Gum reshaping (also called gum contouring or a "smile lift") removes or sculpts excess gum tissue to create a more balanced, even smile line. If your teeth look short, your smile shows too much gum, or your gum line is uneven from tooth to tooth — reshaping changes the frame around your teeth to let more tooth show.
At Smile Dental Kondapur and Vizag, gum reshaping starts from ₹8,000. Results are visible immediately. Most cases take one visit of 30-60 minutes. When combined with veneers or crowns as part of a smile makeover, the reshaping creates the foundation for a balanced result.
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Gum reshaping works well for...
- "Gummy smile" — excessive gum tissue visible when you smile
- Uneven gum line — one or more teeth have more gum coverage than others
- Teeth that appear short or square because excess gum covers them
- Part of a smile makeover plan — reshaping the gum line before veneers or crowns gives a better aesthetic result
- Gum overgrowth from medication (some blood pressure and anti-seizure medications cause this)
This works best when...
- The issue is excess gum tissue, not short teeth — if your teeth are genuinely small, crowns or veneers may be the better solution
- Gum disease is treated first — we don't reshape inflamed or infected gums
- Bone level allows it — sometimes the bone underneath needs adjustment too (crown lengthening), which is a more involved procedure
- Your expectations are realistic — we can improve symmetry significantly, but perfect mathematical symmetry isn't always achievable
We assess whether simple gum reshaping is enough or whether crown lengthening (bone adjustment) is needed. We'll explain the difference and what your case requires.
Simple gum reshaping (30-60 minutes)
- Local anesthetic — area is completely numb
- Excess gum tissue removed using laser or surgical instruments
- Gum line sculpted for symmetry and proportion
- Results visible immediately
Crown lengthening (if bone adjustment needed)
- Local anesthetic
- Small incision to access bone underneath
- Bone reshaped to allow proper gum positioning
- Gums sutured into new position
- Healing takes 4-6 weeks before final cosmetic work can proceed
During the procedure
You're numb — no pain. Laser reshaping has minimal bleeding and faster healing. Surgical reshaping may involve more swelling. Most patients say it was much easier than expected.
After
Gums will be tender and slightly swollen for 3-7 days. Soft foods recommended. Mild discomfort managed with over-the-counter pain relief. The final result is visible once swelling resolves (usually 1-2 weeks).
First week
Soft foods only. Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods that irritate healing gums. Gentle brushing around the treated area. Warm salt water rinses after 24 hours.
Weeks 2-4
Gums heal and settle into their new position. Some minor adjustments to shape may occur as healing progresses. Resume normal diet as comfort allows.
Long-term
Results are permanent — gum tissue doesn't grow back. Maintain good oral hygiene to keep gums healthy. If reshaping was done as part of a makeover, the next cosmetic step (veneers, crowns) can proceed once gums are fully healed.
Gum Reshaping: ₹8,000 - ₹25,000
Cost depends on:
- Number of teeth involved: 2-3 teeth vs full smile zone (6-8 teeth)
- Technique: Laser (₹8,000-15,000) vs surgical (₹15,000-25,000)
- Crown lengthening: If bone adjustment is needed, adds complexity and cost
As part of a smile makeover
Gum reshaping is often done before veneers or crowns. The combined cost depends on the full makeover plan. Reshaping alone can sometimes achieve a dramatic improvement without any additional work.
The gum line matters more than most people realize
Even perfectly shaped, white teeth won't look right if the gum line is uneven. Gum symmetry is one of the most overlooked elements of an attractive smile. In many cases, reshaping the gums makes a bigger visual difference than any work done on the teeth themselves. It's often the missing piece patients didn't know they needed.
Gum reshaping during your India visit
Simple reshaping: 1 visit, 30-60 minutes. If combined with a smile makeover: allow 2-4 weeks for gum healing before veneer or crown work.
Cost comparison: Gum reshaping in India: ₹8,000-25,000. Same in US: ₹40,000-1,00,000. In UK: ₹30,000-80,000.
Does gum reshaping hurt?
Not during — you're numb. After, expect tenderness for 3-7 days. Manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Laser reshaping has less discomfort than surgical.
Does the gum grow back?
No. Results are permanent. The reshaped gum line stays.
Is it just cosmetic or also functional?
Usually cosmetic. But in cases of gum overgrowth from medication, it's also functional — removing excess tissue improves cleaning access and gum health.
How long until I see final results?
Immediate improvement visible after the procedure. Final result once swelling resolves — usually 1-2 weeks.
Can it be combined with veneers?
Yes — and it often should be. Reshaping the gum line first creates a better foundation for veneer design. We plan both together in smile makeover cases.
