Gum contouring in Turkey costs between £150 and £600 in 2026, depending on the number of teeth involved and the technique used. This represents a saving of up to 75% compared to UK private dental prices, making Istanbul a practical destination for patients seeking gingival aesthetic treatment at a significantly reduced cost.
Price Table
| Treatment Type | Average Cost in Turkey | Average Cost in UK | Average Cost in EU | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gum Contouring – Single Tooth | £150 – £200 | £400 – £700 | £300 – £500 | Up to 75% |
| Gum Contouring – Per Arch (6 teeth) | £300 – £450 | £900 – £1,500 | £650 – £1,100 | Up to 73% |
| Gum Contouring – Full Smile (10–12 teeth) | £450 – £600 | £1,200 – £2,200 | £900 – £1,600 | Up to 73% |
| Crown Lengthening – Single Tooth | £200 – £350 | £600 – £1,000 | £400 – £750 | Up to 72% |
| Crown Lengthening – Multiple Teeth | £400 – £700 | £1,000 – £2,000 | £750 – £1,400 | Up to 70% |
| Gum Contouring + Veneers (combined) | £900 – £2,000 | £3,000 – £6,000 | £2,000 – £4,000 | Up to 70% |
| Gum Depigmentation (gum bleaching) | £200 – £400 | £500 – £900 | £350 – £650 | Up to 60% |
Prices are estimates and may vary depending on individual case assessment. Contact us for a free consultation.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring, also referred to as gingival contouring or gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental procedure that adjusts the level and shape of the gum tissue to improve the appearance of your smile. It removes or repositions excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface, or in some cases adds tissue where recession has occurred.
The procedure is closely associated with treating a “gummy smile” — where an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. It is also used as part of broader smile design treatments, including Hollywood Smile and Digital Smile Design workflows.
Gum Contouring vs Crown Lengthening
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different procedures:
- Gum contouring primarily reshapes soft tissue (gum) for cosmetic purposes
- Crown lengthening removes both gum tissue and, where necessary, a small amount of supporting bone to expose more of the tooth crown — this may be performed for cosmetic or restorative reasons, such as preparing a tooth for a crown or veneer
Who Needs Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is suitable for patients who are in good periodontal health but are unhappy with the appearance of their gum line. It is not appropriate for patients with active gum disease or significant bone loss — these conditions must be treated first.
Common Reasons Patients Seek Gum Contouring
- Gummy smile: Excessive gingival display when smiling, typically defined as more than 3mm of gum tissue visible above the upper teeth
- Uneven gum line: Asymmetrical gum margins that make teeth appear different lengths or sizes
- Short-looking teeth: Gum tissue covering a larger portion of the crown than normal, making teeth appear small or square
- Post-orthodontic refinement: Gum reshaping after braces or Invisalign to optimise the final aesthetic result
- Pre-veneer or pre-crown preparation: Crown lengthening to expose adequate tooth structure before placing a porcelain veneer or zirconia crown
- Gum depigmentation: Removal of dark or uneven pigmentation from the gum tissue for a more uniform appearance
If your gum concerns are related to recession, inflammation, or bone loss rather than excess tissue, periodontal treatment may be more appropriate. Our periodontics treatment in Turkey page covers these conditions in detail.
How Is Gum Contouring Performed in Turkey?
At Dr. Wonder Clinic in Istanbul, gum contouring is performed by periodontists and oral surgeons using laser or electrosurgical techniques, depending on the clinical requirements of each case.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Consultation and smile analysis: Your gum line is assessed clinically and digitally. Photographs and digital measurements determine how much tissue needs to be repositioned and the ideal gum margin for each tooth
- Digital Smile Design planning: Where gum contouring forms part of a full smile makeover, Digital Smile Design software is used to preview the expected outcome before any treatment begins
- Local anaesthesia: The area is fully numbed prior to the procedure
- Tissue removal or reshaping: Using a soft tissue laser or electrosurgical unit, excess gum tissue is precisely removed and the gum margin is sculpted to the planned contour
- Bone adjustment (crown lengthening only): Where bone removal is required, a small incision is made and the underlying bone is carefully reshaped
- Suturing and dressing: Sutures may be placed depending on the extent of treatment; a periodontal dressing is sometimes applied to protect the area during initial healing
- Review appointment: A follow-up is scheduled within your stay in Istanbul to assess healing and confirm the aesthetic result
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
A cosmetic gum contouring procedure for a full upper smile typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. Crown lengthening involving bone reshaping requires slightly more time and a longer initial healing period before any veneers or crowns can be placed.
Why Is Gum Contouring Cheaper in Turkey?
The lower cost of gum contouring in Turkey reflects structural differences in the Turkish economy, not differences in clinical technique or equipment quality.
Key Reasons for the Price Difference
- Lower operational costs: Clinic rental, staffing, and utilities in Istanbul are a fraction of equivalent costs in the UK or Germany
- Favourable currency exchange: Treatment fees in Turkish Lira convert significantly in favour of patients paying in GBP or EUR
- High clinical volume: Istanbul clinics treating large numbers of international patients achieve cost efficiencies that smaller UK practices cannot
- Integrated smile packages: Combining gum contouring with veneers or other cosmetic treatments in a single visit reduces the overall cost compared to multiple separate appointments in the UK
- Competitive dental tourism market: Turkey’s established position as a dental tourism destination keeps pricing competitive while maintaining clinical standards
For a complete picture of how Turkish dental prices compare across procedures, see our dental treatment prices comparison guide.
What Is Included in the Gum Contouring Price?
At Dr. Wonder Clinic, the quoted price for gum contouring treatment typically includes:
- Initial periodontal and aesthetic consultation
- Clinical photographs and digital smile analysis
- Local anaesthesia for the procedure
- Laser or electrosurgical gum reshaping to the agreed treatment plan
- Periodontal dressing and sutures where required
- Post-procedure review appointment during your stay
- Written aftercare instructions and healing guidance
Where gum contouring is combined with restorative or cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers or composite bonding these are quoted as a combined package with full cost transparency before treatment begins.
Is Gum Contouring in Turkey Safe?
Yes — gum contouring performed by a qualified periodontist or oral surgeon at an accredited clinic is a low-risk procedure with a well-established safety profile. The use of soft tissue lasers has further reduced procedural discomfort and post-operative bleeding compared to traditional scalpel techniques.
Safety Standards at Dr. Wonder Clinic
- Procedures performed by periodontists with specialist postgraduate training
- Soft tissue diode lasers used where clinically appropriate — minimising bleeding and accelerating healing
- CE-marked single-use materials and sterile instrument protocols throughout
- Pre-treatment periodontal health assessment to confirm suitability before any cosmetic reshaping is undertaken
- Full written treatment plan and informed consent provided before treatment begins
For an independent overview of safety standards across Turkish dental clinics, our article on how safe is dental surgery in Turkey provides a useful reference. Guidance on how to choose a dental clinic in Turkey is also recommended reading before booking any elective procedure.
What to Expect During Recovery
- Mild tenderness and sensitivity in the gum area for three to five days
- Minor swelling that typically resolves within one week
- Soft food diet recommended for the first three to five days
- Avoidance of alcohol, smoking, and hard foods during the healing period
- Full gum healing and final aesthetic result visible at four to eight weeks
Gum Contouring and Smile Makeovers: What Can Be Combined?
Gum contouring is frequently performed as part of a wider smile transformation rather than as a standalone procedure. Combining treatments in a single trip to Istanbul is both clinically efficient and cost-effective.
Common Treatment Combinations
- Gum contouring + porcelain or composite veneers: Reshaping the gum line first ensures veneers are placed at the optimal tooth length and proportion. See our guide on laminate veneers types, procedure and cost
- Gum contouring + teeth whitening: A common pairing for patients wanting a brighter, more proportionate smile. See our teeth whitening in Turkey page
- Gum contouring + composite bonding: A conservative option for patients who want gum reshaping alongside minor tooth shape corrections. See our composite bonding Turkey prices guide
- Gum contouring + zirconia crowns: Crown lengthening is often required before placing crowns on teeth with insufficient clinical crown height. See our zirconia crown vs porcelain veneer comparison
- Full smile makeover including gum contouring: For patients seeking a complete aesthetic transformation, our Hollywood Smile in Turkey 2026 guide outlines how treatments are sequenced and priced as a package
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Contouring in Turkey
Q: How much does gum contouring cost in Turkey in 2026?
Gum contouring in Turkey costs between £150 and £600 in 2026, depending on the number of teeth treated and the technique used. A single-tooth procedure starts at approximately £150, while a full upper smile contour (ten to twelve teeth) typically costs £450 to £600. This compares to UK private prices of £1,200 to £2,200 for equivalent treatment.
Q: Is gum contouring a permanent procedure?
In most cases, yes. Once gum tissue is removed by laser or surgery and the area has fully healed, it does not grow back to its original position. However, factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, and poor gum health can affect long-term stability. Your periodontist will assess your individual risk factors during the consultation.
Q: How painful is gum contouring?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and is not painful during treatment. Afterwards, you may experience mild tenderness and sensitivity for three to five days, which is typically manageable with standard over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Laser-assisted gum contouring generally results in less post-operative discomfort than traditional scalpel techniques.
Q: Can I have veneers placed immediately after gum contouring?
Not immediately. The gum tissue requires time to heal and stabilise before the final gum margin can be accurately recorded for veneer or crown preparation. For cosmetic gum contouring, a healing period of four to eight weeks is typically required before veneer placement. Your treatment plan will account for this sequencing.
Q: Is gum contouring suitable for treating a gummy smile caused by jaw position?
Gum contouring addresses excess gum tissue display but does not correct skeletal or jaw-related causes of a gummy smile. Where the gummy appearance is caused by vertical maxillary excess a jaw position issue orthognathic surgery may be required. Our guide on jaw surgery price in Turkey and which country is best for double jaw surgery covers this in detail.
