Gum Contouring in Ingatestone for a Balanced Smile
Refine Your Smile With Carefully Planned Gum Contouring
A beautiful smile depends on the balance between your teeth and the gums that frame them. At Start Smiling, we consider both when designing cosmetic treatment.
Using a precision diode laser, we can gently reshape suitable gum margins to improve symmetry and reveal more of the natural tooth. Sometimes an adjustment of just 1–1.5 millimetres can make a striking difference to the proportions of a smile.
Dr Tom Sealey and Dr Tony Aneiros each bring over 20 years of clinical experience, combining award-winning cosmetic dentistry with extensive surgical expertise. From subtle laser contouring to more involved crown lengthening, we plan treatment around both appearance and the long-term health of your gums.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring carefully reshapes the gum margins around your teeth. It can help when excess gum covers part of a tooth or when uneven gum levels make otherwise healthy teeth look different in length.
For suitable cases, our precision diode laser allows controlled reshaping of the soft tissue under local anaesthetic. Treatment may be completed on its own or planned before composite bonding or veneers.
Some teeth need more than soft-tissue contouring. If the underlying bone lies close to the intended gum margin, surgical crown lengthening may be required. This involves repositioning the gum and, where necessary, reshaping a small amount of supporting bone to expose more tooth while maintaining a healthy relationship between the tissues.
We assess this relationship before recommending treatment, so the procedure addresses the cause of the imbalance.
Why Choose Gum Contouring?
Even beautifully shaped teeth can look uneven if their gum margins are out of balance. A tooth may appear too short, one side of the smile may look different from the other, or excess gum may draw attention away from the teeth.
Carefully planned contouring can improve these proportions. In selected cases, a small adjustment of around 1–1.5 millimetres is enough to reveal a more balanced smile, sometimes reducing the amount of restorative treatment needed.
When veneers or bonding are planned, establishing appropriate gum levels first helps us design the tooth shapes harmoniously. We consider the white surfaces of the teeth and the pink tissues together.
A gummy smile can have several causes, including gum coverage, tooth position, lip movement and jaw proportions. We identify the relevant factors before explaining whether contouring, crown lengthening or another approach would help.
Gum Contouring At Start Smiling, What Makes Us Different?
Tom and Tony assess the whole smile. Their combined experience of more than 40 years allows them to coordinate cosmetic, restorative and surgical treatment rather than consider each element separately.
Tom holds full accreditation with the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and won Best Aesthetic Dentist in the UK in 2019. Tony brings extensive aesthetic and surgical experience and mentors other dentists within the SmileFast team. Our practice’s awards include recognition for conservative smile makeovers and minimal intervention dentistry.
Our award-winning cases demonstrate the importance of careful proportions and tissue balance. Photographs, optical scans and smile planning help us assess how gum adjustments will work with the proposed tooth shapes, including minimally prepared or additive veneers where suitable.
We use a precision diode laser for appropriate soft-tissue contouring. Where crown lengthening is needed, Tom and Tony bring extensive surgical experience, specialist equipment and strict sterile surgical protocols. They work together where appropriate to coordinate the surgery, healing and final cosmetic treatment.
We can also assess restrictive or high frenal attachments—the bands of tissue connecting the lip or cheek to the gums. Where an attachment contributes to harmful tension, cleaning difficulties or gum problems, a frenectomy may be appropriate to release it. This is individually assessed and is not a replacement for treatment needed to cover existing recession.
Our aim is a comprehensive plan that respects your tissues, preserves your teeth and creates a naturally harmonious smile.
Who Is Gum Contouring Suitable For?
Gum contouring may suit you if your teeth appear short because of excess gum coverage, your gum margins are uneven or you are planning cosmetic treatment that would benefit from improved tissue balance.
Crown lengthening may be appropriate when more tooth needs to be exposed and the underlying bone position must also be addressed. It can have both aesthetic and restorative purposes.
Before recommending either procedure, we assess gum health, tissue thickness, bone levels, tooth proportions and your bite. Active gum disease needs treatment first, and recession requires a different assessment because removing more gum may worsen the problem.
Treatment is usually performed under local anaesthetic. We explain the procedure, healing period and any time needed before final veneers or bonding. If you feel nervous, our experienced team will help you prepare and discuss additional support where appropriate.
Whether you need a subtle refinement or a coordinated surgical and cosmetic plan, we’ll explain how to achieve a balanced result while protecting your dental health.
Smile Gallery
What Does Gum Contouring Treatment Involve?
Treatment is usually straightforward for suitable patients, and we’ll explain what to expect before you begin.
Does Gum Contouring Hurt?
Gum contouring is carried out under local anaesthetic to help keep the area numb during treatment.
Mild tenderness afterwards is normal
Initial healing is usually straightforward
Many patients return to normal activities within a day or two, depending on the extent of treatment
We’ll guide you through aftercare and explain what to expect during healing.
How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?
The cost of gum contouring depends on the number of teeth involved and the complexity of treatment. At Start Smiling
- Gum contouring starts from £30 per tooth
- Costs are explained clearly before treatment
- No treatment is carried out without your consent
- Finance options may be available for combined treatments
Transparency is always a priority.
Caring For Your Gums After Contouring
Proper aftercare supports healing and long-term results.
We’ll advise you on:
- Gentle oral hygiene during healing
- What to avoid in the short-term healing period
- Follow-up appointments if needed
- How to keep the area clean while it heals
- What tenderness or sensitivity to expect
- When to contact us if swelling, bleeding or discomfort worsens
Once healed, results are usually long-lasting, although this depends on your gum health, oral hygiene and individual healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What our patients have to say...
John Robinson
Patient
I have been using start smiling for the last 4 years, I can highly recommend their services. I had 3 implants fitted, and also some cosmetic work done . I am very pleased with the results. Thank you to all the staff there.
Jeff Emberson
Patient
My Dentist is Tony Aneiros, he has been my Dentist for many years. I have confidence in his skills as Dentist and he has always been very professional when caring for my teeth. He has a friendly manner and is mindful to keep the patient at ease and pain free. We recently moved and now live a long way from the surgery, but I have no intention of changing Dentist.
Toni Featherstone
Patient
Absolutely amazing, before coming here I had a terrible fear with dentist. From the day I went to start smily I have felt completely at ease! Can’t not recommend them enough! Thank you so much I can’t wait now for the final finish of my new teeth 🦷
Denise Somers
Patient
Every member of staff is always extremely kind, thorough, and patient. Always thorough in explanations and ensure every client feels valued.
Gill Carter
Patient
Bradley the Hygienist is very considerate as I really don’t like the process but I know it’s necessary. I would recommend him if you are a nervous patient.
Lynn Culley
Patient
Have been going to Start Smiling for as long as I can remember. I am an old person, but still wants a good smile. 😬. Natalie the hygienist is lovely. Receptionist are always polite and friendly. Tom my dentist is good. Never felt worried or anxious when I go.
Anne-Marie Winch
Patient
Very satisfied with all treatment received so far. I shall be using Start-Smiling from now on for check ups, hygienist, etc. A very friendly and helpful team. Thank you
Michael Seymour
Patient
I had some excellent treatment at Start smiling and can’t thank the team enough. The care and kindness shown by everyone really stood out and put me completely at ease. A fantastic dentist and a genuinely caring practice
Steve Franks
Patient
Turned up late for my appointment due to train issues, I was already extremely nervous but the staff were very kind and considerate. Appointment itself was fine despite my rambling on in my nervousness. Very professional service. Thank you Start Smiling I would recommend you to anyone with similar 'phobias'
Nicky Allen
Patient
We’ve had such a great experience with Tony, the orthodontist treating my son. His teeth are coming along beautifully and we’re so pleased with the progress. Tracey on reception and the nurse are both absolutely lovely — always welcoming, kind, and they truly go above and beyond. The whole team makes every visit a positive experience. I would highly recommend.
A-A Ron
Patient
Great practice, very friendly, high quality of dental care from Dr Tom Sealey and his colleagues. Just had a brace fitted and it was carried out very quickly with no discomfort. I have been going for 10 years or so. Thoroughly recommend.
Book Your Gum Contouring Consultation Today
If you’re considering refining your gum line, we can assess your smile and explain whether gum contouring may be suitable.
📅 Book your gum contouring consultation today
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