Gum Contouring in North York
If your gums cover too much of your teeth, or sit higher on one tooth than the next, gum contouring can even out the line around your smile.
Gum contouring in North York is a minor procedure that reshapes the gum line to show more of your teeth or make the line more even. At Emerald Forest Dental, your dentist first checks your gum health and bone levels, then removes a small amount of gum tissue under local anaesthetic. Most people heal within a few weeks.
- Typical time
- Usually 30–90 minutes, depending on how many teeth
- Who it's for
- People with healthy gums who have a gummy smile or an uneven gum line
- Coverage
- Usually cosmetic and not covered; may be covered if done for a dental health reason. Check your plan
- Recovery
- Gums are tender for a few days; full healing takes a few weeks
About gum contouring
Gum contouring, sometimes called gum reshaping, trims or sculpts the edge of the gum so more of each tooth shows. It can make short-looking teeth appear longer, reduce a gummy smile, or level out one spot where the gum sits lower than the rest.
Not every gummy smile has the same cause. Sometimes the gum simply did not shrink back fully after adult teeth came in. Other times the cause is a short upper lip, a very active lip muscle, or the way the jaw grew. Your dentist will look at your smile, take X-rays and measure your gums to see whether trimming the gum alone will help, or whether bone sits too close to the gum edge to remove tissue safely.
Healthy gums are a must before any cosmetic gum work. If there is bleeding, puffiness or deep pockets, gum disease treatment comes first. Gum contouring is also sometimes paired with crowns, veneers or bonding so the new teeth and the gum line look balanced together. It is different from gum grafting, which adds tissue where gums have pulled back.
Who gum contouring may help
- A lot of gum shows when you smile
- Your front teeth look short or square
- The gum line is higher on one tooth than the tooth next to it
- You are planning veneers or crowns and want an even gum line first
- Gum tissue has grown over part of a tooth after braces
Benefits
- Can make teeth look more evenly sized
- Changes are planned and measured before treatment
- Done under local anaesthetic in the dental chair
- Can be combined with other cosmetic work
What to expect
- Consultation and measurementsYour dentist checks gum health, takes X-rays and measures how much tissue can be removed safely.
- Mark the new gum lineThe planned outline is shown to you so you can see the change before it happens.
- FreezingLocal anaesthetic numbs the area so you stay comfortable.
- Reshape the gumA small amount of gum tissue is removed and the edges are smoothed.
- Follow-up visitWe check how your gums are healing and answer any questions.
Aftercare
- Eat soft, cool foods for the first few days and avoid spicy or crunchy foods.
- Brush gently around the treated area with a soft brush and follow any rinse instructions you are given.
- Call us if bleeding does not settle with light pressure, or if swelling gets worse after day three.
Other options
If a gummy smile comes from the lip or jaw rather than extra gum tissue, your dentist will explain other approaches, which may involve a referral. Crowns or veneers can also change the visible length of teeth. For gums that have pulled back, gum grafting is the related treatment.
Cost and coverage
The fee depends on how many teeth are involved and the technique used, with the ODA suggested fee guide as the usual reference. Insurance plans rarely pay for cosmetic gum work, but they may help when it is part of treating a health problem, so we can check with your insurer first. Ask us whether CDCP applies in your case. LendCare payment plans can help you spread the cost.
Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Your dental team
Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Ye Zhang, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Kasra Badii, DDS
General Dentist
Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.
Gum Contouring FAQ
Will gum contouring hurt?
The area is frozen, so you should feel little during the procedure. Afterward, gums are usually tender for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief, used as the package directs, is enough for most people.
Will my gums grow back?
When the procedure is planned with proper measurements, the new gum line usually stays stable. If too little space is left above the bone, gums can creep back. That is why your dentist checks bone levels first.
How long until my gums look healed?
Gums look much better within a week or two. Full healing and the final shape can take a few weeks. Your dentist will want to see you during that time.
Can gum contouring fix receding gums?
No. Contouring removes gum tissue, while receding gums need tissue added back. Gum grafting is the treatment for recession.
Is it worth doing before veneers?
Sometimes. An even gum line can help new veneers or crowns look more balanced. Your dentist will tell you if it would make a visible difference for your smile.
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Gum Contouring near you
We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS. Last updated 2026-10-26.
Book gum contouring in North York
New patients welcome. We'll confirm your coverage before treatment.