Is there swelling or pain afterwards?

Gingivoplasty is done with a laser, so bleeding and swelling are minimal and most people resume daily life within 1-2 days. Crown lengthening involves a surgical step and may need 1-2 weeks of recovery, with some swelling and discomfort during that time.

Gingivoplasty or crown lengthening — which is right for me?

Gingivoplasty is enough when only the gum tissue is excessive; crown lengthening is needed when the bone sits low too. Which one fits is determined by consultation and examination.

How long is recovery?

Gingivoplasty allows a return to daily life within 1-2 days. Crown lengthening and lip repositioning surgery need about 1-2 weeks of recovery.

Can it be done together with veneers?

Yes. Tidying the gum line first and then placing veneers gives a more balanced result. The order and schedule are planned together at your consultation.

Do your gums show a lot when you smile?

We refine the gum line for a more balanced smile.

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is when too much gum shows when you smile. Teeth can look short, or the gum can look thick, making the smile feel unbalanced.

A gummy smile is treated differently depending on its cause.

Gum tissue covers too much of the tooth

Cause: Excess gum tissue
Treatment: Gingivoplasty

The bone sits low toward the tooth

Cause: Excess alveolar bone
Treatment: Crown lengthening

The lip lifts too high when smiling

Cause: Overactive lip muscle
Treatment: Lip repositioning surgery

SU Dental diagnoses the exact cause at consultation and proposes the matching treatment. The same gummy smile needs a different approach when the cause differs.

Gummy Smile · Gum Contouring, Who it's for

Stressed by gums showing when you smile
Want to smile wide without a second thought
Keep covering your mouth in photos
Bothered by teeth that look short

Three ways to contour

Gingivoplasty

For: Excess gum tissue only
How: Laser reshapes the gum line
Time: ~30 min, same day
Anaesthesia: Painless local
Best for: Those who want fast improvement

Crown lengthening (alveoloplasty)

For: Bone covering much of the tooth
How: Gum and bone line refined together
Time: Recovery after surgery
Anaesthesia: Painless local
Best for: Those who want a lasting, stable result

Lip repositioning surgery

For: The upper lip lifts too high
How: Surgery reshaping the inner-lip mucosa and muscle to deepen the oral vestibule or limit upper-lip movement (with frenectomy if needed)
Time: About 1 hour
Anaesthesia: Local
Best for: Those with pronounced upper-lip movement

Gingivoplasty (laser gum contouring)

When only the gum tissue is excessive, a laser reshapes the gum line the same day. No incision, minimal bleeding, and fast recovery.

Crown lengthening (alveoloplasty)

When the bone sits low toward the tooth, trimming only the gum can let it grow back or swell repeatedly over time, because the stable space between gum and bone — the biological width — was not secured. Crown lengthening adjusts the bone height along with the gum line for a result that stays stable for years.

Lip repositioning surgery

When the upper lip lifts too high and reveals a lot of gum, this surgery reshapes the inner-lip mucosa and muscle to deepen the oral vestibule or limit the upper lip's movement. A frenectomy is combined when needed. It takes about an hour under local anaesthesia.

Frequently asked

Is there swelling or pain afterwards?: Gingivoplasty is done with a laser, so bleeding and swelling are minimal and most people resume daily life within 1-2 days. Crown lengthening involves a surgical step and may need 1-2 weeks of recovery, with some swelling and discomfort during that time.
Gingivoplasty or crown lengthening — which is right for me?: Gingivoplasty is enough when only the gum tissue is excessive; crown lengthening is needed when the bone sits low too. Which one fits is determined by consultation and examination.
How long is recovery?: Gingivoplasty allows a return to daily life within 1-2 days. Crown lengthening and lip repositioning surgery need about 1-2 weeks of recovery.
Can it be done together with veneers?: Yes. Tidying the gum line first and then placing veneers gives a more balanced result. The order and schedule are planned together at your consultation.