If your teeth look short or your gumline sits higher on one side, gum reshaping can bring your smile into balance. It is a precise, quick procedure that often makes a bigger difference than people expect.
A healthy smile usually shows around one to three millimetres of gum above the upper teeth. When more gum shows, or when the gumline is uneven, the teeth can look small even if they are a normal size. Gum reshaping is a good fit if you notice any of the following.
Lots of gum shows when you smile, making teeth look short or childlike.
One tooth looks longer or shorter than its neighbour because the gum sits at a different height.
Swollen or enlarged gums from braces, some medications or inflammation that has not settled with cleaning.
We measure tooth length, gum height and how your lip moves, and take photos to plan the new gumline. This is part of our smile design process.
Local anaesthetic numbs the area so you stay comfortable.
Extra tissue is gently trimmed with a laser or fine instruments following the planned outline.
A short follow-up visit confirms the gums are healing well and the result is even.
Most patients go back to work or school the next day. Your gums may feel tender and look slightly red at first, which is normal while the tissue heals.
Call us if bleeding does not stop with gentle pressure, or if swelling increases after the third day.
Gum reshaping is a cosmetic treatment, so the gums need to be healthy before we start. Bleeding or puffy gums are often a sign of gingivitis, which is treated with a professional cleaning and better home care.
If your gums bleed when you floss, read why gums bleed when you floss before booking a cosmetic visit.
Not every gummy smile has the same cause, so the right treatment varies. This table shows how the main options compare.
| Option | What it changes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Gum contouring | Soft gum tissue only | Extra gum over normal-length teeth |
| Crown lengthening | Gum and a small amount of bone | Short teeth or teeth needing a crown |
| Orthodontics | Tooth position | Uneven gums caused by tooth position |
| Lip-related treatment | Upper lip movement | Very active upper lip with normal gums |
We will explain which option fits your smile and refer you to a specialist when that is the better choice. You can also read our article on correcting a gummy smile safely.
Gum contouring is often one step in a bigger smile plan. Patients commonly pair it with teeth whitening for a brighter colour, dental bonding to even out tooth edges, or porcelain veneers for a full makeover. Doing the gum work first gives the final teeth a stable, even frame.
Because each mouth is different, we plan the order carefully and show you what to expect at each stage. People visit us for cosmetic care from Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Oak Ridges and Markham.
Your first visit is about understanding the cause, not rushing into treatment. We look at how much gum shows at rest and when you smile, check the health of the gum pockets, and review X-rays to see where the bone sits under the gums. We also listen to what bothers you most, whether that is one uneven tooth or the whole upper smile.
From there we explain whether simple contouring is enough, or whether crown lengthening, orthodontics or a specialist referral will give a better long term result. You leave with a clear plan, a timeline and an estimate, so there are no surprises later.
Gum reshaping, also called gum contouring or gingivectomy, removes or reshapes a small amount of gum tissue so more of each tooth shows and the gumline looks even. It is used to correct a gummy smile, uneven gums or gum overgrowth.
The area is numbed before treatment, so most patients feel only pressure. Afterwards the gums may be tender for a few days. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief recommended by your dentist are usually enough.
Most people feel comfortable within three to seven days. The gums keep maturing for a few weeks, and the final shape is usually visible after about one month.
Results are long lasting when the gum tissue alone is reshaped and the bone level is healthy. If excess gum is caused by bone or lip position, extra treatment may be needed, which we will explain at the consultation.
Yes. A soft-tissue dental laser can trim and seal the gums at the same time, which often means less bleeding and a smoother recovery. Some cases are done with traditional instruments instead.
A gummy smile can come from extra gum tissue covering the teeth, short teeth, an overactive upper lip, the way the upper jaw developed, or gum swelling from certain medications or poor oral hygiene.
Cosmetic gum contouring is usually not covered, but gum treatment needed for health reasons often is. We can send a predetermination so you know where you stand before booking.
Book a gum reshaping consultation at 10157 Yonge St Unit 101, Richmond Hill. We will assess your gums and walk you through the options.
Reviewed by the clinical team at Richmond Hill Smile Centre. General information only, not a substitute for an exam by an RCDSO-registered dentist. Last updated October 2026.
