Gum Contouring in London

A balanced gum line can completely transform the look of your smile. If your gums sit too high or too low on your teeth, gum contouring may be the solution. At Thousand Smiles, we provide safe, precise gum reshaping to improve symmetry and enhance confidence in your smile.

Why Gum Lines Become Uneven

An uneven gum line can develop for different reasons:

Excess gum tissue – sometimes caused by genetics, medication, or health conditions, making teeth look shorter.
Gum recession – often linked to periodontal (gum) disease, which exposes more of the tooth and can make them appear longer.
Overgrowth or inflammation – occasionally caused by certain treatments or oral health issues.

Whatever the cause, gum contouring can restore balance and improve both aesthetics and comfort.

Benefits of Gum Contouring

Patients choose gum contouring for a variety of reasons. The main advantages include:

Creating a more even smile with proportionate teeth
Boosting confidence in personal and professional settings
Supporting oral health when combined with other periodontal treatments
Long-lasting results when carried out by a skilled dentist or periodontist

If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your gum line, this treatment offers a simple and effective solution.

Ready to explore gum contouring? Call our friendly team today on 020 3773 2280 to arrange your consultation.

020 3773 2280

The Treatment Process

Gum contouring is carried out in our clinic under local anaesthetic for maximum comfort. The steps usually include:

Assessment and planning – your dentist marks the new gum line for accuracy.
Reshaping – excess tissue is gently removed using advanced tools such as lasers, radiosurgery, or a scalpel.
Bone adjustment (if required) – sometimes small amounts of bone at the tooth root are reshaped to support long-term results.
Finishing touches – the area is smoothed and adjusted for a natural look.

The procedure typically takes one appointment, though treatment length depends on the extent of reshaping required.

Cost of Gum Contouring in London

Because gum contouring is classed as a cosmetic procedure in most cases, it is not usually covered by dental insurance. The cost varies depending on how much work is needed and whether it is performed as part of a wider periodontal plan.

At Thousand Smiles, we provide a clear estimate before treatment begins so you know exactly what to expect. Please contact us directly to discuss your individual gum contouring cost in London.

Recovery and Aftercare

Healing times vary, but most patients recover within a few days to a couple of weeks. To support smooth recovery, we recommend:

Taking approved pain relief (avoid aspirin as it may increase bleeding).
Eating soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, eggs, and pasta during the first few days.
Avoiding spicy dishes or foods with seeds until gums are fully healed.
Following our guidance on brushing and oral hygiene throughout the healing period.

Our team will provide personalised instructions and remain available if you have any concerns, such as unexpected bleeding or swelling.

Who Is Suitable for Gum Contouring?

You may be a good candidate if:

Your teeth look too short or too long due to gum placement.
You have a healthy mouth with no active gum disease.
You want to correct an uneven gum line for aesthetic reasons.
You are undergoing periodontal treatment that requires reshaping of gum tissue.

A consultation will confirm whether gum contouring is the right option for you.

Alternatives to Gum Contouring

While gum contouring is highly effective, other treatments may be more suitable depending on your needs:

Orthodontics – braces or aligners to improve tooth positioning and bite.
Dental bonding or veneers – to adjust tooth shape and proportions.
Gum grafting – to treat significant recession and protect exposed roots.
Crown lengthening – a more extensive surgical option when additional tooth surface needs to be revealed.

Your dentist will discuss all available options and help you choose the most appropriate treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gum contouring painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain. Some tenderness or swelling may occur afterwards, but this is manageable with over-the-counter medication.
How long do results last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, results are generally permanent. Gum tissue does not usually grow back after removal.
Can gum contouring improve oral health?

In some cases, yes. For patients with gum disease or excess tissue, reshaping can make it easier to clean teeth and maintain gum health.
How soon can I return to normal activities?

Most people feel comfortable resuming daily routines within a day or two, although complete healing may take longer.
Who performs the procedure?

Both general dentists and periodontists at Thousand Smiles carry out gum contouring. For more complex cases, our gum specialists provide advanced care.

Book Your Gum Contouring Consultation

If your gums are affecting your confidence, gum contouring can offer a lasting improvement. Our experienced team at Thousand Smiles will assess your needs and create a treatment plan designed around you.