Gum contouring and smile framing — reshaping the gumline for a balanced smile, treating gummy smiles and recession, with realistic 2026 South African cost estimates.
Gums are the frame that shows off the teeth — their height, shape and symmetry affect the whole smile as much as the teeth themselves. From a quick laser contouring of a gummy smile to grafting receding gums, gum aesthetics is often the unsung part of a smile makeover. Below are realistic 2026 South African cost estimates.
Per-procedure ranges. Actual prices vary with the number of teeth, technique and provider. A periodontal assessment gives the accurate quote — and confirms your gums are healthy enough for aesthetic work.
R3,500 – R9,000
Quick laser reshape, usually a single visit.
R5,000 – R15,000
Balancing an uneven gumline across the smile.
R1,500 – R3,500
For overactive smile muscles; lasts 3–6 months.
R4,000 – R9,000
Cover exposed, sensitive roots from recession.
R12,000 – R30,000
Multiple recession sites treated together.
R2,500 – R6,000
Expose more tooth before veneers or crowns.
Consultation & assessment
Gum health checked before any aesthetic work
Periodontal cleaning (per quadrant)
Treating gum disease first — a prerequisite
Gingivectomy (per quadrant)
Surgical removal of excess gum tissue
Follow-up review
Healing check after contouring or grafting
Gums are the frame that shows off the teeth — their height, shape and symmetry affect the whole smile as much as the teeth themselves. A 'gummy smile' (too much gum showing), uneven gumline or receding gums can undermine otherwise beautiful teeth. Gum aesthetics addresses these concerns to create a balanced, harmonious smile.
Gum contouring reshapes the gumline — removing excess gum to reveal more tooth, or reshaping uneven gums for symmetry. It's commonly done with a laser, often in a single visit, with minimal discomfort and quick healing. The change can be dramatic: a 'gummy smile' becomes a balanced, tooth-dominated smile in minutes.
A gummy smile — where a lot of gum shows when smiling — has several causes and treatments:
Receding gums expose tooth roots, causing sensitivity, an ageing 'long-tooth' look and root decay. Gum grafting takes a small piece of tissue (usually from the palate) and grafts it to cover the exposed root. It restores the gumline, protects the root and improves appearance. It's a periodontist's procedure with a straightforward recovery.
Gum aesthetics is often the unsung part of a smile makeover. Before veneers or crowns, the gumline is set so the final restorations emerge from a balanced frame. Skipping this step is why some makeover smiles look 'off' — the teeth are beautiful but the gumline isn't. Good cosmetic dentistry treats gums and teeth as one design.
Gum aesthetics only works on healthy gums. Gum disease must be treated first — contouring or grafting on inflamed tissue fails. A periodontist or cosmetic dentist assesses gum health, treats disease, then reshapes. Combining aesthetics with health is the foundation of a smile that lasts.
Gum procedures are performed by periodontists (gum specialists) or cosmetic dentists with relevant training. Ask about their experience, the techniques they use (laser vs surgical) and how the result will fit your overall smile. Gum work is precise and skilled — choose accordingly.
Gums are the frame that makes or breaks a smile. Treating them as part of smile design — whether contouring a gummy smile, grafting recession or balancing the gumline before veneers — turns a good smile into a great one. Start from healthy gums, then design.
Gum work is precise and skilled — choose an HPCSA-registered periodontist or a cosmetic dentist with relevant training, and treat gum disease before any aesthetic procedure.