Gum Contouring (Pink Aesthetics)

Reshaping gums that show too much when smiling, uneven gum levels or dark gum colour with surgery or laser.

Duration

30 to 60 minutes

Anaesthesia

Local

Recovery

1 to 2 weeks

Method

Laser or surgery

What is gum contouring?

In a beautiful smile the gums framing the teeth matter as much as the teeth themselves. Uneven gum levels, too much gum showing when smiling (a gummy smile) or dark gum colour can overshadow the smile. Pink aesthetics is the general name for the small surgical procedures that correct these issues.

Procedures

Gum levelling (gingivectomy and gingivoplasty)

Excess gum covering the teeth is reshaped with a laser or scalpel so the teeth look longer and better proportioned. This is often the first step of smile design.

Gummy smile treatment

Depending on the cause, gum levelling, lip repositioning surgery or botulinum toxin injections are used alone or together. In advanced cases caused by the jaw, a joint plan is made with orthodontics and oral surgery.

Covering gum recession

An exposed root surface is covered with a thin piece of tissue taken from the palate. Both appearance and sensitivity improve.

Gum lightening

Pigmented dark gums are lightened with a laser; the procedure is short and healing is quick.

After the procedure

Mild tenderness for the first few days is possible; soft foods and the mouthwash your dentist recommends are enough. Laser procedures involve very little bleeding or swelling. The final appearance settles within a week or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medically reviewed by

Prof. Dr. Burcu KARADUMANPeriodontology