COSMETIC CARE
Gum Contouring Canning Vale
At Dentists @ Canning Vale, we offer gum contouring treatments designed to reshape excess gum tissue and enhance the appearance of your smile.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping or a gingival procedure, is a cosmetic dental treatment that adjusts the shape and position of the gum line to improve the balance and proportion of your smile. It's used to address gummy smiles, uneven gum lines, or teeth that appear too short due to excess gum tissue.
Using precise dental instruments, we remove or reshape gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth's natural crown and create a more harmonious, symmetrical smile.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile occurs when excess gum tissue covers a significant portion of the teeth, making them appear short or small relative to the gums. It's a common cosmetic concern that can affect confidence, even when the underlying teeth are healthy and well-formed.
Gum contouring removes the excess tissue to reveal the full tooth surface underneath, dramatically improving the smile's proportions without touching the teeth themselves.
Benefits of Gum Contouring
Better Smile Balance
Correcting excess or uneven gum tissue creates a more proportional relationship between your teeth and gums.
Enhanced Appearance
Revealing more of the natural tooth surface makes teeth appear longer, more defined, and more attractive.
Improved Symmetry
An uneven gum line can make a smile look irregular. Contouring creates a smooth, consistent arc across all teeth.
Lasting Confidence
For many patients, addressing a gummy smile or uneven gum line dramatically improves their willingness to smile openly.
Long-Lasting Result
In most cases, reshaped gum tissue does not grow back, making gum contouring a permanent cosmetic improvement.
The Gum Contouring Process
Consultation & Assessment
We examine your gum line, assess how much tissue needs to be reshaped, and discuss the expected outcome. We'll also confirm that the treatment addresses the root cause of your concern.
Local Anaesthesia
The treatment area is numbed with local anaesthetic to ensure you're comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients feel only mild pressure during treatment.
Gum Reshaping
Excess gum tissue is carefully removed and sculpted using precise dental instruments. We continually assess symmetry and proportions as we work to achieve an even, natural-looking result.
Recovery & Follow-Up
Mild soreness and swelling are normal for a few days after treatment. We provide full aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up to check healing and ensure you're happy with the result.
Combining Gum Contouring with Other Treatments
Dental Veneers
Teeth Whitening
Smile Makeover
Tooth Bonding
Gum contouring is often performed as part of a broader smile makeover. Revealing more of the tooth surface through contouring, then enhancing those teeth with veneers or whitening, creates a comprehensive and harmonious result greater than either treatment alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gum contouring painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain during treatment, only mild pressure. After the anaesthetic wears off, you may experience some tenderness and swelling for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief is typically sufficient to manage any discomfort during healing.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients return to normal activities the day after treatment. Initial swelling and tenderness typically subside within a week. Full gum healing and final results are usually visible within 2–4 weeks. We'll provide specific aftercare instructions including dietary modifications and oral hygiene guidance during healing.
Will my results look natural?
Yes, gum contouring is designed to create a natural-looking gum line that frames your teeth proportionally. We follow the natural contours of your teeth and the aesthetic principles of smile design to ensure the result looks harmonious, not surgical.
Is gum contouring permanent?
In most cases, yes. Reshaped gum tissue generally does not grow back to its original position, making this a long-lasting cosmetic improvement. In rare cases related to hormonal changes or certain medications, some gum regrowth may occur over time, which we can monitor at your regular check-ups.
Reveal Your Full Smile
Book a gum contouring consultation and find out how we can rebalance your gum line.
Important Information
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, results and costs vary between patients.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, we will explain the benefits, risks and alternatives, and you are welcome to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
A consultation with one of our dentists is required to assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Book a consultation or call 08 9256 2588.
References & Further Reading
This page is based on current clinical literature and guidelines from recognised Australian and international dental and health authorities.
- Australian Dental Association. ada.org.au
- Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). dentalboard.gov.au
- Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID). asid.com.au
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Medical Devices. tga.gov.au
- Australian Periodontology - ADA Oral Health Topics. ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/Publications/Oral-Health-Topics
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. anzaoms.org
Content reviewed by Dr Desmond Ng, BDSc (Hons) University of Queensland | Principal Dentist, Dentists at Canning Vale. Last reviewed July 2026.