Gum contouring is a precise, minimally invasive dental procedure that reshapes the gum line to create a balanced, natural-looking smile. A gummy smile — where an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible when smiling — or an uneven gum line can significantly affect the overall appearance of your teeth, even when the teeth themselves are perfectly healthy. With targeted gum contouring at our practice in Freienstein, we bring your teeth and gums into a harmonious, aesthetically pleasing balance.
We reshape the gum line using minimally invasive techniques performed under local anaesthesia. The procedure is largely painless, and most patients experience only mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards. In many cases, a soft-tissue laser is used, which allows for highly precise tissue removal, minimal bleeding, and faster healing compared to traditional surgical methods. The result is immediately visible: your teeth appear longer, more proportionate, and more symmetrical.
The entire treatment is typically completed in a single appointment. Healing takes just a few days, and normal daily activities can usually be resumed the same day. We provide you with clear aftercare instructions to support a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Gum contouring is suitable for patients who:
A preliminary consultation and thorough examination are always carried out before treatment to ensure gum contouring is clinically appropriate for your individual situation. In cases where gum recession is the concern — rather than excess tissue — we may recommend gum grafting as an alternative or complementary approach.
Many patients choose gum contouring as one element of a broader smile makeover. It pairs particularly well with ceramic veneers, non-prep veneers, and gentle tooth whitening. If you are also considering correcting tooth alignment, aligner therapy can be combined with gum reshaping for comprehensive aesthetic results. Our team will help you prioritise and sequence treatments to achieve the best possible outcome.
At our practice, we combine aesthetic precision with a biological, patient-centred approach to dental care. We use biocompatible materials and minimally invasive techniques throughout all our treatments. Our goal is not simply to change how your smile looks — it is to ensure any intervention is gentle, lasting, and in harmony with your overall oral health.
Yes. The results are generally permanent. The gum tissue that is removed does not grow back. With good oral hygiene, the corrected gum line remains stable long-term. We recommend regular check-ups and professional cleaning to maintain the result. Our biological prophylaxis programme can help support a healthy oral environment following treatment.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and is largely painless. After the anaesthesia wears off, patients may experience mild sensitivity or slight swelling for two to four days. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient. If you are concerned about discomfort or have dental anxiety, please speak with us before your appointment — we are experienced in treating anxious patients with care and patience.
In most cases, gum contouring is completed in a single appointment lasting between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the extent of the correction required. Recovery is typically rapid, and most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Gum contouring performed for purely aesthetic reasons is generally not covered by basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) in Switzerland. However, if the treatment is indicated for clinical or functional reasons, partial coverage through supplementary dental insurance may apply. We are happy to provide you with a detailed treatment plan that you can submit to your insurer prior to treatment.