Gum Contouring

While there is no strict medical definition, dental practitioners generally consider a smile to have excessive gingival display when more than 3–4 mm of gum tissue is visible during a natural smile. However, the perception of the gumline is subjective and depends heavily on individual facial proportions, lip mobility, and personal aesthetic preferences.

Excessive gingival display can be attributed to several anatomical and biological factors:

• Overgrowth of gum tissue (gingival hyperplasia)

• Naturally short or worn-down tooth structures

• A hyperactive upper lip muscle that pulls higher than average

• Altered passive eruption (where the teeth did not fully emerge from the gum tissue during development)

• Variations in upper jaw development

At Bond St, we identify the specific underlying cause of your gumline alignment during a comprehensive consultation to determine if gum contouring is a suitable pathway or if alternative treatments are more clinically appropriate for your situation.

The localised procedure is performed utilising local anaesthesia to thoroughly manage sensation and support patient comfort during the treatment. Following the procedure, minor tenderness or localised swelling is standard as the delicate soft tissues undergo the natural biological healing process. Our clinical team utilises modern techniques to help minimise post-procedure discomfort, which can typically be managed effectively with standard over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief as advised by your dentist.

The gum contouring procedure itself typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your tissue anatomy and how many teeth are being addressed across the smile line. A preliminary assessment is always required prior to booking the surgical phase to evaluate your periodontal health and plan the treatment pathway.

Soft tissue healing varies significantly from person to person based on individual biological responses. Generally, the clinical healing timeline involves:

• Mild tenderness or localised swelling for the first 24 to 48 hours

• Minor tissue sensitivity for 3 to 5 days

• Initial surface tissue healing within 1 to 2 weeks

Most patients can resume normal daily activities or return to work the day following treatment. We routinely recommend adhering to a soft diet for the first few days and practicing careful, gentle brushing around the healing areas. While the structural change in the gum height is visible immediately, complete internal tissue stabilisation takes slightly longer.

When performed by a qualified dental practitioner, gum contouring is a safe and established procedure. In specific clinical cases, altering the gumline can support oral hygiene by reducing abnormally deep gum pockets where bacteria can accumulate, thereby facilitating easier daily maintenance.

Yes, the physical removal of excess gingival tissue is typically permanent, as excised gum tissue does not naturally regenerate. However, strict adherence to optimal daily oral hygiene is essential after treatment. Subsequent gum inflammation, plaque accumulation, or periodontal disease can still alter the health and structural appearance of your gums over time.

No, gum contouring is designed to modify excess gum tissue rather than address gum recession (where the tissue has worn away or pulled back). For concerns involving recession or exposed roots, alternative periodontal treatments—such as gum grafting or specialised therapeutic maintenance—are required.

When the procedure is carried out correctly, the excised tissue margins do not grow back. However, long-term stability relies on your systemic health and ongoing oral hygiene. Factors such as genetic predispositions, prescription medications, hormonal changes, or poor plaque control can cause subsequent gum swelling or inflammation, which may alter the positioning of the gum line over time.