Gum care

Gum Contouring (Gingival Esthetics)

Gum contouring, also called gingival esthetics or gum reshaping, removes and reshapes excess gum so that more of each tooth shows and the gum line looks even. It treats a gummy smile, often defined as more than 2 mm of gum showing above the upper front teeth when you smile, and an uneven gum line. Most people heal within a week.

Published by Vita Smile Dental Clinic Sources (6)

A dental model showing the gum line around the teeth

Key takeaways

  • A gummy smile is usually defined as more than 2 mm of gum showing above the upper front teeth at a full smile [1].
  • Excess gum, the upper lip or a long upper jaw can cause it, and the cause decides the treatment [1].
  • Crown lengthening treats a gummy smile or uneven gum line; gum grafts treat the opposite problem, roots exposed by gum recession [2].
  • If the bone sits too close to the planned gum line, bone is reshaped too, in a surgical procedure [3][4].
  • The gums must be healthy first, and most people heal within a week of gum contouring [5].

At a glance

Treats
Gummy smile, uneven gum line
Anaesthesia
Local
Procedure time
About 1–2 hours on average
Back to routine
Usually after 1–2 days
Gum healing
A week or less for most people
Before you start
Healthy gums, no decay

Clinically reviewed by

Dr. Hediye Nur Uygun

General Dentistry

Last reviewed
Sources 6 sources cited

The basics

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring removes a small amount of excess gum and reshapes its edge, so that each tooth shows its full length and the gum line follows an even curve. The American Academy of Periodontology lists a gummy smile or uneven gum line among the cosmetic problems a periodontist can help with [2].

If the bone underneath sits too close to the new gum line, it has to be reshaped as well. This is aesthetic crown lengthening: excess gum and bone are reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth [3]. It is a larger surgical procedure than gum contouring, which works on the gum alone [4].

A gummy smile can have several causes, and the cause decides the treatment. Researchers list gum that did not move back fully as the teeth erupted (altered passive eruption), gum overgrowth, a short or very mobile upper lip, a long upper jaw (vertical maxillary excess) and the position of the upper front teeth [1]. Gum contouring helps when the gum or bone is the reason; when the lip or jaw is, gum treatment alone may not be enough, and other options, such as moving the upper teeth with orthodontics or treating the lip, are usually discussed with a specialist [1].

Because the gum line frames the teeth, gum contouring can be combined with dental veneers or crowns [5]. The gum line and the new tooth shapes are then planned together, for example in a digital smile design.

Every plan starts with healthy gums: gum contouring is for people without cavities or gum disease [5]. Bleeding or swollen gums are treated first with gum treatment.

  • More than 2 mm

    of gum on show at a full smile: the usual definition of a gummy smile [1]

  • 3 mm

    the minimum distance between the planned gum line and the bone for a gum-only procedure [4]

Is it right for you?

Who is gum contouring for?

Gum contouring suits adults with healthy gums whose teeth look short because gum covers part of them, or whose gum line is uneven. The dentist assesses how much gum shows, your lip position, tooth wear and bone structure first [5].

Gum contouring may suit you if

  • Your teeth look short because gum covers part of them
  • Your gum line is uneven across the front teeth
  • Your gums grew over the teeth during orthodontic treatment with braces [5]
  • You plan veneers or crowns and want the gum line set first
  • Your teeth and gums are healthy, with no cavities or gum disease [5]

Gum contouring alone may not be right if

  • Your gums bleed or are swollen: gum treatment comes first
  • Your upper lip lifts high or is short: the gum may not be the main cause [1]
  • Your upper jaw is long (vertical maxillary excess): the cause is in the bone of the jaw, so a specialist opinion may be needed [1]
  • Your teeth look long or the roots show: that is gum recession, treated with a gum graft rather than contouring [2]

Step by step

How gum contouring works

Gum contouring is minor gum surgery under local anaesthetic [5]. Reshaping bone as well makes it a larger operation [3].

  1. Before you travel

    Online consultation

    Send close-up photos of your smile. A dentist reviews them and replies with personalised advice and a written quote.

  2. Step 1

    Examination

    A dentist checks that your gums are healthy and looks at how much gum shows, your lip position, tooth wear and bone structure [5]. Gum disease is treated first.

  3. Step 2

    Planning the new gum line

    The gum line is planned with the shape of your teeth. Where the bone sits decides the technique: gum only when it is at least 3 mm from the planned gum line, gum and bone when it is closer [4].

  4. Step 3

    The procedure

    After the gums are numbed, the new gum line is marked and the excess gum is removed with a scalpel or a laser. A little bone is removed if needed, and stitches are placed if required. On average it takes one to two hours [5].

  5. First days

    Recovery

    Mild soreness is expected once the numbness wears off. Most people return to work and routine activities after one to two days [5].

  6. Weeks after

    Healing and next steps

    Most gums heal within a week [5]. After crown lengthening the gum line settles for longer [6], and veneers or crowns are timed around it.

Timelines vary with the technique and your gums; your dentist confirms them after examining you.

Find out what is causing your gummy smile

Send a few photos of your smile. A dentist reviews them and replies with personalised advice and a written quote, free of charge; the quote is confirmed after the examination.

Book a free online consultation Ask on WhatsApp

Compare your options

Gum contouring vs aesthetic crown lengthening vs gum graft

Contouring and crown lengthening both show more of the tooth; where the bone sits decides whether bone is reshaped too [4]. A gum graft does the opposite: it covers exposed roots [3].

Gum contouring Aesthetic crown lengthening Gum graft
Treats Excess gum, uneven gum line Gummy smile with bone close to the planned gum line Gum recession: long teeth, exposed roots
What changes Gum is removed and reshaped Gum is moved and bone is reshaped Gum tissue is added over the root
Chosen when At least 3 mm between the planned gum line and the bone Less than 3 mm between the planned gum line and the bone Roots are exposed
How it is done Scalpel, electrosurgery or laser The gum is lifted as a flap so the bone can be reshaped Tissue from the palate or a donor source
Type of procedure Minor gum surgery Surgery on gum and bone Surgery

Techniques and the 3 mm guide: European Federation of Periodontology [4]. Crown lengthening and gum grafts: American Academy of Periodontology [2][3].

Before you decide

Risks, healing and aftercare

Complications of gum contouring are rare [5]. These are the points to weigh:

  • SorenessMild soreness is expected for a few days once the numbness wears off [5].
  • InfectionRare; keeping the area clean while it heals matters [5].
  • Gum regrowthResults usually last, but rarely the gum grows back, typically when not enough bone was removed. Your dentist may wait 8 to 12 weeks before judging whether more treatment is needed [5].
  • The gum line settlingAfter crown lengthening, the gum margin may creep back slightly, mostly in the first three months. Surgical technique and the thickness of your gums affect how much [6].

Aftercare [5]:

  • Pain reliefTake over-the-counter painkillers as your dentist directs.
  • ActivityAvoid exercise and heavy lifting for the first five days.
  • CleaningKeep the area clean, for example with an antibacterial mouthwash.
  • FoodEat soft foods for several days and avoid hard, crunchy or spicy food for a week.
Dr. Hediye Nur Uygun

From our dentist

“A gummy smile has more than one cause, and the cause decides the treatment: sometimes the gum covers part of the tooth, sometimes the lip lifts high or the jaw is longer. I check that the gums are healthy first, because inflamed gums are treated before anything is reshaped. When veneers or crowns are planned, the gum line comes first and is given time to settle, so the new teeth sit in a stable frame.”

Dr. Hediye Nur Uygun · General Dentistry

Treatment abroad

Choosing a clinic for gum contouring in Istanbul

Before you book, ask:

  • Who will examine me, and who will carry out the procedure if bone needs reshaping?
  • What is causing my gummy smileThe gum, the teeth, the lip or the jaw?
  • Will a scalpel or a laser be used?
  • How long should I stay before I fly home, and when can veneers or crowns be fitted?
  • How will my healing be checked once I am home?

At Vita Smile, gum contouring starts with the cause of your gummy smile, and in a Hollywood smile the gum line is part of the design. This page is reviewed by Dr. Hediye Nur Uygun, a general dentist whose work includes periodontal care; ask us anything in a free online consultation.

Questions

Gum contouring: frequently asked questions

Can't find your answer? Our coordinators are happy to help on WhatsApp.

Ask on WhatsApp
What causes a gummy smile?

Excess gum over the teeth, a short or very mobile upper lip, a long upper jaw or the position of the upper front teeth, sometimes together [1]. An examination shows which applies to you.

Does gum contouring hurt?

The gums are numbed with a local anaesthetic before the procedure starts. Mild soreness is expected for a few days once the numbness wears off, and over-the-counter painkillers, taken as your dentist directs, usually help [5].

Can gums grow back after gum contouring?

Rarely. Regrowth is more likely when not enough bone was removed, and a dentist may wait 8 to 12 weeks before deciding whether more treatment is needed [5].

Can a gummy smile be fixed without surgery?

Botulinum toxin injections and orthodontic movement of the upper teeth are non-surgical options. In a review of 26 studies, they were more effective in mild cases, but their effect had partly faded at 6 months and was back to baseline at 12 months; surgical results were still stable after 6 months [1].

Should I have gum contouring before veneers?

If your gum line is uneven, it is usually corrected before veneers or crowns are made, so they fit the new gum line. Research on the ideal waiting time is limited [6], so your dentist decides when the gums are stable enough.

How much does gum contouring cost in Istanbul?

The cost depends on how many teeth are treated, whether bone needs reshaping and whether you need other treatment first. After a free online assessment you receive personalised advice and a written quote, which is confirmed after the examination.

What our patients say

Read what our patients say about us on Google and Trustpilot.

Patient reviews from Google and Trustpilot

Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

I visited Vita Smile Dental Clinic for implants and a smile makeover, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Dr. Vildan and her team were warm, knowledgeable, and extremely detail-oriented. The clinic itself is spotless and modern, and they made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. They even helped with transportation and accommodation, which made the whole experience stress-free. My new smile looks amazing — I feel more confident than ever. If you're thinking about dental treatment in Turkey, Vita Smile is a fantastic choice. Thank you for everything!

Fuat D. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

First of all, the dentist is very reliable and professional. The clinic has a very friendly atmosphere, and both the service and approach to patients are of the highest standard – everything is handled professionally. The dentist is extremely professional and gentle in her work. She always asks if anything hurts and makes sure the patient feels comfortable during every visit. Special recognition also goes to the consultant Rafia, who always responds quickly to any questions or concerns. She is very helpful, kind, and always tries to find a solution and speak with patients with care and understanding. The clinic is very clean, and every patient is treated individually and with full attention. I wholeheartedly recommend this dental clinic.

Elwira K.
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

We were in a medical trip to Turkey, headed to Vita Smile. Everything went smooth -from airport to clinic and back home-. The procedure was seamless, as for me I regained trusts in myself now that I can smile again. Also lots of thanks to ms.Oana for everything.

Stephen Romania · April 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

The team and doctors are very professional, I am very pleased to have had my teeth whitened and cleaned, I recommend it to everyone. Thank you

Rumeysa Y.
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

I visited Vita smile for my tooth pain. Dr Vildan and all team was so helpfull. They gave me teeth cleaning for free as a present. I suggest it to all my friends. Thanks for all.

Mehmet F. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Diş için geldim. Diş ile ilgili bütün sorunlarimi hallettiler ve çok güzel oldu çok ilgililer.

Oğuzhan F. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

yeni zirkonyum yaptırdım çok memnun kaldım, hekimin eli çok hafifti gerçekten. gülümsemek 🤩

June 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Temiz ve rahat bir ortamda operasyon um yapildi.Doktorlara ilgilerinden dolayı teşekkür ederim. Yapılan işlemler beni çok mutlu ve özgüvenli hissettirdi. Tüm ekibe TESEKKUR ederim.

Ulas K. March 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Almanya'daki bir tanıdığımız vaasitasi ile alakalı geldim 1 hafta içerisinde full ağız implant ve lamine tedavilerini yaptirdim doktor ekip tamamı ile kusursuz kesinlikle tavsiye ediyorum

Volkan S. March 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

Daha önce olan diş kaplamalarım inanınlmaz rahatsız ediyordu zirkonyum kaplama için arkadaşımın tavsiyesiyle gittim 3-4 gün gibi bir sürede eski kaplamalar sökülüp yeni ölçüler alındı provalar yapıldı ve yeni kaplamalar yapıldı çok doğal ve çok kullanımı rahat hiçbir sıkıntı yaşamadım tüm ekibe teşekür ederim.

Mine A.
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

"Gülüşümü tamamen değiştirdiler! Zirkonyum kaplamalarım o kadar doğal duruyor ki, kimse kaplama olduğunu anlamıyor. Renk uyumu ve diş etleriyle olan uyumu tek kelimeyle mükemmel. Estetik kaygısı olan herkese gözü kapalı öneririm."

Ali A.
All patient reviews

Free consultation

Free initial consultation

Leave your details and a treatment coordinator will contact you to arrange your free online consultation.

  1. We get in touchWe reply to you on WhatsApp.
  2. You share photos or an X-rayA dentist reviews them before your consultation.
  3. You receive your plan & quoteItemised and free, with no obligation to book.

Your request opens in WhatsApp — our coordinator replies there.

  • Secure & confidential
  • KVKK & GDPR
  • Free, no obligation

Sources

Studies and patient guides this page is based on.

  1. [1] Maleki M, Huang B, Mendes VC, Caminiti MF, Finer Y. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatments for Excessive Gingival Display. Dentistry Journal, 2024 · doi.org
  2. [2] Cosmetic procedures — American Academy of Periodontology · perio.org
  3. [3] Surgical procedures — American Academy of Periodontology · perio.org
  4. [4] Blanco J. What options are available to clinicians for crown-lengthening surgery — European Federation of Periodontology, 2026 · efp.org
  5. [5] Gum contouring — Cleveland Clinic (last reviewed 22 August 2023) · my.clevelandclinic.org
  6. [6] Pilalas I, Tsalikis L, Tatakis DN. Pre-restorative crown lengthening surgery outcomes: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2016 · doi.org