Enhance Dental · St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Considering a gum lift in Melbourne? Your gums frame your teeth, and their shape can influence the whole appearance of your smile. We help you explore gum reshaping, specialist care and orthodontic options—with a plan built around your individual smile.
Sometimes the right answer is a gum lift. Sometimes moving the teeth with Invisalign can improve the gum line without gum surgery.
Level 2, Suite 219 · 566 St Kilda Road · Melbourne VIC 3004
Start with understanding
You may feel that your gum line is uneven, that some teeth look shorter than others, or that you show more gum when you smile than you would like. A gum lift reshapes the gum line around one or more teeth to help create a more balanced appearance. It can be performed on its own or combined with other cosmetic dental procedures.
As Dr Joseph Paino, principal dentist at Enhance Dental, explains, too much gum covering the teeth or an imbalance in the gum line can make the teeth appear short. Understanding the cause is the first step towards choosing an appropriate solution.
A gummy smile is not automatically a dental problem. There is no single ideal gum line for everyone. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you are happy with your smile, cosmetic treatment may not be necessary. If you would like a change, we can help you compare the options. [1]
Three different approaches
A gingivectomy removes selected excess gum tissue. This may suit teeth that are partly covered by gum when the underlying bone and available healthy gum allow a soft-tissue approach.
We perform suitable gum lift procedures at Enhance Dental, with smile design and a surgical template when helpful.
Some teeth need more than soft-tissue reshaping. Crown lengthening may involve repositioning the gum and adjusting the bone to expose more tooth while respecting the supporting tissues.
We refer more extensive cases to a specialist periodontist. Meet our referral option.
Where tooth position contributes to gum display, orthodontic intrusion and other planned movements may help. Invisalign is an option for selected cases; complex treatment may need an orthodontist.
Some patients can achieve their goals without a gingivectomy or periodontal surgery.
These approaches are chosen after assessment and may occasionally be combined. The aim is an appropriate, healthy result—not simply the greatest amount of gum removal. [2] [3] [8]
An alternative worth exploring
Enhance Dental has treated cases where orthodontic intrusion with Invisalign improved the smile without any gingivectomy or periodontal surgery. Instead of removing gum tissue, carefully planned tooth movements can alter how the teeth and gum line sit within the smile.
This approach is most relevant when the position of the teeth contributes to the concern. It is not a universal substitute for a gum lift: excess tissue covering a tooth, lip movement and jaw proportions can call for different management. We look at your smile at rest and in motion, your bite, gum health and the movements needed before recommending a pathway.
Complex case or unsuitable for Invisalign? We can refer you to an orthodontist for a specialist assessment. Our priority is to identify the appropriate treatment, including an option that may avoid gum surgery where clinically suitable.
Clear aligner intrusion requires careful planning and review. Research shows that actual tooth movements can differ from the digital prediction; additional aligners or other techniques may be needed. A simulation is a planning aid, not a promise of the final outcome. [7]
Enhance Dental patient cases
These two cases were treated with Invisalign only, at Enhance Dental without a gingivectomy or periodontal surgery. They show why we assess tooth position before recommending gum removal.
Orthodontic treatment was used to improve this patient’s smile without removing gum tissue.
This patient also completed Invisalign treatment without a gingivectomy or periodontal surgery.
Individual results vary. These are examples, not predictions of your result. Photographs differ in lighting, angle and smile expression and should not be used to measure the amount of tooth movement or gum change.
Digital records, individual decisions
At Enhance Dental, we use 3Shape scans and smile design to help plan appropriate gum lift treatment. Digital models of the visible teeth and gums let us discuss proportions and the intended gum outline alongside your photographs and examination.
Where required, a surgical template provides a guide to the planned contour. It helps communicate the design and transfer it to treatment. We still assess the tooth-to-gum and bone relationships clinically: a surface scan alone cannot show the bone underneath the gums.
Published studies support digital guides as useful planning tools. In small trials of specialist crown lengthening, guided and conventional methods had similar healing or gum-margin outcomes, with shorter operating time reported in one trial. This does not mean every gum lift needs a guide or that guided treatment guarantees a better result. [4] [5] [6]
Coordinated specialist care
If the proposed change involves more extensive crown lengthening, we refer you to a specialist periodontist. This allows the gum and supporting bone to be assessed together, especially when bone reshaping or complex aesthetic planning is needed.
We often refer to Dr Adam Rosenberg at Perio Centre, an experienced specialist periodontist. Your specialist will discuss their recommendations, alternatives, risks, timing and fees. If veneers, crowns or other restorations are planned, we coordinate the sequence and allow for healing before finalising the restorative work.
A referral is an opportunity for expert assessment. It does not commit you to a procedure, and you are welcome to seek a second opinion.
Your next steps
Point out what you would like to change and what you already like about your smile. We discuss your expectations and preferences.
We assess the gum line, tooth proportions, bite and smile movement. Clinical measurements and any necessary imaging inform the plan.
We explain whether a gum lift, Invisalign, specialist referral or no treatment is appropriate, with costs and limitations before you decide.
Aftercare, healing reviews and any orthodontic retention or restorative stages are part of the plan, rather than an afterthought.
Know what to expect
A limited gum lift can often be completed in a single treatment visit under local anaesthetic. Assessment and review appointments are still important. We take time to discuss comfort and your concerns; we do not promise that treatment or recovery will be pain-free.
Early soreness can settle before the tissues have fully matured. Soft-tissue treatment and crown lengthening involving bone have different healing timelines. The final gum position may take weeks or months to settle.
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, sensitivity, recession, asymmetry or tissue regrowth. The amount of healthy gum and the supporting bone limit how much change is appropriate.
Follow the treating clinician’s instructions about cleaning, eating, activity and review visits. Seek advice for persistent bleeding, worsening pain or swelling, or any concern about healing.
We explain the risks and alternatives relevant to your case before treatment. Restorations may need to wait until the gum contour is sufficiently stable. [3]
A conversation about your smile
Dr Joseph Paino and the Enhance Dental team can help you understand the options and organise specialist input when needed. Bring your questions about a gum lift, Invisalign or a broader smile plan—we will help you work through them.
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Clear answers before you decide
A gum lift reshapes the gum line around one or more teeth to reveal more of the natural tooth crown or improve the balance of the smile. When this involves removing excess soft gum tissue, it is called a gingivectomy. The right approach depends on your gums, tooth proportions and underlying bone, rather than the name of the procedure alone.
The terms can overlap, but the procedures are not always identical. A limited gum lift may involve soft tissue only. Crown lengthening may also involve repositioning gum tissue and reshaping the underlying bone. At Enhance Dental, we refer patients needing more extensive crown lengthening to a specialist periodontist.
Not necessarily. Visible gum can be a normal feature of a healthy smile. If it concerns you, we first assess why it is showing. Gum coverage, tooth position, lip movement and jaw proportions can all contribute, and sometimes more than one factor is involved. You may choose treatment, a specialist opinion or no cosmetic treatment.
In selected cases, yes. Planned orthodontic intrusion and other tooth movements can improve tooth and gum relationships without removing gum tissue. Enhance Dental has treated the two Invisalign-only cases shown above without gingivectomy or periodontal surgery. This is not suitable for every gummy smile; your bite, gum health and the movements required need assessment.
Intrusion is a controlled movement of a tooth further into its supporting bone, rather than cutting the gum away. It can help when the position of the teeth contributes to excessive gum display. Clear aligners can achieve some intrusive movement, but the amount achieved may differ from the digital plan. Monitoring and, sometimes, additional aligners or specialist orthodontics are needed.
We recommend an orthodontic referral when Invisalign is unsuitable, the required movements are complex, or a specialist approach would better address the bite or jaw relationship. An orthodontist can discuss other appliances and, when relevant, additional anchorage or a wider specialist treatment plan. Referral does not automatically mean gum surgery is required.
Our 3Shape scans provide a digital model of the visible teeth and gums for smile planning. Together with photographs and the clinical examination, they help us discuss proportions and intended changes. Where appropriate, a surgical template can help transfer the planned gum outline to treatment. A surface scan does not show the bone level by itself.
No. We use a template when it is useful for your treatment plan. It provides a reference for the intended contour; it does not determine how much tissue can safely be removed. Clinical measurements and the relationship between the gum, tooth and bone remain essential, whether treatment is freehand or guided.
When more extensive crown lengthening is needed, we arrange referral to a specialist periodontist. We often refer to Dr Adam Rosenberg at Perio Centre. The specialist assesses the tissues and bone, explains the proposed treatment and recovery, and coordinates with us if restorative dentistry is also planned.
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. Let us know if you feel discomfort so that we can address it during treatment. Tenderness, swelling or sensitivity can occur afterwards, and experiences vary. We discuss comfort measures and aftercare in advance rather than promising a pain-free procedure or recovery.
A limited gum lift can often be completed in one treatment visit. Assessment, digital planning and review visits are additional. The number of teeth, complexity and any specialist treatment affect timing. Orthodontic treatment follows a different schedule, usually over months, and is planned individually.
Recovery depends on whether treatment involves soft tissue alone or includes bone surgery. You will receive instructions about cleaning, food, activity and any prescribed products. Early comfort and complete tissue maturation are different milestones: the gum outline can continue to settle over weeks or months. Contact the treating clinician about persistent bleeding, worsening pain or swelling, or other concerns.
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, discomfort, sensitivity, recession, an uneven contour or tissue regrowth. Removing too much tissue can compromise the gum margin or tooth support. Your clinician will explain the risks relevant to your anatomy and discuss alternatives, including no treatment, before you decide. Surgical and orthodontic options each have their own risks.
Careful case selection, healthy tissues and follow-up support a stable result, but no gum contour can be guaranteed for life. Tissue rebound, inflammation, ageing and other changes can affect the appearance. Orthodontic results also need a retention plan. Continue the cleaning, maintenance and review schedule recommended for your treatment.
Yes, when clinically appropriate. A gum lift can be performed on its own or as part of a coordinated smile plan with orthodontics, whitening, composite bonding or porcelain veneers. The order matters: tooth position and gum healing may need to be established before final restorations. We will also discuss whether less treatment could meet your goals.
Fees depend on the number of teeth, required records, complexity and whether a specialist is involved. Enhance Dental offers a free cosmetic consultation to discuss your concerns and options, and a free Invisalign consultation if tooth movement may be relevant. Ask what is included when booking; any additional examination, imaging, treatment or specialist fees will be explained before proceeding.
Read further
These resources explain treatment principles and the limits of the evidence. They do not establish which procedure is right for you; that requires an individual assessment.
Let’s explore your options
Wondering whether you need a gum lift—or whether Invisalign could improve your smile without gum surgery? Book a consultation with Enhance Dental to discuss a plan that suits your teeth, gums and goals.
Ask about our free cosmetic and Invisalign consultations when booking. Any additional assessment, imaging or treatment fees will be explained.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.