Gum Contouring
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is aesthetic and symmetrical reshaping of the gum line. An asymmetric smile line, uneven gum levels or irregular margins are adjusted; compared with gingivectomy, tissue removal is usually more limited.
It is often planned as pink-aesthetic preparation before veneers, crowns or bonding. It may also be preferred in mild Gummy Smile cases.
Planning and Application
The target gum line is determined with smile design or photo analysis. Under local anaesthesia, the contour is adjusted with scalpel or laser and bleeding is controlled.
The procedure may include one tooth or several teeth along the smile line. Duration varies by scope.
Difference from Gingivectomy and Crown Lengthening
Gingivectomy may involve wider removal of hypertrophic or excess gum tissue and can be used for periodontal pocket treatment. Contouring focuses on aesthetic line correction.
Crown lengthening surgery increases clinical tooth length by changing bone level; the three procedures have different clinical goals.
Combined Treatments
After orthodontics, contouring may complete the aesthetic result during finishing. It may be carried out within the same plan as restorative smile design. If needed, it is combined with crown lengthening.
Multidisciplinary coordination determines treatment order; periodontal care before restoration is a common approach.
Healing and Care
In the first week, a soft brush and antiseptic mouthwash are recommended. Mild bleeding and sensitivity may occur. The final aesthetic appearance is assessed within 2-4 weeks.
At review, smile-line symmetry and healing are examined. Aggressive contour surgery in a thin biotype may increase recession risk.
Laser or scalpel choice depends on case and clinician preference; no technique is superior for every case.
Gum level may change after orthodontics; contouring may be planned during finishing.
After contouring, the gum line may be assessed with the restorative clinician during the try-in; aesthetic approval guides the final result.
Aggressive contouring in thin biotypes may increase recession risk.
Antiseptic mouthwash may support hygiene during the first week.
Smile-line symmetry may be compared with photographs after contouring.
Contouring before veneers supports the pink-white aesthetic balance.
Gum-line stabilisation after contouring may take several weeks.