Worried about showing too much gum when you smile?
It’s a common concern – but not one you need to live with!
There are a host of treatment options available. Some, like non-surgical injections, can ease your troubles for a few months but if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, your choices are more likely to be a gummy smile makeover or gum surgery.
Wondering what the difference is? And, more importantly, which procedure is right for you? Then keep reading…
What is a gummy smile makeover?
Essentially this is the name we give to ‘gum contouring’ and it’s one of the most popular treatments available at the Harley Street Smile Clinic.
It works by using a laser to remove small amounts of excess gum tissue, raising the gum line to expose more of the natural tooth beneath – which helps to balance out the smile.
The treatment is fast and effective, taking place in just one appointment, and the results are both impressive and permanent.
What is gum surgery?
Gum surgery is more invasive and typically used in instances where larger amounts of gum need removing.
A surgical gum lift is performed using a scalpel to cut away excessive gum tissue, but the procedure can also involve small amounts of bone grafting in order to achieve optimum results.
The finished effect will last a lifetime, but recovery times are considerable – it can take up to 4 months for your mouth to be completely healed.
Have a question for one of our dentists? Give us a call
Key differences
- The amount of gum removed – a gummy smile makeover is limited to removing small amounts of gum tissue. If your gummy smile is more severe, gum surgery is likely to be a more viable option.
- The procedure – a gummy smile makeover is performed using local anaesthetic to numb the area. Gum is then removed with a small laser. The process is fast and efficient and takes just one appointment – which is usually less than 90 minutes.
As part of the treatment, we also offer tooth contouring to fine-tune and perfect the shape of your smile, and whitening – so you’ll leave our treatment room feeling truly ‘made-over’.
Gum surgery is more involved. Gum is removed using a scalpel and will require more anaesthetic – as such you can expect the procedure to take longer.
- The recovery time – after a gummy smile makeover it’s normal to experience a small amount of swelling for a few days following the treatment, and any discomfort can be easily elevated with over-the-counter painkillers.
As gum surgery is more invasive, you can expect the recovery time to take longer (sometimes several months) and you’re likely to be in a little more discomfort following treatment, although this should also be easily managed with painkillers.
- The cost – the current price for a gummy smile makeover here at The Smile Clinic, is available on our fees page – inclusive of home whitening and tooth contouring, this competitive rate adds to its appeal.
Treatment costs for any procedure are variable and influenced by the scale of the treatment needed, so, as gum surgery is more involved, you can expect the cost to be greater.
So, which is right for you?
In many cases, a gummy smile makeover is the ideal choice for patients, offering fast, effective, and lasting results. But if you’re still unsure, why not speak to the experts?
Here at the Harley Street Smile Clinic, gummy smile makeovers are our signature treatment, making us your first choice for gum contouring in London.
Our friendly, professional team is always willing to talk through what’s involved and answer any questions or concerns you may have. And, if it turns out a smile makeover isn’t quite right for you, we’ll happily discuss other options with you, including using veneers for a gummy smile so you can make an informed decision and the right choice for your smile.
Don’t put up with a gummy smile for a moment longer, get in touch today. We can help you achieve – and maintain – a brilliant white smile, get in touch.