A gentle, carefully planned treatment that reshapes uneven or excess gum to reveal more of your natural teeth and bring your smile into balance.
Gum contouring is only recommended when it suits your smile and your gum health, and every case is planned in detail. Your plan is shaped by:
✔ How much of each tooth is covered by gum
✔ The position of your gum line and the bone underneath
✔ Whether your gum line is uneven, sits low, or both
✔ Any planned cosmetic treatment, such as veneers or bonding
✔ Your gum health and oral hygiene
Our focus is on comfort, precision and natural-looking results, so your gums heal well and your new gum line stays stable.
Gum contouring, sometimes called gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental treatment that gently removes or reshapes a small amount of gum tissue. It can even out an uneven gum line, reveal more of teeth that look short, and reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, and your dentist will plan your new gum line with you before anything begins.
Discover what patients say about their care at Harley Private, from their first conversation with our team to their treatment experience.
Gum contouring is usually chosen for aesthetic reasons, but it can also support cosmetic treatments such as veneers. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.
Balancing your smile
Gum contouring may be recommended to:
✔ Reduce the appearance of a "gummy smile"
✔ Even out a gum line that sits higher on some teeth than others
✔ Reveal more of teeth that look short or small
When gum covers more of your teeth than it should, your smile can look unbalanced. Reshaping the gum line reveals the natural length of your teeth and creates a more even, confident smile.
Alongside other treatments
Gum contouring can also be used to:
✔ Prepare for veneers, crowns or composite bonding
✔ Improve the proportions of your front teeth
✔ Tidy the gum line after orthodontic treatment
If more than gum needs reshaping, for example where bone sits too close to the edge of the tooth, your dentist may recommend crown lengthening instead and will explain why.
Precise reshaping of the gum line to balance your smile, planned around your teeth, lips and facial features.
This treatment is planned and carried out by your dentist, with a clear quote confirmed before treatment begins.
Smile assessment and gum health check
Planning of your new gum line
Treatment under local anaesthetic
Clear aftercare instructions
Follow-up to check healing
Post-treatment review and aftercare guidance
For patients combining gum contouring with veneers, composite bonding or whitening as part of a wider smile makeover.
Comprehensive smile assessment and digital smile design
Gum contouring to balance your gum line
Planning alongside your cosmetic treatment
Shade and shape agreed with you in advance
Treatment sequenced for the best result
Post-treatment review and aftercare guidance
Bite assessment where required
Personalised quote after your consultation
We offer finance options through Chrysalis Finance to help make treatment costs more manageable. This allows eligible patients to spread the cost of treatment over time with clear, structured repayments. 0% finance is available on 12-month plans, and longer terms are available at a representative 14.9% APR, subject to status and approval.
Our finance calculator provides an indicative example of how treatment costs may be spread into monthly payments based on a 14.9% APR. Simply enter the estimated treatment cost and select a repayment term to view a guide price. Figures shown are for illustration only. Final repayment amounts will be confirmed following consultation and finance approval.
Using the calculator does not commit you to treatment or finance. It is designed to help you understand your options clearly, without pressure. Full details, including repayment terms and eligibility, will always be explained before you proceed.


Your consultation is designed to give you clarity and reassurance. We’ll assess your suitability and provide a personalised plan, so you can make an informed decision without any pressure.
Both treatments reshape the gum line, but they're used for different reasons. This comparison gives you an honest overview of each.
These frequently asked questions are designed to provide clear, honest information about gum contouring. If you have further questions, these can be discussed in detail during your consultation.
Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Some tenderness afterwards is normal and usually settles within a few days.
Gum tissue removed during contouring doesn't usually grow back, so results are generally long-lasting. Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups help keep your gum line healthy.
It suits adults with healthy gums who feel their gum line is uneven or shows too much. Your dentist will check your gum health first and explain whether gum contouring or another option is right for you.
Gum contouring at Harley Private starts from £275. The final cost depends on how many teeth are involved, and you'll receive a clear written quote after your consultation.
Most people return to normal activities the same or next day. Your gums usually settle over the following weeks, and we'll give you clear aftercare advice and a review appointment.
Yes, when properly planned. We design your new gum line around your teeth, lips and smile, and talk you through the planned result before treatment.
Yes. It's often planned alongside veneers, composite bonding or whitening, so your gum line and teeth work together for a balanced result.
We assess your teeth, gums and bite, discuss your goals, explain your options, and give you a personalised plan and quote.



If you’d like to book an appointment, have a question about our treatments, or need further information, our friendly team is here to help.