It’s not just your teeth that make your smile. Your gums also play an important role. Sometimes, the balance of the aesthetic can be affected by the amount of gum tissue that is visible when you smile. If there is too much gum covering the teeth, this can cause a gummy smile. A gummy smile isn’t a dental health problem as such, but it can affect the look of the smile, and subsequently impact confidence. If your gums are causing you to feel self-conscious when you smile, we can help.

At Harley Street Dental Studio in London, we understand that a beautiful smile is about harmony and balance. Whilst much attention is naturally focused on the teeth themselves—their alignment, colour, and shape—the gums form the essential frame that can make or break the overall aesthetic. Our award-winning team at 52 Harley Street has helped countless patients transform their smiles by addressing gum-related concerns with precision, artistry, and the latest advanced techniques.

Understanding a Gummy Smile

Gum reshaping, also known as gum contouring, is a cosmetic technique which we employ to enhance the look of the smile when a patient has a gummy smile. A gummy smile occurs when more gum tissue than usual is visible when you smile. It can make the teeth look smaller and shorter than normal, and affect the overall look of your smile. Gum reshaping is designed to improve the aesthetic by removing a very tiny portion of the gum tissue and contouring the gum line to unveil more of the tooth tissue. The result is longer, larger-looking teeth, which make for a more attractive smile.

A gummy smile can occur for several reasons:

• Excessive gum tissue growth: Some individuals naturally develop more gum tissue, which can cover a larger portion of the teeth.
• Altered tooth eruption: Teeth that haven’t fully erupted can appear shorter, creating the illusion of excess gum.
• Hyperactive upper lip muscles: In some cases, the upper lip lifts too high when smiling, revealing more of the gum line.
• Jaw development: The way the upper jaw bone has developed can sometimes affect the gum-to-tooth ratio.

Regardless of the underlying cause, if you feel that your gums are dominating your smile and preventing you from showing off your teeth with confidence, gum reshaping in London at our Harley Street clinic offers a transformative solution.

Gum Reshaping at Harley Street Dental Studio: Where Art Meets Science

At Harley Street Dental Studio, cosmetic gum procedures are approached with the same level of meticulous care and expertise that has earned our clinic multiple industry accolades, including ‘Best Aesthetic Practice in the UK’ at the Smile Awards. Our philosophy, established by founder Dr Mark Hughes, centres on delivering “Relationship Based, Patient Centred, and Comprehensive Care.” This means that every gummy smile treatment begins with a thorough consultation, where we listen carefully to your concerns and assess your unique facial structure and smile dynamics.

Gum contouring is not simply about removing tissue—it requires an artistic eye and a deep understanding of facial aesthetics. The procedure is often integral to comprehensive smile makeovers, working in harmony with other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, or orthodontics. Dr Hughes, who has completed over 20,000 veneer cases and is one of only 16 Accredited Members of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry worldwide, often collaborates closely with our specialist team to ensure that the gum line perfectly frames the final result, creating a smile that is both beautiful and naturally balanced.

When gum health is a consideration—whether pre-existing gum disease or ensuring optimal periodontal health before cosmetic work—our Specialist Periodontist, Dr Federico Tinti, plays a vital role. Dr Tinti has dedicated nearly two decades exclusively to the speciality of periodontology and is on the General Dental Council’s specialist list. His calm, gentle approach and world-class training from institutions including King’s College London and New York University ensure that the foundational health of your gums is never compromised in the pursuit of aesthetic perfection. His philosophy is clear: to help patients “preserve their teeth for longer, and often for life” by maintaining impeccable gum health. This collaborative, multidisciplinary approach is what sets Harley Street Dental Studio apart as a centre of true excellence.

What Does Treatment Involve?

We use advanced techniques, including laser treatment, to shape the gums with minimal discomfort. Using their experience and skill, your dentist will gently contour your gums to create incredible results.

The process of gum reshaping at 52 Harley Street typically unfolds as follows:

• Initial Consultation: During your first visit, we will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Digital photography and imaging may be used to plan the precise contours of your new gum line. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss your aesthetic goals and ask any questions about the procedure.
• Treatment Planning: Your personalised treatment plan will be created, taking into account the amount of gum tissue to be reshaped, the ideal tooth-to-gum ratio for your facial structure, and whether any complementary treatments would enhance your final result.
• The Procedure: Gum reshaping is typically performed using advanced laser technology, which offers numerous benefits over traditional surgical methods. Lasers allow for exceptional precision, targeting only the excess gum tissue whilst minimising bleeding and discomfort. The procedure is usually completed under local anaesthetic to ensure you remain completely comfortable. The duration varies depending on the extent of reshaping required, but many treatments can be completed in a single appointment.
• Recovery and Aftercare: One of the significant advantages of laser gum contouring is the reduced recovery time. Most patients experience minimal discomfort following the procedure and can return to their normal activities within a day or two. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including guidance on oral hygiene and any dietary considerations during the initial healing period.
• Revealing Your New Smile: As the gums heal and settle into their new contours, you’ll begin to see the dramatic transformation. Your teeth will appear longer, more prominent, and beautifully framed—creating a smile that you’ll be proud to show the world.

The precision and artistry involved in this procedure reflect the broader ethos of our clinic: that dentistry exists at “the meeting point of art and science,” as Dr Hughes often describes it. The combination of cutting-edge technology and decades of collective experience ensures results that are not only aesthetically stunning but also long-lasting and healthy.

The Importance of Specialist Periodontal Expertise

Whilst gum reshaping is a cosmetic procedure, it is essential that it is performed with a deep respect for gum health and the biological structures that support your teeth. This is where the expertise of a Specialist Periodontist becomes invaluable.

Dr Federico Tinti’s role extends far beyond treating gum disease. He is integral to many of our complex, multidisciplinary smile makeovers, ensuring that the gum line and underlying periodontal structures are not only healthy but also perfectly positioned to support long-term cosmetic results. His meticulous, conservative approach means that every millimetre of tissue is carefully considered, preserving as much natural structure as possible whilst achieving the desired aesthetic outcome.

Patients frequently describe Dr Tinti as “thoughtful, calm, and gentle”—qualities that are particularly reassuring when undergoing any treatment involving the gums. His collaborative work with the clinic’s cosmetic experts, including his award-winning partnership with Dr Hughes on the Interdisciplinary Smile Award in 2009, exemplifies the seamless integration of health and beauty that defines our approach to comprehensive dental care.

Whether your gummy smile is accompanied by underlying periodontal concerns or you simply want the confidence of knowing your gums are in the hands of a registered specialist, Dr Tinti’s involvement ensures the highest standard of care at every stage of your treatment journey.

Would Gum Reshaping Benefit You?

Do you often feel that your smile looks unattractive because your teeth look small, or do you feel that there is too much gum tissue on display when you look at your smile in the mirror? If you’re self-conscious about your smile, you don’t have to suffer in silence. We have some amazing cosmetic treatments on offer that can improve your confidence. In the case of a gummy smile, gum reshaping is a tried and tested treatment which can make an incredible difference to the look of your smile.

You may be an ideal candidate for gum contouring if you:

• Feel that your teeth appear too short or small due to excessive gum coverage
• Notice that more gum than tooth is visible when you smile
• Have an uneven gum line that affects the symmetry of your smile
• Are planning a smile makeover and want to ensure your gums perfectly complement your new teeth
• Have been told that gum reshaping would enhance the results of veneers or crowns
• Simply want to feel more confident when you smile, laugh, or speak

At Harley Street Dental Studio, we believe that everyone deserves to feel proud of their smile. Our patient-centred philosophy means that we never rush to treatment. Instead, CEO and Clinical Director Dr Adam Thorne—renowned for his certified expertise in treating anxious patients—ensures that every consultation is conducted in a “calm and relaxing environment,” where your concerns are heard and your comfort is paramount. His belief that “no two people or mouths are the same” means your treatment will be completely bespoke, designed specifically for your unique needs and aesthetic goals.

Conclusion: Transform Your Smile at 52 Harley Street

Gum reshaping at Harley Street Dental Studio represents the perfect fusion of cutting-edge technology, world-class expertise, and genuine patient care. Whether you’re seeking a subtle refinement or a dramatic smile transformation, our award-winning team at 52 Harley Street in London is dedicated to delivering results that exceed your expectations whilst prioritising your comfort and long-term oral health.

From the pioneering cosmetic vision of Dr Mark Hughes to the specialist periodontal care of Dr Federico Tinti and the patient-first approach of Dr Adam Thorne, you can be confident that your smile is in the hands of true experts who have dedicated their careers to perfecting the art and science of aesthetic dentistry.

If you’re keen to find out more about gum reshaping or gummy smile treatment in London, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Your journey to a more confident, beautiful smile starts here.