Expert Gum Contouring & Laser Reshaping in Finchley

You should consider gum contouring if your main concern is how your gums look rather than how your teeth are aligned. It helps when you have excessive gingival display, where a lot of gum shows when you smile. It also helps fix an uneven gum line, where some teeth look shorter because of gum position. Many patients in Finchley choose this as a standalone cosmetic improvement or as prep before porcelain veneers to ensure a final result that looks balanced.

The process focuses on comfort and precision. First you have a 30 minute consultation to discuss goals and check your smile. On the day of the procedure we numb the area with a local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. Then we use a soft tissue laser to remove excess gum tissue and shape a pleasing new gum line. The laser procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Because the laser seals the tissue as it works there is little bleeding and no stitches. You see the cosmetic result right after treatment.

A 28-year-old marketing professional from Finchley was unhappy with her gummy smile and felt her teeth looked short. We did laser gum contouring on her upper front six teeth. The procedure took about 45 minutes. After a few days of mild tenderness her gums healed well, revealing a more balanced smile where the teeth stand out. She reported a big boost in confidence in client meetings.

A patient from Muswell Hill planned to get porcelain veneers but had an uneven gum line that would affect the look. We did gum contouring to create a symmetrical foundation before veneer prep. This small step helped the final veneers look even and natural. The patient was glad we addressed this detail, making the smile transformation a success.

Recovery from laser gum contouring is typically quick and straightforward. For the first 24-48 hours you may experience mild tenderness or swelling, which is easily managed with over the counter pain relief. Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, smoothies, and soup for the first few days to avoid irritating the area. Rinse gently with warm saltwater to keep the area clean. Avoid vigorous brushing on the treated gums for about a week. Complete healing usually takes 7 to 14 days. Seek medical help if you have severe pain not controlled by medicine, persistent bleeding, or signs of infection such as pus. Call our practice during office hours if you experience any of these symptoms.

Laser gum contouring works well, but there are alternatives depending on the cause. If the gummy smile is due to a hyperactive upper lip muscle that lifts too high, injections of Botulinum toxin can relax the muscle and lower the lip line. This is less invasive but needs repeat treatments every 3 to 6 months. If the teeth have not fully erupted, braces can help move teeth and gums into a better position. We discuss all suitable options at your Finchley consultation to find the best fit.

To get the best care, whether with us or another North London practice, here are key questions to ask: What technology do you use for gum contouring, laser or scalpel? Can you show before and after photos? How much experience do you have with this procedure? Is there a risk the gum tissue could grow back? What is included in the price and are there follow up costs? Will the procedure raise your tooth sensitivity?