Gum contouring (gingivectomy) in Brussels: a more balanced smile
Gum contouring, or gingivectomy, removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth and even out the gum line. It corrects a gummy smile, teeth that look too short or an irregular gum line, often before veneers. At the practice in Etterbeek, it is done under local anaesthetic in a single session of about 30 to 60 minutes.
Written and reviewed by Dr Denis Catarau, dentist in EtterbeekUpdated: October 2026
The practice
Detaille dental practice
- Rue des Champs 64, 1040 Etterbeek (Brussels)
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00
- French, Romanian, Russian
- +32 2 217 11 18
- Duration
- about 30-60 min
- Anaesthetic
- local
- Healing
- 1-2 weeks
- Stable gum line
- after 6-8 weeks
What is a gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is a minor gum procedure: a thin band of excess gum tissue is removed, then the edge is reshaped to give a clean, even outline. In cosmetic dentistry it is also called gum contouring or gum reshaping. The same procedure has medical uses too, for example when the gum has thickened and makes the teeth hard to clean.
- A gummy smile: a lot of gum shows when you smile, often more than 3 mm
- Teeth that look short or too “square” because the gum partly covers them
- An uneven gum line, or one that differs between left and right
- Gums that have thickened after orthodontic treatment or because of certain medicines
- Preparation for veneers or crowns, so the proportions look right
Gingivectomy or crown lengthening: it depends on the cause
Before any treatment, it is important to understand why too much gum is showing. When the excess is only gum and there is enough distance down to the bone, a gingivectomy is enough. If the bone sits too close to the edge of the enamel, it also needs light reshaping, otherwise the gum grows back: this is crown lengthening, a slightly more extensive procedure.
A gummy smile can also come from a very mobile upper lip or a long upper jaw. In those cases, removing gum alone is not enough and other approaches are discussed. The diagnosis is based on photos, measuring the gum with a probe and, if needed, an X-ray.
What happens during the procedure?
The new outline is first planned from a smile design, especially if veneers are to follow: the gum line is then drawn to suit the shape of the future teeth. Treatment usually involves the teeth that show when you smile, from premolar to premolar.
Under local anaesthetic, the excess gum is removed and the edge is shaped. Depending on the case, this can be done with a scalpel, a laser or electrosurgery; the result depends above all on precise planning and gentle handling of the tissue. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Healing and aftercare
For the first few days the gum is tender and may bleed a little; an ordinary painkiller is usually enough. The surface heals within one to two weeks. The final gum line settles over about six to eight weeks, which is the usual wait before permanent veneers or crowns are made.
- Soft, lukewarm food for a few days; avoid very hot, spicy or acidic food
- No smoking while the gum heals, as it slows healing
- Gentle brushing with a soft brush over the treated area, and a mouthwash if prescribed
- A review about a week after the procedure
Gum contouring, step by step
- 1
Consultation and diagnosis
Photos of your smile, gum measurements and an X-ray if needed, to find the cause of the excess gum and choose the right procedure.
- 2
Planning the new outline
The future gum line is agreed with you, in keeping with the shape of your teeth or the planned veneers.
- 3
Procedure
Under local anaesthetic, the excess gum is removed and the outline is shaped, in about 30 to 60 minutes.
- 4
Healing review
A check about a week later, then an assessment of the settled gum line before any veneers or crowns.
Cost and reimbursement
The cost depends on how many teeth are involved and on the procedure needed: a simple gingivectomy or crown lengthening with bone reshaping.
- Cosmetic gingivectomy
- generally not reimbursed by INAMI
- Mutuelle or dental insurance
- sometimes, depending on the policy
The price is set out in a quote after consultation. Dr Catarau is a non-contracted (non-conventionné) dentist: his fees may be higher than the INAMI agreed rates.
Frequently asked questions about gum contouring
Another question? The practice answers by phone, Monday to Friday.
What is a gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is the removal of excess gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth and create an even gum line. It is done under local anaesthetic in a single session of about 30 to 60 minutes. It is used to correct a gummy smile, teeth that look short or an asymmetrical gum line, often before veneers.
Is gum contouring painful?
No, the procedure itself is not painful thanks to the local anaesthetic. For the next few days the gum is tender, especially when eating or brushing, but an ordinary painkiller is usually enough. The discomfort eases noticeably after two to three days.
How long does it take to heal after a gingivectomy?
The gum surface heals within one to two weeks after a gingivectomy. The final gum line then settles over about six to eight weeks. During the first days, soft food, gentle brushing and not smoking all help the gum heal well.
Does the gum grow back after a gingivectomy?
No, when the diagnosis is right, the gum does not grow back noticeably. It can partly return if the bone is too close to the edge of the enamel; in that case, crown lengthening with light bone reshaping is needed. Gum thickened by a medicine can also come back if that medicine is continued.
What can I eat after gum contouring?
After gum contouring, stick to soft, lukewarm food for three to five days: mashed vegetables, lukewarm soup, yoghurt, pasta, eggs or fish. Avoid very hot, spicy, acidic or crunchy food, which irritates the gum, as well as alcohol and smoking. Chew on the untreated side where possible.
How long should I wait between a gingivectomy and veneers?
You usually need to wait six to eight weeks between a gingivectomy and permanent veneers or crowns. This gives the gum time to settle, so that the edges of the veneers stay in the right place and the result lasts. The exact timing is confirmed at your review.
How much does a gingivectomy cost?
The cost of a gingivectomy depends on the number of teeth and on the procedure needed: simple gum reshaping or crown lengthening with bone reshaping. When it is done for cosmetic reasons, it is generally not reimbursed by INAMI. At the practice in Etterbeek, the price is given in a quote after consultation.
Related treatments
Treatments that are often considered together.
Too much gum when you smile?
Dr Denis Catarau will see you at the practice in Etterbeek to assess your smile, find the cause and tell you whether gum contouring is the right solution, on its own or before veneers.