Say Goodbye to Gummy Smiles: Your Complete Guide to a More Balanced, Beautiful Smile

By Dr. Sep Pouresa, Cosmetic Dentist

Do you feel like your smile shows "too much gum"? You’re not alone—and you're not stuck with it either. A gummy smile can make people feel self-conscious even if they have perfectly straight, white teeth. The good news? Modern cosmetic dentistry offers multiple ways to reshape, refine, and enhance your smile in the most natural-looking way possible.

Let’s explore what causes a gummy smile and how we correct it at our clinic.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A “gummy smile,” or excessive gingival display, is when too much gum tissue shows above the upper teeth when you smile. While there’s no strict definition, anything over 3-4mm of visible gum tissue is typically considered gummy.

But here’s the key: it’s not about numbers—it’s about how you feel about your smile.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

There are several possible causes:

• Excess gum tissue covering part of the teeth

• Short or worn teeth that make gums look more prominent

• Overactive upper lip muscles that lift the lip too high when smiling

• Jawbone positioning that causes the gums to dominate

Understanding the cause is crucial because it determines the right treatment plan.

Gummy Smile Correction: Treatment Options

We offer tailored solutions based on the root cause and your desired outcome. Here are some of the most effective treatments:

1. Laser Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)

• Best for: Excess gum tissue

• A quick, minimally invasive procedure that reshapes the gumline using dental lasers.

• Results are instant and healing is fast—most patients return to work the next day.

2. Botox for Gummy Smiles

• Best for: Hyperactive upper lip

• Small amounts of Botox are injected into the upper lip to limit how much it lifts when you smile.

• A non-surgical, reversible solution that lasts about 3–4 months.

3. Porcelain Veneers or Crowns

• Best for: Short or worn-down teeth

• Lengthening the teeth with veneers or crowns can create a better balance between teeth and gums.

• Bonus: you get a full smile makeover at the same time!

4. Orthognathic Surgery

• Best for: Jaw-related gummy smiles (more severe cases)

• In collaboration with a specialist, this surgical approach repositions the jaw to create ideal proportions.

• Recommended when other treatments aren’t enough.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Every smile is unique—and so is every treatment plan. That’s why we always start with a comprehensive smile consultation, complete with digital imaging and a personalized analysis. From subtle contouring to dramatic transformations, we’ll guide you through every step.