A gummy smile, where excessive gum tissue shows when you smile, can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. This common cosmetic concern affects many people and can stem from several causes, including genetics, how your teeth developed, or the way your lips move when you smile. The good news is that modern dentistry offers multiple effective solutions to help you achieve a balanced, confident smile where your teeth and gums appear in proper proportion.
If you’re wondering how to address a gummy smile, you’ll be glad to know we offer several treatment options tailored to your unique needs. At DG Dental, we combine advanced techniques with an artist’s eye to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Whether you need a minor adjustment or a more comprehensive approach, we can guide you toward the solution that works best for you.
Understanding What Causes a Gummy Smile
Before exploring treatment options, it helps to understand why gummy smiles occur. In some cases, the upper lip lifts too high when you smile, revealing more gum tissue than you’d like. Other times, the gum tissue itself may have grown excessively over the teeth, making them appear shorter than they actually are. Some people have an overgrowth of the upper jawbone, which can create the appearance of excess gum tissue.
The anatomy of your mouth, including your tooth eruption pattern and jaw development, plays a significant role. Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out at the right time, causing permanent teeth to emerge in a way that leaves extra gum tissue visible. Your genetics also influence how your smile develops, and if your family members have gummy smiles, you’re more likely to have one too.
Gum Contouring for a Balanced Smile
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, is one of the most direct ways to address a gummy smile. During this procedure, we carefully remove excess gum tissue to expose more of your tooth structure, creating a more balanced appearance between your gums and teeth. This treatment works particularly well when your teeth are actually a normal size but appear short because they’re covered by too much gum tissue.
We perform gum contouring using advanced laser technology, which offers several advantages over traditional methods. The laser provides precision, reduces bleeding, and promotes faster healing with minimal discomfort. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in how their smile looks. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours depending on how much tissue needs reshaping, and recovery is usually quick, with most people returning to normal activities within a few days.
Crown Lengthening as a Restorative Solution
Crown lengthening goes a step further than gum contouring by removing both gum tissue and, when necessary, a small amount of bone to expose more of the tooth. This procedure is ideal when your teeth are shorter than average or when you need additional cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns. By reshaping the area around your teeth, we create the foundation for a smile that looks natural and proportionate.
The crown lengthening process involves carefully sculpting the gum line and, if needed, the underlying bone to reveal the proper amount of tooth structure. We use digital imaging to plan your procedure precisely, ensuring your results will complement your facial features. Recovery typically takes 2-3 months for the gums to fully heal and settle into their new position. Once healed, you’ll have a smile where your teeth and gums appear in beautiful harmony.
Orthodontics and Other Treatment Options
Sometimes a gummy smile results from how your teeth are positioned in your jaw. If your upper teeth have erupted too far down or if your bite alignment contributes to the appearance of excess gum tissue, orthodontic treatment might be your best option. Clear aligners or traditional braces can reposition your teeth, which in turn affects how much gum tissue shows when you smile.
Botox injections offer a non-surgical alternative for certain types of gummy smiles. If your upper lip lifts too high when you smile, small amounts of Botox can relax the muscles responsible for this movement, limiting how much gum tissue becomes visible. The effects last about 3-4 months, and many patients appreciate this option because it requires no downtime. For more complex cases, we might recommend combining multiple treatments. For example, pairing gum contouring with veneers can address both excess gum tissue and tooth shape or color concerns simultaneously.
Customizing Your Treatment Plan
Every smile is unique, which is why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. During your consultation, we’ll examine your teeth, gums, and facial structure to determine what’s causing your gummy smile. We’ll discuss your goals, your comfort with different procedures, and your timeline for achieving results. Some patients prefer conservative treatments first, while others want comprehensive solutions that deliver dramatic improvements.
We use digital smile design technology to show you what your results could look like before you commit to treatment. This preview helps you make informed decisions about your care and ensures we’re both working toward the same vision for your smile. We also consider factors like your oral health, any existing dental work, and how different treatments might affect your long-term results.
Transform Your Smile at DG Dental
A gummy smile doesn’t have to hold you back from feeling confident. Whether you need gum contouring, crown lengthening, orthodontics, or a combination of treatments, modern dentistry offers solutions that can transform how you look and feel. The key is working with a dental team who understands both the science and artistry of smile design.
Dr. Dory Green, DMD, FAGD, brings extensive training from Temple University School of Dentistry and a unique background combining microbiology, technical theater, and dentistry. Her artistic eye and scientific precision allow her to create results that look natural and enhance your individual features. Our ultra-chic, modern practice transforms dental visits into pampering experiences, with amenities designed to put you at ease. If you’ve been hiding your smile or feeling self-conscious about showing too much gum tissue, we’d love to show you what’s possible. Contact us to schedule your consultation and discover how we can help you achieve the balanced, confident smile you deserve. Learn more about our practice and approach by visiting our about page.
