Cosmetic Gum Lift
Enhance your smile by reshaping excess gum tissue for a balanced, natural look.
Gum lift is a procedure involving the removal or reshaping of overgrown or oversized gum tissues. Excess gum tissue can lead to a “gummy smile,” making teeth appear shorter and affecting overall aesthetics.
What Is a Cosmetic Gum Lift?
Gum Lift is a procedure involving removal or reshaping of over-grown or over-sized gum tissues.
Excess gum tissue can lead to a “gummy smile” which can make your teeth look shorter and compromise aesthetics. Excess gum often makes the teeth look uneven, out of proportion and not symmetrical in appearance. Over grown gum can make it difficult for you to provide good oral hygiene which can lead to gum diseases.
What Causes Excess Gum Tissue?
The most common cause is genetics. Factors such as a longer upper jawbone, naturally thicker gum tissue, or the way the teeth erupted can all contribute to a gummy appearance. A short upper lip can also make the gumline more prominent when smiling.
Other contributing factors include:
- Periodontal (gum) disease — bacterial inflammation can cause the gums to swell, bleed, and appear enlarged.
- Certain medicines — antiepileptic drugs, calcium channel blockers used for blood pressure, and some immunosuppressive medications are known to cause gum overgrowth.
- Systemic conditions — in some cases, gum changes are linked to pregnancy, hormonal shifts, or other health factors.
As there can be several underlying causes, a thorough assessment is carried out first to determine whether a gum lift is the most suitable option for you.
What to Expect
The procedure is simple and is usually completed in a single visit. The gum tissue is reshaped under local anaesthetic so that the area will be numb and you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some mild tenderness and swelling in the days following is normal.
Depending on your situation, a gum lift may be combined with other treatments to achieve the best result. These can include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or, if the underlying jawbone needs adjustment, a minor bone recontouring procedure. Dr Jun will discuss what is involved and what to expect at your consultation before any treatment is planned.
Why Choose Prahran Family Dental for a Cosmetic Gum Lift
Reshaping a gummy or uneven smile
A cosmetic gum lift gently recontours the gumline to reduce a gummy smile or to even up gums that sit at different heights. The aim is a more balanced frame for your teeth so your smile looks harmonious.
Careful assessment of your gums and bone
Whether a gum lift suits you depends on your gum and bone levels. Dr Jun will examine these carefully and advise whether recontouring alone will achieve the result you want, or whether another approach is more appropriate.
Part of a wider smile makeover when needed
A gum lift can be done on its own for cosmetic balance, or combined with treatments such as veneers or whitening as part of a smile makeover. Dr Jun will plan the sequence so each step supports the final result.
Comfort throughout your treatment
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic so you stay comfortable during the procedure. We will explain what to expect beforehand and give you clear guidance for a smooth recovery afterwards.
Local care with easy claiming
We are a Prahran practice with HICAPS on the spot, so any eligible health fund rebate is claimed at your visit. Our team will support you from your first assessment through to your healing check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cosmetic gum lift?
A cosmetic gum lift, sometimes called gum recontouring, reshapes the gumline to improve the balance of your smile. It can help where gums cover too much of the teeth or sit unevenly across the smile.
Is a gum lift painful?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should not feel discomfort during the procedure. Some mild tenderness afterwards is normal and usually settles within a few days with simple care.
How long does healing take?
Healing time varies from person to person depending on how much reshaping is done. Many people find the gums settle over a couple of weeks, and Dr Jun will give you aftercare advice and arrange a review.
Am I suitable for a gum lift?
Suitability depends on your gum and bone levels and the reason your gumline sits where it does. Dr Jun will assess and advise whether a gum lift will give you the result you want, or whether another option suits you better.
Can a gum lift be combined with other treatments?
Yes. A gum lift is often part of a wider smile makeover and can be paired with treatments such as veneers or whitening. Dr Jun will plan the order of treatment so everything works together for a balanced finish.