Correct uneven gum lines or excessive gum tissue to reveal more of your natural teeth and enhance your smile aesthetics.
Are you self-conscious about your smile due to:
Too much gum tissue showing when you smile.
Gums that are higher on some teeth and lower on others.
Teeth that appear short or stubby due to excessive gum coverage.
Gums that detract from the overall symmetry of your smile.
Gum contouring, also known as gingivectomy or gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves carefully removing excess gum tissue and reshaping the gum line to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. This procedure can address issues like a “gummy smile” or uneven gum lines, revealing more of your natural tooth structure and improving the harmony between your teeth and gums. It is often performed using precise laser technology for minimal discomfort and faster healing. For major cases, surgical treatment could be a better choice.
Witness the stunning improvements in smile aesthetics achieved with our precise gum contouring procedures.
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A simple, organized process designed to make your transformation as smooth as possible
Comprehensive examination and discussion of your aesthetic goals and treatment options.
Local anesthesia is administered, and excess gum tissue is precisely removed and reshaped, often with a laser.
Post-operative instructions are provided, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process.
If gum contouring is performed to prepare the teeth for smile design, the final step is completing the treatment with veneers or crowns. This combination helps achieve a perfectly balanced and aesthetic smile.
Common Questions About Gum Contouring
Gum contouring typically costs between €150 and €500 per treatment area.
Fees depend on how many teeth are treated, whether the procedure is done per tooth or per jaw, and if it is part of a larger smile makeover (for example, with veneers or crowns). Gum contouring in Turkey is generally much more affordable than in Western Europe or the USA, while many clinics still use modern techniques such as laser reshaping. At Maltepe Dental Clinic, patients receive a clear written treatment plan and price breakdown after a cosmetic consultation and smile analysis, so all costs are explained upfront and tailored to your individual case.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the treatment. Some mild discomfort or sensitivity may be experienced afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The duration depends on the extent of reshaping needed, but typically, it can be completed in one appointment, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour.
Healing is usually quick and straightforward:
First 24–48 hours: mild tenderness, slight swelling, and sometimes small bleeding points
3–7 days: the gums begin to stabilise and feel more comfortable
2–4 weeks: tissues generally reach a mature, stable contour, especially if the procedure was done with minimally invasive techniques
Most patients return to normal daily activities the same or the next day, with only minor diet and hygiene adjustments.
Yes, the results of gum contouring are generally permanent, as the removed gum tissue does not grow back.
For small corrections, laser gum contouring is usually the most comfortable and effective option. However, in more advanced gummy smile cases where the bone beneath the gums also requires adjustment, a surgical procedure may be necessary for optimal results.
You may be a good candidate if you:
Show too much gum when smiling
Have an uneven gum line where some teeth look shorter than others
Have healthy teeth and gums, but dislike the shape or height of your gums
Are planning veneers, crowns, or a Hollywood Smile and want the gums aligned first
Patients with untreated gum disease, very short roots, or uncontrolled medical conditions may need other treatments before cosmetic gum reshaping.
Gum contouring is primarily a cosmetic procedure, but it can also have functional benefits:
Improving gum symmetry can make it easier to clean along the gum line
In some cases, it can help correct “altered passive eruption”, where teeth look too short because gums cover too much enamel
When combined with crowns or veneers, proper gingival levels help achieve a healthier long-term margin and better crown fit.
Your dentist will evaluate whether your case is purely aesthetic or also functional.
Gum contouring is usually done under local anaesthesia and follows these steps:
Smile analysis and planning (often with photos or digital smile design)
Numbing the area with local anaesthetic
Gently removing or reshaping gum tissue using laser, electrosurgery, or microsurgical instruments
Smoothing and harmonising the gum line to match the teeth and lips
Providing detailed aftercare instructions
In many cases, no stitches are needed, especially when a dental laser is used.
Do:
Use the prescribed mouth rinse (often chlorhexidine) or saline as instructed
Eat soft foods (yogurt, soups, pasta, mashed vegetables) for a few days
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, avoiding hard scrubbing near the treated area
Take recommended painkillers if needed
Avoid:
Smoking or vaping for several days as it slows healing
Very hot, spicy or acidic foods and drinks in the first days
Picking or scratching the healing gums with fingernails or objects
Intense exercise on the first day, which can increase bleeding
Yes – this is very common and often recommended:
With porcelain veneers / Hollywood Smile, gum contouring sets the ideal frame for the new teeth
Before crowns, it can expose more enamel and help create a clean, symmetrical margin
After or during orthodontic treatment, it can refine the smile once teeth are aligned
At Maltepe Dental Clinic, gum contouring is usually planned as part of a global smile design, not as an isolated procedure.
Gum contouring is generally safe, but like all procedures, it has potential risks:
Temporary sensitivity of teeth or gums
Mild swelling or bleeding in the first days
Rarely, over-recontouring that exposes too much root or causes sensitivity
Mild relapse of gum levels in some cases
Careful planning, a conservative approach, and good oral hygiene minimise these risks and help maintain a healthy result.
Yes. Gum contouring is ideal for dental tourists because it:
Is usually completed in a single visit
Has a very short recovery time (you can typically fly home after a couple of days)
Integrates easily with other procedures (e.g., veneers, crowns, whitening) during the same trip
With proper planning, Maltepe Dental Clinic can coordinate gum contouring as part of a comprehensive cosmetic dentistry plan for international patients.
If you’re ready to enhance your smile by correcting your gum line, contact us for a personalized consultation.
