Gum Contouring in Southampton

An ideal solution for gummy smiles

*Pain free* private dentistry in Southampton

Gum contouring in Southampton is a cosmetic treatment that removes or reshapes excess gum tissue to show more of the teeth and create an even gum line. At Hampshire Dentists, 10 Carlton Crescent, Southampton, we carry out gum contouring under local anaesthetic using gentle electrosurgery or laser tissue removal. It is often called gum reshaping, a gum lift or gummy smile treatment, and the clinical term is gingivectomy or gingivoplasty.

Gum contouring starts from £126 per area or tooth, and most patients recover within a few weeks. If bone also needs reshaping, healing can take up to three months. You can start with a free 20 minute non-clinical consultation with our Treatment Coordinator, and 0% finance through Tabeo is available on treatment plans over £750.

Before and after image collage displaying results of straightening treatment with Invisalign as well as gum contouring treatment

Gummy smile treatment in Southampton

A gummy smile is when more gum than usual shows as you smile, so the teeth can look short or square. Some people also have an uneven gum line, where one or two teeth look shorter than their neighbours. Both are common, and both can often be improved with gum contouring.

There are a few reasons a gummy smile can develop:

Extra gum tissue covering part of the tooth
Teeth that did not fully emerge from the gum as they grew
The way the upper lip moves when you smile
Some medications that cause the gums to grow

Gum contouring works best where extra gum tissue is the main cause. At your consultation we will look at your gums, teeth and smile line together and explain whether gum contouring, another treatment or a combination is the right fit for you. If gum contouring is not suitable, we will tell you.

Laser gum contouring and gum lifts

You may see this treatment described as a gum lift, laser gum contouring, gum reshaping or gum sculpting. These names all refer to the same goal: carefully removing a small amount of gum to reveal more of each tooth. We use electrosurgery or laser tissue removal, which seals the tissue as it works and helps keep bleeding and discomfort to a minimum.

Gum contouring before and after at Hampshire Dentists, Southampton

What does gum contouring involve?

Firstly, you’ll be given a local anaesthetic to make the procedure painless.

Once you are numb we use gentle electro surgery or laser tissue removal to make the adjustments. These modern techniques ensure a precise and gentle approach, with minimal discomfort. In some cases, small amounts of bone (osteoplasty) may need to be carefully removed, as the bone provides the framework for the gums. This is more common when the bone is thick or bulky.

Healing is typically quick. You may notice some mild discomfort, redness or discolouration at first, but most patients recover within a few weeks. If veneers or crowns are part of your treatment plan, it’s recommended to wait six weeks after gum contouring or up to three months if bone adjustments are made.

Gum contouring recovery: what to expect

Most people find recovery from gum contouring straightforward. Here is a typical timeline when only gum tissue is reshaped:

On the day: Your mouth will be numb for a few hours. Once it wears off, you may feel some tenderness, which over the counter pain relief usually manages.
First few days: Your gums may look red or slightly discoloured. Stick to soft, cool foods and avoid very hot, spicy or crunchy foods.
First two weeks: The gums settle and begin to take their new shape. Most people are back to their normal routine within a few days.
Around six weeks: The gum line has usually settled. If you are planning veneers or crowns, this is when we can move on to the next stage.

If bone also needs reshaping (osteoplasty), full healing can take up to three months.

Visit Hampshire Dentists and don't ignore toothache

Aftercare tips

Brush gently around the treated area with a soft toothbrush
Avoid smoking while your gums heal, as it slows recovery
Rinse with warm salt water if we advise you to
Contact us on 02380 335 155 if you notice bleeding that will not stop, swelling that gets worse, or pain that over the counter pain relief does not help

How much does gum contouring cost?

Gum contouring at Hampshire Dentists starts from £126 per area or tooth. Your total cost depends on how many teeth need treatment and whether any bone reshaping is needed. We will give you a written treatment plan with the full cost before you start.

When gum contouring is part of a larger smile makeover over £750, you can spread the cost with 0% finance through Tabeo. You can apply in a couple of minutes and get an answer straight away. See our price guide and finance options for more details.

Not sure where to start? Book a free consultation with our Treatment Coordinator, in person, by phone or on Zoom.

Gum contouring with veneers, bonding and whitening

Gum contouring is often the first step in a smile makeover. Getting the gum line right first means new restorations sit in the right place and look natural.

Dental veneers: reshaping the gums first lets us make veneers the right length and shape. We usually wait around six weeks after gum contouring.
Composite bonding: an even gum line gives bonding a better frame, especially on front teeth that look short.
Teeth whitening: many patients whiten their teeth once their gums have healed, to complete their new smile.
Dental crowns: contouring can expose more healthy tooth so a crown fits securely.

We will talk you through the order of treatment at your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Dr Robin Hanna ready to complete an implant consultation and explore options with the patient

Gum Grafting & Rebuilding

The opposite problem to a ‘gummy smile’ is where your gums have receded away from your teeth, this is most commonly linked to problems with gum disease however it can also occur when you’ve experienced trauma or even persistent overbrushing.

If you experience gum recession, the exposed root surface can cause aesthetic concerns, sensitivity, and increase the risk of root decay. To address this, we may recommend gum grafting. This procedure involves transplanting a thin strip of gum tissue from another area of the mouth to rebuild and cover the receded area.

While we handle cosmetic gum contouring in-house, for more complex gum grafting or rebuilding, we typically support our patients with referrals to specialists to ensure optimal care and results.

Image and supporting graphic representation of gum recession

Your questions answered

Clinically reviewed by Robin Hanna, GDC No. 82068. Last reviewed October 2026.

Is gum contouring painful?

No, the procedure is relatively painless. It’s performed under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the process. Healing afterwards is typically smooth, especially with the use of lasers or electro surgery, which promote quicker recovery.

How long does it take to heal after gum contouring?

Recovery from gum contouring usually takes a few weeks. If only soft tissue is involved, healing is quick, but if bone is removed (osteoplasty), full healing may take up to three months. Most patients can return to their normal routine within a few days.

What is the difference between gum contouring and gum grafting?

Gum contouring removes excess tissue, while gum grafting is used to rebuild gums that have receded. If your gums have receded, exposing the tooth root, we may refer you to a specialist for grafting to protect your teeth and improve aesthetics.

Can gum contouring be combined with other dental procedures?

Yes, gum contouring is often done in preparation for cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns. It’s important to wait around six weeks for healing if only gum tissue is involved, or up to three months if bone adjustments are made.

Roughly how much does gum contouring cost?

Gum contouring at Hampshire Dentists starts from £126 per area or tooth. However, cost depends on the complexity of the case and how many areas need treatment.

Is gum contouring permanent?

Gum tissue that has been removed does not usually grow back, so results tend to be long-lasting. Your gums can shift slightly as they heal, which is why we check them at your follow-up appointment. Brushing well and seeing your hygienist regularly helps keep your gums healthy.

Is gum contouring the same as a gum lift or gingivectomy?

Yes. Gum contouring, gum reshaping, a gum lift and laser gum contouring all describe the same treatment. Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty are the clinical names for removing and reshaping gum tissue.

Who is suitable for gum contouring?

Gum contouring suits adults with healthy gums who are unhappy with a gummy smile or an uneven gum line. If you have signs of gum disease, we will treat this first. We will check your gums, teeth and bite at your consultation before recommending treatment.

Can I get gum contouring on the NHS?

Gum contouring for cosmetic reasons is not usually available on the NHS. Hampshire Dentists is a private practice, and we offer 0% finance through Tabeo on treatment plans over £750.

Do you see patients from outside Southampton?

Yes. We welcome patients from across Hampshire, including Bursledon, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh and Lymington. Our practice is at 10 Carlton Crescent, Southampton, SO15 2EZ, close to the city centre.