Gum Contouring in Seoul
Reshape an uneven or excessive gumline so your teeth look longer and more balanced. Usually one visit under local anaesthesia, planned digitally and performed within our periodontics department.
- Since 2002
- 13 dentists
- In-house lab
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What is gum contouring and how long does recovery take?
Gum contouring is a minor procedure that removes or reshapes excess gum tissue to create an even gumline and show more of each tooth. It is done under local anaesthesia, usually in one visit of about 30-60 minutes. At Gangnam One Day Dental Clinic, gums typically feel normal within 1-2 weeks, with the final gumline settling over several weeks.
Reviewed by Dr. Kim Jin-hwan , Chief Director · Updated October 5, 2026
What gum contouring changes
Gum contouring trims and shapes the gum margin around the upper front teeth. It is used when one tooth looks shorter than its neighbour, when the gumline is uneven, or when extra gum covers part of healthy teeth. It is one of the treatments for a gummy smile, when excess gum is the cause.
Only soft tissue is reshaped. If the bone also sits too close to the tooth edge, crown lengthening is needed instead, because gum removed without adjusting bone can grow back. Your dentist measures this before treatment using probing and X-rays.
- Levels an uneven gumline across the front teeth
- Shows more tooth length and better width-to-length proportion
- Corrects gum overgrowth, for example after braces
- Prepares a symmetrical base before veneers or crowns
Laser or scalpel?
The clinic has a water-drop (Waterlase-type) dental laser, which can cut and seal soft tissue at the same time, often with less bleeding and fewer stitches. For some cases a conventional scalpel gives more control over the final contour. The dentist chooses the method based on how much tissue is removed and whether bone needs adjusting. Read more about laser gum treatment.
Gum procedures are performed within our periodontics department, which includes Dr. Lee Seung-beom and Dr. Lee Dong-won. Gum health is checked first; inflamed or bleeding gums must be treated before cosmetic reshaping.
Not sure if this is right for you? Send a photo or X-ray — a dentist replies on WhatsApp in English, Chinese or Japanese.
Get a free opinionPlanning the gumline with the final smile
The new gumline is designed together with the tooth shapes it will frame. A Digital Smile Design plan sets the target height for each tooth, using photos and intraoral scans, so the result fits your lip line and facial midline.
If veneers or crowns are planned, gum contouring usually comes first. Final restorations are made after the gum has settled, typically a few weeks later, so the edges of the restorations sit at a stable gumline.
| Gum contouring | Crown lengthening | |
|---|---|---|
| What is reshaped | Gum tissue only | Gum and a small amount of bone |
| Used when | Excess gum, bone level normal | Bone too close to tooth edge |
| Treatment time | About 30-60 min | About 1-1.5 hours |
| Healing | Typically 1-2 weeks | Gum settles in about 6-12 weeks |
| Risk of gum regrowth | Possible if bone level was not checked | Low |
How it works at Oneday Dental
- Before visit
Send photos on WhatsApp
Send a full smile photo and close-up of your front teeth. The dentist gives a first opinion.
- Visit 1
Examination and gum measurement
Gum depth, bone level and gum health are checked with probing, X-ray and intraoral scan.
- Visit 1
Gumline design
The target gumline is planned with your tooth proportions and smile line.
- Visit 1
Contouring
Under local anaesthesia, excess gum is reshaped by laser or scalpel, usually in 30-60 minutes.
- About 1-2 weeks
Healing check
The gumline is reviewed. Any veneers or crowns are planned once the tissue has settled.
Things to know before you decide
- Tenderness, mild swelling and sensitivity at the gumline are common for a few days.
- If bone sits too close to the tooth, contouring alone may relapse; crown lengthening may be needed.
- Not suitable with active gum disease until it is treated.
- Removed gum does not grow back as before, so the plan must be conservative and precise.
Experience you can check
- 2002Founded in Gangnam — 24 years
- 13Dentists in 5 departments
- 3Clinic buildings, 1,570 m²
- 0.01 mmT-Scan bite-force detail
Vice President, Korean Academy of Stomatognathic Function & Occlusion · author on T-Scan implant occlusion (IGI Global)
Gum Contouring: common questions
Does gum contouring hurt?
How long does gum contouring take to heal?
Will my gums grow back after contouring?
Can I eat normally after gum contouring?
Can I travel home soon after gum contouring?
How much does gum contouring cost in Seoul?
You may also want to read
Gummy Smile
Gummy smile treatment in Seoul starts with finding the cause: gums, tooth position, lip or jaw.
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Smile makeover in Seoul: how veneers, whitening, crowns, bonding, gum contouring and orthodontics are sequenced into…
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