Its advantages include less pain, no stitches, a smaller wound, less bleeding and fewer complications, along with greater efficiency (minimally invasive treatment).

The dentist uses an instrument made specifically for trimming the gum line. It is quick, and the instrument stops bleeding as it cuts. Patients do not need to worry much about pain, and recovery is usually short, which is why this method is popular.

What Types of Gum Surgery Are There?

Gum reshaping surgery comes in 2 types. They differ by the purpose of treatment and by the treating specialist’s assessment.

Gum Contouring Only

Gum contouring alone (gingivectomy) suits patients with milder problems: their teeth are a normal size, but excess or thick gum tissue covers the teeth, so the teeth look short and less attractive when they smile.

For gum contouring alone, the dentist uses a laser to remove the excess gum and create a smooth, even gum line. No stitches are needed, and most patients can go about their normal routine soon afterward. Some have slight swelling or minor bleeding, which is usually less than after scalpel surgery.

Gum Contouring with Bone Reshaping

Gum contouring with bone reshaping (aesthetic crown lengthening) suits patients whose gums cover a large part of the teeth and who also have bulging bone, with both the gum line and the bone sitting too high.

Bone reshaping counts as minor surgery. The dentist opens the gum to reshape the bone and smooth it into an attractive contour. The time needed depends on the number of teeth and the amount of bone. The dentist then stitches and covers the wound. Recovery takes only a short time, and the wound needs extra care to keep it clean and prevent inflammation or infection.

For many patients, the main benefit is feeling more confident when they smile.

What Is Gum Contouring with Bone Reshaping?

Gum contouring alone may not be enough to make the teeth look longer or to lower the gum line, because in some patients the bone level also sits too high.

If only the gum is trimmed and the bone is left as it is, the gum may grow back to where it was before (relapse). The dentist therefore reshapes the bone, which makes treatment easier and gives an attractive result. Gum contouring with bone reshaping helps correct a gummy smile over the long term and lowers the chance that the gum will return to how it was.

Is Gum Contouring Dangerous?

Gum contouring is not a dangerous procedure. The instruments used are modern and designed specifically for reshaping the gums. With a laser, the dentist can control the bleeding, so very little blood is lost, and the gum can be trimmed exactly as planned. The wound is smaller and heals faster than after scalpel surgery.

Pros and Cons of Gum Contouring

Benefits of Gum Contouring

It gives patients more confidence in their smile and improves their overall appearance.
It can help with the next stages of treatment, such as veneers, crowns or fillings.
Veneers can look more defined and natural, and crowns or fillings that need to cover decay or cracks below the gum line can fit better, which helps them last longer. Results last over the long term and the gum is less likely to grow back, although this also depends on how well the patient cares for their teeth and gums. The whole treatment takes about 1–2 hours, depending on the number of teeth and the method used. With a laser, recovery is usually short and there are fewer complications. For patients whose smile shows a lot of bulging bone above the upper lip, the lip can look less full after treatment.

Drawbacks of Gum Contouring

It is a surgical procedure that needs a local anesthetic. Patients who are allergic to local anesthetics need close supervision by the dentist.
If patients do not look after their oral health after gum contouring, periodontal problems can follow, such as gum inflammation, gum recession, tooth decay or wear at the necks of the teeth.
The cost is relatively high.

How to Prepare for Gum Contouring

Have a thorough dental check-up first. If there is tartar, have a scaling 2 weeks before treatment so gum inflammation is as low as possible.
Have X-rays taken to assess the bone level.
If you have a medical condition, take regular medication or smoke, talk to the dentist before treatment begins.
Discuss a suitable treatment plan with the dentist, such as how many teeth need contouring and whether bone reshaping is also needed.

Gum Contouring Steps

First, the dentist gives a local anesthetic and waits until the area is fully numb, then marks the gum line before surgery.
Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the dentist removes the excess gum with an electrocautery unit, an electric gum-cutting device.
If the patient also has bulging bone, the dentist reshapes and smooths the bone to give a balanced result.
After treatment, the dentist explains basic cleaning and aftercare and books a follow-up visit.

Aftercare Following Gum Contouring

To clean the wound, dip a cotton swab in water and gently wipe the area.
If there is pain, you can take pain relievers to ease it.
Avoid activities that could affect the teeth, such as clenching, boxing or chewing hard food.
At first, you may not be able to brush the treated area, but you can floss the rest of your mouth as usual and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash.
Take the full course of antibiotics the dentist prescribes.

What Can I Eat After Gum Contouring?

In the first few days, eat soft foods to reduce irritation. Cool foods can also feel soothing. Examples include:

Mild rice soup or congee
Fruit juice or milk
Keep drinking water as usual, about 1.5–2 liters a day
Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, such as berries, kiwi and pineapple, as well as vitamin A from leafy greens and vegetables such as carrots and pumpkin. These foods support wound healing.
High-protein foods such as chicken, fish, eggs and beans. Eat enough protein to help the body build new tissue and the wound heal.

What Should I Avoid Eating After Gum Contouring?

In the first few days, avoid hard foods and food that is very spicy or very hot, because these can irritate the wound. For example:

Spicy dishes such as som tam (papaya salad) and spicy Thai salads, which can irritate the wound
Do not chew ice, nuts or other hard, crunchy foods that put stress on the teeth
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
Avoid pickled foods such as pickled bamboo shoots and pickled fruit, because they are sour and salty and can sting the wound

How Long Does Gum Contouring Take to Heal?

Healing takes about 2–4 weeks, depending on how well the patient keeps the gums clean. If the wound is kept clean, the gums recover well (cleaning reduces the plaque that causes gum inflammation). In general, after week 4, if the gums are healthy, veneers or crowns can be placed.

Gum Contouring Cost

Gum contouring prices vary from clinic to clinic. At Smile & Co. Dental Clinic, starting prices are:

Gum contouring, 1 tooth: 1,000–2,000 THB
Gum contouring with bone reshaping, 1 tooth: 3,000–5,000 THB
Esthetic gum contouring (esthetic crown lengthening): 18,000–24,000 THB for 4–6 teeth, using a laser together with electrocautery and bone reshaping

Gum Contouring Reviews

Where Should I Get Gum Contouring?

A good gum contouring result starts with research. Patients should look into the details carefully before deciding, and consider the following:

Choose a dental clinic that meets standards. The clinic should hold both a license to operate a healthcare facility and a license to manage one. It should have modern, complete equipment ready for emergencies, and a clean, roomy space that does not feel cramped.
Look for a team of specialist dentists, because they can plan treatment precisely and help keep side effects low.
Look for fair pricing. Choose a clinic that states its prices clearly, which makes the decision easier, since price is the first thing many patients consider.
Look for follow-up after treatment. Choose a clinic whose dentists and staff can give patients initial advice.

At Smile & Co. Dental Clinic, care is provided by experienced dentists with specialist training in each field, who keep studying and developing their skills. The clinic uses modern equipment, follows international sterilization standards and looks after every patient closely, like family.

If patients have questions or would like advice about a procedure, Smile & Co. Dental Clinic is happy to answer and give straightforward guidance, so that treatment works as well as it can.

Can I Have Gum Contouring During Braces Treatment?

Yes. It depends on the purpose of gum contouring at that stage of treatment, for example gum contouring:

To expose more tooth surface for attaching braces
When the dentist finds the patient cannot clean their teeth well because the gums are very swollen, excessive and inflamed
When there is decay or a crack below the gum line during orthodontic treatment
When crowns or veneers are planned after the braces come off

Read more: First Braces, How to Prepare and How Much They Cost

Does Gum Contouring Hurt?

Patients should not feel pain during gum reshaping, because the dentist gives a local anesthetic first and the instruments are modern (laser and electric gum contouring). After treatment, any soreness can be managed with adequate pain relief, and a dressing placed over the gums helps reduce discomfort.

Can the Gums Grow Back After Contouring?

There is a chance in cases where the gum is trimmed without bone reshaping. The original bone margin has not been corrected, so the trimmed gum line can grow back or return to its original position (relapse).

Gum contouring works well for people whose excess or protruding gums affect their confidence. A smile is often the first thing people notice when they meet someone, so attractive teeth with healthy gums can help a person feel more confident.

Patients who are interested in gum contouring but feel anxious need not worry, because it is not as painful or frightening as many expect. At Smile & Co. Dental Clinic, we use modern laser equipment. The wound is small, most patients can return to their normal routine soon afterward, and complications are uncommon. What matters most is aftercare, because good aftercare helps the teeth last for many years.