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Dental · 잇몸성형

Gum Contouring for a Gummy Smile

Reshaping excess or uneven gum to show more tooth. Laser cases heal in 1 to 2 weeks; cases needing bone removal take longer before veneers.

Quick facts
  • Korean name: 잇몸성형
  • Procedure time: About 30 to 60 minutes for the front teeth
  • Anesthesia: Local anaesthesia
  • Sessions: 1 procedure plus a check; crown lengthening needs stitch removal
  • Downtime: Laser cases 3 to 7 days of tenderness; crown lengthening 1 to 2 weeks
  • Results: Visible immediately; gum line settles over 4 to 12 weeks
  • Lasts: Usually permanent if bone is adjusted; gum-only removal can partly regrow

What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring removes and reshapes gum tissue so teeth look longer and the gum line is even. In Gangnam it is often planned together with laminates.

If the bone sits too close to the edge of the gum, the dentist also trims a little bone. This is called crown lengthening, and it stops the gum from growing back.

How it works

The dentist measures gum thickness and the distance to the bone, and may make a digital smile design. Under local anaesthesia the excess gum is removed with a diode laser or scalpel. For crown lengthening, a small flap is opened, bone is reshaped and stitches are placed.

Who it suits

  • Gummy smiles caused by excess gum over normal-length teeth
  • Uneven gum height across front teeth
  • Preparing for laminates or crowns

Who should skip it or wait

  • Gummy smiles caused mainly by a high lip line or long upper jaw
  • Active gum disease
  • People with thin gum tissue prone to recession

Side effects and risks

  • Gum regrowth if bone was not addressed
  • Sensitivity of newly exposed tooth surface
  • Uneven healing
  • Black triangles between teeth

Aftercare

  • Use a soft brush and avoid the area for a few days
  • Avoid spicy and very hot food for a week
  • Use the prescribed mouthwash
  • Wait for the gum line to settle before final veneers

Planning around your trip

If veneers will follow, ask how long to wait, as dentists may want several weeks after bone-level surgery before final bonding.

Dental clinics near Apgujeong

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

Gum Contouring price

Prices for this treatment depend on the doctor's assessment, so clinics quote after consultation. Message us and we collect quotes from clinics near Apgujeong Station.

Gum Contouring questions

Will the gum grow back?

It can if only gum is removed and bone is left too high. Crown lengthening reduces this.

Laser or scalpel?

A diode laser seals small vessels and suits soft-tissue-only cases. Bone reshaping needs a surgical flap.

How soon can I get laminates after contouring?

Gum-only cases may proceed in a few weeks. After crown lengthening many dentists wait 6 to 12 weeks for the gum to stabilise.

Could Botox fix my gummy smile instead?

If an overactive upper lip muscle is the cause, small Botox doses can lower the lip temporarily. Your dentist can tell which factor dominates.

How many teeth are usually treated?

Most cases cover the 6 to 10 teeth that show in a smile.

Does gum contouring hurt afterwards?

Laser-only cases are usually mildly sore for a few days. Crown lengthening with bone reshaping feels more like a minor gum surgery, with about a week of tenderness.

Plan your visit

Get a quote before you fly

Send the treatment, your dates and any past procedures. We reply in English with options, prices and clinic locations near Apgujeong Station.