Gum Contouring: Fixing a Gummy Smile in Brisbane

Some people are self-conscious not about their teeth, but about how much gum shows when they smile. The teeth may be healthy and well-aligned, but the proportions look off because excess gum tissue covers part of the tooth surface.

This is commonly called a gummy smile. The clinical term is excessive gingival display. And while it is entirely cosmetic (it does not affect dental health), it is one of the most common aesthetic concerns patients raise in consultations.

Gum contouring is the procedure that addresses it. Here is how it works.

What causes a gummy smile?

There is no single cause. The amount of gum that shows when you smile depends on several factors:

• Passive eruption. During development, gum tissue is supposed to recede as teeth erupt, revealing the full clinical crown. In some people, this recession does not complete fully, leaving excess tissue covering the upper portion of the teeth. The teeth are full-sized underneath the gum. They just look short.

• Lip position and mobility. A hyperactive upper lip that rises higher than average when you smile exposes more gum. The gum itself may be well proportioned, but the lip movement reveals it.

• Skeletal factors. In some cases, the upper jaw (maxilla) is positioned lower than average relative to the rest of the face, creating a vertical excess that shows as a gummy smile. This is a skeletal issue rather than a soft tissue issue.

• Tooth size and shape. Teeth that are naturally shorter or more square can create the appearance of excess gum even when the gum level is normal.

The cause matters because it determines the treatment. Gum contouring addresses the soft tissue. If the underlying issue is skeletal or related to lip dynamics, other interventions may be more appropriate.

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring (also called gingivectomy or gum reshaping) is a procedure that removes or reshapes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface. The goal is to create a more balanced ratio between the visible tooth and the gum line.

The procedure can be performed with:

• Laser. A dental diode laser precisely removes tissue with minimal bleeding and often does not require sutures. Healing is typically faster with laser treatment.
• Scalpel. Traditional surgical technique using a blade. Effective but may involve more post-operative discomfort and a slightly longer healing period.
• Electrosurgery. Uses electrical current to reshape the tissue. Similar precision to laser with rapid healing.

The choice of instrument depends on the extent of the reshaping needed and your dentist's assessment of the tissue.

Who is a candidate?

Gum contouring is suitable for patients who:

• Have excess gum tissue covering the upper portion of their teeth (passive eruption).
• Have healthy gums with no active gum disease or infection.
• Have realistic expectations about the outcome.

Gum contouring may not be the right option if:

• The gummy smile is caused primarily by skeletal factors. In these cases, orthognathic surgery or orthodontic treatment may be needed.
• The gummy smile is caused primarily by lip hypermobility. Botulinum toxin injection to the upper lip is sometimes used in these cases, though this falls outside the scope of dental treatment.
• There is active periodontal disease. Gum disease must be treated and stabilised before any cosmetic gum procedure.

A thorough assessment is the first step. Your dentist will examine your gums, measure the clinical crown length of your teeth, assess your lip line, and may take X-rays to check the bone level beneath the gum.

What the procedure involves

Consultation and planning

Your dentist maps out the new gum line. This involves deciding how much tissue to remove from each tooth to create a symmetrical, proportional result. Digital photography and sometimes digital smile design tools help plan the outcome.

For patients also considering veneers, gum contouring is often performed first. Adjusting the gum line before designing veneers ensures the final proportions are correct.

The procedure

Gum contouring is typically performed under local anaesthetic. You will be numb but awake.

The dentist removes or reshapes the excess tissue following the planned contour. The procedure may take 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many teeth are involved. Minor cases (1 to 3 teeth) may take as little as 15 to 20 minutes.

In some cases, a small amount of bone may need to be reshaped as well (a procedure called crown lengthening). This is more involved than soft tissue contouring alone and is required when the bone level is too close to the gum margin for the soft tissue to heal in its new position.

Recovery

Recovery from laser gum contouring is relatively straightforward for most patients:

• Day 1 to 3: Mild tenderness and sensitivity around the treated area. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient.
• Day 3 to 7: Gums begin to heal and the tenderness decreases. A soft diet is recommended for the first few days.
• Week 2 to 4: The gum tissue matures and settles into its final position. Full healing may take 4 to 6 weeks.

If crown lengthening was performed, recovery may be longer, and your dentist will provide specific post-operative instructions.

Gum contouring and veneers

For patients seeking a comprehensive cosmetic result, gum contouring and porcelain veneers are often performed as part of the same treatment plan.

The sequence matters. Gum contouring is done first, allowing the tissue to heal and settle before veneer preparation begins. This is usually a 4 to 8 week gap. Once the new gum line is established, your dentist and ceramist can design the veneers to the correct proportions.

The combination of gum contouring and veneers can produce a significant change in smile aesthetics. At Ivy Dental, porcelain veneers start from $1,200 per tooth. See our veneer cost page for details on pricing and what influences the final quote.

Indicative pricing. Your quote may differ based on clinical assessment.

Risks and limitations

Gum contouring is a low-risk procedure, but it is still a surgical intervention. Potential considerations include:

• Uneven healing. The gum may heal asymmetrically, requiring a minor touch-up.
• Sensitivity. Exposing previously covered root surface can increase tooth sensitivity, particularly to cold. This is usually temporary.
• Recurrence. In some cases, gum tissue may grow back partially, particularly if the underlying bone was not addressed. This is why crown lengthening is sometimes recommended alongside soft tissue contouring.
• Infection. Rare with proper post-operative care, but possible. Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions to minimise this risk.

Individual results vary. Your dentist will discuss the expected outcome and any limitations specific to your case before proceeding.

Is gum contouring covered by health funds?

Gum contouring performed for cosmetic reasons is generally not covered by health funds. If the procedure is clinically necessary (for example, to facilitate a crown or other restoration), some health funds may provide a partial rebate. Check with your fund for specific cover details.

We accept all major health funds with HICAPS on site. Visit our payment page for details on payment options, including payment plans that may be available to approved applicants.

Book a cosmetic consultation at Ivy Dental

If a gummy smile is something you have been thinking about, a consultation will give you a clear picture of what is causing it and what can be done. We see patients at our Everton Park and Nundah locations in Brisbane, open 7 days. Contact us to book.

Call us on (07) 3266 7120 to book a cosmetic consultation.