Expert Facial & Gum Contouring for Muswell Hill Patients

This treatment helps if your gums appear too prominent or cover much of your teeth, creating a gummy smile. It's also useful for uneven gum lines that make teeth look different lengths. You may be a good candidate if you have minor cosmetic issues such as small chips, worn edges, or slight overlaps that can be smoothed without veneers or crowns. Many people from Muswell Hill choose this as a finishing touch after braces or before whitening to frame their smile.

Your journey begins with a 45 minute consultation at our Finchley clinic. We discuss your goals and plan changes with digital imaging. For gum contouring, the procedure typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. We numb the area with local anaesthetic before using a dental laser to remove excess gum tissue and shape the gum line. For tooth contouring or enameloplasty, it is usually quicker, about 30 minutes, and often does not require anaesthetic since only tiny amounts of enamel are removed. A recent Muswell Hill patient had laser gum contouring to correct a gummy smile; the procedure took under an hour and she was happy to see more of her natural teeth.

Recovery is generally quick. After gum contouring you may have mild tenderness and swelling for 24 to 72 hours, which is easily managed with over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol. Eat soft foods like yogurt, pasta, and soup for the first two days and avoid very hot, spicy, or crunchy items. Rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean. Most people resume normal activities the next day. If you experience severe pain, persistent bleeding, or signs of infection like fever or pus, contact us during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9-5 and Tue, Thu 11-7). For after hours emergencies, visit A and E or call 111.

While contouring helps with specific issues, other options might suit you better. If a gummy smile is caused by an overactive upper lip muscle, Botox injections by a qualified professional can be an option, though results are temporary (about 3 to 4 months). For larger tooth imperfections like big gaps or heavy staining, porcelain veneers or composite bonding can cover the front surface. In some cases orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign is the best first step to align the teeth and can improve the gum line naturally.

To choose what’s right for you, ask the right questions at our practice or another clinic serving Muswell Hill. Ask how many contouring procedures they perform each year and to see before and after photos of similar cases. Inquire about the technology used, such as a dental laser, which can help healing. Ask about the long term prognosis is there a chance the gum tissue could grow back. Get a clear breakdown of costs, including the consultation, procedure, and follow up appointments.

As a cosmetic procedure it is not available on the NHS. At our private practice gum contouring prices start from around £250 per area, depending on complexity and number of teeth. Tooth reshaping starts from £150. A patient who needed minor reshaping on two front teeth paid £300 and described the result as perfect. We provide a detailed all inclusive quote after your initial consultation with no hidden fees. While most cosmetic treatments are not covered by standard insurance, we do accept plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna so check your policy for coverage.