Gum Reshaping for Adults in East Finchley

Consider gum reshaping if your teeth look short or your gum line is uneven. It suits adults who like their teeth but want better smile proportions. It also helps when planning other cosmetic work like veneers or crowns by creating a symmetric foundation. A patient from East Finchley with healthy teeth felt her smile dominated by gums. A conservative reshaping under an hour gave her the confident smile she wanted. The treatment also has a functional use; we treated a patient with a fractured tooth below the gumline and reshaping exposed enough tooth structure to fit a new crown.

The process is simpler than most people think. First, you'll have a consultation at our Finchley practice, where we discuss your goals and assess your gums and teeth. We'll take digital images to plan the ideal gum line for your smile. During the treatment appointment, which typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, the area is completely numbed with local anaesthetic so you won't feel any pain. Next, using either a specialised laser or a fine surgical instrument, we precisely remove the excess gum tissue and sculpt your new gum line. The technique is very controlled, allowing for a neat and accurate result. Finally, we provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. There are no stitches required in most cases, and you can see the results immediately.

Your gums heal in about one to two weeks, with most people feeling normal within a few days. In the first 24 to 48 hours you might have mild tenderness or swelling. This is easily managed with over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. Stick to a soft foods diet for a couple of days like yogurt, soup, and smoothies. Brush the treated area gently with a soft brush for the first week. Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection. You should call our practice during office hours if you notice heavy bleeding, increasing pain after day 3, or signs of infection. Long term, care for your teeth and gums as you normally would.

While gum reshaping works well, other treatments fit some cases. If gummy smile comes from an overactive upper lip muscle that lifts the lip too high, injections of botulinum toxin can offer a temporary less invasive solution. This relaxes the muscle and lowers the lip to cover more gum. The results last about 3 to 4 months. If the jaw bone is the issue, orthognathic surgery could be needed, though this is for severe cases. During your consultation we explain options and help you choose the best approach for your situation.

To make an informed choice, whether you see us or another clinic in North London, ask a few key questions. Ask which technique they use laser or scalpel and why it suits your case. Also ask how many similar procedures they have done and if you can see before and after photos. Inquire about total cost and what it covers, including the consultation and follow ups. Finally ask about expected recovery time and steps to help achieve the best result. This will give you a clear picture of the process and the provider's experience.

Because gum reshaping is typically cosmetic, the price depends on how much tissue needs removal, whether it covers one tooth or the full smile. You will receive a personalised quote at the initial consultation with no hidden fees. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment for this procedure. We do accept several private insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our East Finchley team to discuss your coverage and we can explain the process. We believe in full transparency so you can decide what suits you.