Gum Contouring Prices 2026
Calculate your TDB 2026 reference fee for gummy smile correction, gum recession treatment, and gingivectomy.
Gingivoplasty reshapes excess gum tissue, gingivectomy removes gum tissue, and a free gingival graft is used to treat recession. The choice is made at clinical examination.
For aesthetic work, 4–8 teeth along the smile line are usually addressed; for recession treatment, the figure reflects the number of teeth affected.
Approximate Clinician Fee
TDB 2026 reference · VAT excluded
Surprised?
This figure reflects the TDB 2026 minimum guideline tariff. For a personalised quote, please get in touch.
Reference fees are based on the TDB 2026 Guideline Tariff (6-4 Gingivoplasty, 6-5 Gingivectomy, 6-9 Free Gingival Graft). Prices shown are exclusive of VAT.
Gum contouring prices are one of the most frequently researched topics for patients who notice that their gums show too much when smiling or that their gum line is uneven. Gum aesthetic work (gingival aesthetics) is an essential part of smile design. Imbalances in the height, symmetry, and colour of the gums affect how a smile looks, however straight the teeth themselves are. Gum aesthetic procedures are referred to as “pink aesthetics” and, together with “white aesthetics” (dental restorations), they create the ideal smile.
The most common aesthetic gum issues are: gummy smile (excessive gum display when smiling), an uneven gingival margin (one tooth’s gum sitting higher or lower than the others), exposed root surfaces from gum recession, and melanin pigmentation (dark-coloured gums). Each issue calls for a different approach: periodontal treatment, gingivectomy/gingivoplasty, crown lengthening, grafting, or laser depigmentation.
Gum aesthetics isn’t purely cosmetic. Correcting the gum line is also critical for establishing biological width on teeth that will be crowned and for ensuring the longevity of prosthetic treatment. Gum correction before aesthetic treatments such as zirconia crowns or porcelain veneers ensures the final result looks symmetrical and natural.
At our clinic Doredent in Avcılar, Istanbul, gum aesthetic procedures are performed with laser and surgical techniques by our clinical team. The ideal pink-and-white balance is the goal, supported by smile analysis, digital planning, and a personalised treatment approach.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is the umbrella term for procedures that correct the shape, level, symmetry, and colour of the gums to create a more balanced and attractive smile. In dentistry, this is referred to as “pink aesthetics.” In an ideal smile, the gums are symmetrical and a healthy pink, and the visible tooth crown looks well-proportioned.
Gum contouring includes both surgical (gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, crown lengthening, connective tissue graft) and non-surgical (laser gum contouring, laser depigmentation) methods. The right method is selected based on the patient’s specific issue, bone anatomy, and aesthetic expectations.
Gum Contouring Procedures
Gingivectomy / Gingivoplasty
Gummy SmileRemoval of excess gum tissue with a laser or scalpel to lengthen the visible crown and correct the smile line. The most common gum aesthetic procedure.
Crown Lengthening
Bone AdjustmentAdjusting the bone contour beneath the gum as well as the gum itself to increase the visible portion of the tooth. Used in cases of biological width violation and before prosthetic treatment.
Gum Graft
Recession TreatmentCovering exposed root surfaces by transferring tissue from the palate or using collagen matrices over areas of recession. The aesthetic solution for gum recession.
Laser Depigmentation
PigmentationLaser removal of brown-to-black melanin pigmentation (dark-coloured gums) to restore a healthy pink tone.
The Gum Contouring Process
Gum aesthetic procedures begin with smile analysis and proceed as follows:
Smile Analysis
Gum visibility while smiling, symmetry, and the tooth-to-gum ratio are assessed with photographs and digital planning. The patient’s aesthetic expectations and lip mobility are examined.
Periodontal Examination
Gum health, pocket depths, bone levels, and biological width are assessed. Radiographs and CBCT are ordered if needed. If active periodontal disease is present, it must be treated first.
Treatment Planning
The appropriate method (gingivectomy, crown lengthening, graft, laser) is determined for the issue. The result can be previewed with a mockup if needed. The patient is briefed and consent is obtained.
Anaesthesia
The treatment area is fully numbed with local anaesthesia. Laser procedures may require less anaesthesia; topical anaesthesia can be enough for some superficial procedures.
Surgical or Laser Procedure
The gum contour is corrected with the chosen method — excess tissue is removed or missing tissue is added. With laser procedures, bleeding is minimal and recovery is faster.
Healing and Care
Healing time varies with the scope of the procedure, from 1 to 3 weeks. Soft foods and gentle brushing are recommended. Chlorhexidine mouthwash supports oral hygiene.
Follow-Up and Next Stage
Healing is checked. If indicated, prosthetic treatment (zirconia crowns, veneers) is planned to complete the white aesthetics. The pink-and-white balance is achieved.
Factors Affecting Gum Contouring Prices
Gum contouring cost varies noticeably with the procedure used and its scope:
Procedure Type
Gingivectomy, crown lengthening, grafts, and laser depigmentation all involve different surgical complexity and cost. Crown lengthening is the most extensive procedure because it involves bone correction; grafts are also costly because they require donor tissue.
Number of Teeth Treated
Scope and cost differ substantially between a single tooth and the full smile line (6–10 teeth). Aesthetic work typically covers the upper anterior teeth along the smile line.
Technology Used
Laser procedures offer more comfortable recovery than conventional surgery and can have a different cost. Diode, Er:YAG, and CO2 lasers each have their own indications.
Graft Material
Costs differ between an autograft (from the patient’s own palate), an allograft, and a collagen matrix. An autograft delivers the most natural result; a matrix is more comfortable because it avoids surgery at a donor site.
Additional Prosthetic Treatment
If zirconia crowns or veneers are planned after gum correction, those additional procedures are priced separately. Combining pink and white aesthetics produces the most attractive result.
Number of Sessions
A simple gingivectomy is completed in a single session, while grafting and crown lengthening can require more than one. Follow-up visits are also planned during the healing phase.
Comparison of Gum Contouring Methods
| Feature | Gingivectomy/Gingivoplasty | Crown Lengthening | Gum Graft | Laser Depigmentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal | Removing excess gum | Bone + gum correction | Repair of recession | Removal of pigmentation |
| Duration | 30–60 min | 45–90 min | 45–90 min | 15–30 min |
| Healing | 1 week | 2–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 1 week |
| Longevity | Permanent | Permanent | Long-term (with care) | Long-term |
Frequently Asked Questions
A gummy smile is when more than 3 mm of gum shows on smiling. It can be treated with gingivectomy, crown lengthening, or Botox. The cause (excess gum, lip mobility, bone anatomy) determines the method. Detailed smile analysis is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Because the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, it’s painless. Laser procedures offer faster and more comfortable recovery. 2–3 days of mild sensitivity afterwards is normal and easily controlled with prescribed pain relief.
Gingivectomy and crown lengthening produce permanent results. Long-term success of graft procedures depends on oral hygiene. Laser depigmentation is long-lasting, but with a genetic tendency some re-pigmentation can occur over time; the procedure can then be repeated.
Yes — in fact, it is recommended. Gum correction performed before zirconia crowns or veneers establishes the ideal smile line. Performing pink aesthetics first and white aesthetics afterwards produces an excellent result.
Yes. A gum graft (a connective tissue graft or free gingival graft) can transfer tissue to areas of recession and cover the exposed root surfaces. See our periodontal treatment page for details. Early intervention produces better results.
Genetic melanin pigmentation is the most common cause. Smoking, certain medications, and metal restorations can also affect gum colour. Laser depigmentation can restore a healthy pink tone; the procedure is quick and minimally invasive.
A simple gingivectomy and laser depigmentation are completed in a single session. Crown lengthening and grafts can require 2–3 sessions including the healing process. Complex cases call for multidisciplinary planning.
A frenectomy is closely related to gum aesthetics. A short upper lip or tongue frenum can cause gum recession, prevent a gap from closing, or hinder speech; correcting it brings both aesthetic and functional benefits. It’s a quick and comfortable laser procedure.
Common complications are transient sensitivity, mild swelling, and colour change, which resolve in a few days. Rare issues are symmetry problems or more tissue loss than expected. With an experienced clinician and sound planning, these risks are minimised; revision can be planned if needed.
Gum procedures for aesthetic purposes are usually outside private health insurance coverage. Procedures performed for a medical indication (crown lengthening, recession treatment) may be covered by some policies. We recommend checking with your insurance provider; SGK doesn’t cover aesthetic procedures.
