Your smile is often the first thing people notice, but if you have a gummy smile, it might leave you feeling self-conscious. A “gummy smile,” also known as excessive gingival display, occurs when too much gum tissue appears above the top teeth when you smile.
Fortunately, there are several ways to enhance your smile—surgical and nonsurgical, including esthetic crown lengthening, Botox, and lip fillers.
We can tailor each approach to help you achieve the radiant and balanced look you’ve always wanted, whether you’re looking for subtle corrections or a complete transformation.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is when your smile reveals more gum tissue than is generally considered esthetically pleasing. While the perception of a “perfect smile” is subjective, most people agree that a balanced proportion of teeth and gums creates an attractive smile.
A gummy smile can vary from mild to severe, depending on how much gum tissue is visible. While it’s usually harmless, people with gummy smiles often report feelings of insecurity or dissatisfaction with their appearance, especially in social or professional settings.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
There’s no one-size-fits-all explanation for a gummy smile, but understanding its causes is essential for tailoring the proper treatment. Common causes include the following factors:
- Genetics: Sometimes, a gummy smile is simply inherited. It could be due to how your jaw develops or your teeth’s natural size and shape
- Dental anatomy: Small teeth or teeth that appear “short” due to getting covered by excessive gum tissue, result in a gummy appearance
- Overactive upper lip: If your upper lip lifts too high when you smile, it can reveal more gum tissue than you’d like
- Excessive jaw growth: A condition known as vertical maxillary excess can cause the upper jaw to grow overly long, making your gums more prominent
- Abnormal eruption of teeth: When your teeth don’t erupt normally, gum tissue may remain overexposed
The good news is that advances in cosmetic dentistry can provide solutions for all types of gummy smiles, regardless of the cause.
Nonsurgical Options for Fixing a Gummy Smile
Not everyone is ready to undergo surgery, and there are several excellent options for noninvasive approaches to correcting a gummy smile. Below are some effective nonsurgical treatments for gummy smiles.
Botox Treatment
Sometimes, an overactive upper lip is the main culprit behind a gummy smile. Botox, widely known for its ability to smooth wrinkles, can relax the muscles that cause the upper lip to lift excessively. The result? A more natural and balanced smile.
While botox injections are temporary, lasting around 3–4 months, they’re a quick, affordable, and a minimally invasive option for those seeking subtle improvements.
Dermal Fillers
You can use dermal fillers alongside or as an alternative to Botox to help reposition the upper lip. By adding volume just below the nose, fillers can subtly lower the upper lip to cover any excessive gum tissue while maintaining a radiant smile.
Results typically last 6–18 months, offering a graceful enhancement with zero downtime.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-crafted shells bonded to your teeth’ front surface. While dentists primarily use veneers to improve the appearance of teeth, veneers can also reduce the perception of a gummy smile by lengthening the teeth.
This option enhances your smile and adds elegance and sophistication to your overall facial esthetic.
Surgical Options for Fixing a Gummy Smile
Sometimes, the underlying cause of a gummy smile may require surgical intervention for long-term correction. These procedures are precise and carefully designed to create the desired look while preserving your comfort and safety.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
This procedure involves reshaping the gum tissue and sometimes even the bone to expose more of the tooth structure. Esthetic crown lengthening creates a more balanced tooth-to-gum ratio, instantly elevating your smile to one that’s polished and refined.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring, or gingival sculpting, uses a laser or scalpel to remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gumline. It’s a popular method for achieving a symmetrical smile line, as your dentist or surgeon can often complete the procedure in just one sitting.
Gum contouring is a popular solution for many people with gummy smiles because of its precision and relatively quick recovery time.
Orthognathic Surgery
Jaw realignment surgery addresses gummy smiles caused by upper or lower jaw positioning, adjusting alignment to create harmony between the gums, teeth, and lips.
While this option is more intensive, it can deliver impressive, permanent results for severe cases.
Lip Repositioning
Repositioning the lip closer to the teeth reduces how much the upper lip lifts when smiling. The simple surgical procedure can be highly effective for those with overactive upper lips and has been celebrated for delivering natural-looking results with minimal postoperative discomfort.
Dental Scaling & Root Planing
Gum disease can lead to inflamed or overgrown gums, resulting in a gummy smile. Dental scaling and root planing can help improve the health and appearance of the gums. These deep-cleaning techniques are essential steps to restore balance to the smile.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy may be necessary for cases involving significant gum overgrowth. This procedure removes excess gum tissue, unveiling more teeth and creating the proportions needed for an attractive smile.
Transform Your Smile Today
At The Ivory Dental Co., we’re passionate about helping people create their dream smile. Our team of skilled professionals is here to guide you through every step of your smile makeover.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your journey to a stunning, proportionate, and elegant smile.
