Gummy smile treatment can turn a smile that shows too much gum into one that looks balanced and confident, and the right fix depends on what is causing it. Some people have excess gum tissue, others have a lip that lifts too high or teeth that look short. Here are the treatment options that actually work, so you can see which one matches your smile.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Dentists generally call it a gummy smile when more than about two millimeters of gum shows above your teeth when you smile. A few common causes are behind it:
- Excess or overgrown gum tissue that covers part of the teeth and makes them look short.
- A hyperactive upper lip that lifts higher than normal and exposes more gum.
- Jaw or tooth position, where the upper jaw grew a bit too far down or teeth erupted unevenly.
- Worn or small teeth that leave the gums looking more prominent.
Because the cause differs from person to person, the best gummy smile treatment is the one matched to your specific reason.
Gummy Smile Treatment Options That Work
Depending on the cause, one or a combination of these options can even out your smile:
- Gum contouring (gingivectomy): a quick, often laser-based procedure that removes and reshapes excess gum tissue to expose more of each tooth. This is the most common cosmetic fix.
- Crown lengthening: a slightly more involved procedure, usually done by a periodontist, that reshapes both gum and a little bone for a higher, even gumline.
- Veneers or bonding: when teeth look short or worn, adding length with veneers or bonding can rebalance the smile.
- Botox for the lip: a small injection relaxes an overactive upper lip so it does not lift as high. Results are temporary and last a few months.
- Lip repositioning: a minor surgical option for a hyperactive lip, limiting how far it rises when you smile.
- Orthodontics: when bite or tooth position is the root cause, moving the teeth can reduce the gum that shows.
Which Gummy Smile Treatment Is Right for You?
The right gummy smile treatment starts with finding the cause. Excess gum tissue often responds to simple gum contouring, while a high lip may call for Botox or lip repositioning, and short teeth may be best fixed with veneers. At Fancy Smiles, Dr. Scarlett examines your gums, lips, and teeth, and when gum surgery is the answer, our periodontal care handles it in-house. You can see the full range on our cosmetic dentistry page.
What to Expect: Recovery and Results
Gum contouring is usually done in one visit, with mild soreness for a few days and results you can see as the gums heal. Botox takes only minutes and works within a week, though it needs repeating every several months. Procedures that involve bone or the lip take a little longer to heal. Your dentist will walk you through the timeline before anything begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is gummy smile treatment permanent?
It can be. Gum contouring and crown lengthening give lasting results because they reshape the gumline permanently. Botox for a high lip is temporary and needs repeating every few months.
2. Does gummy smile treatment hurt?
Most treatments are done with local anesthesia, so you should feel little during the procedure. Gum contouring may leave mild soreness for a few days, which is easily managed.
3. How much does gummy smile treatment cost?
Cost depends on the cause and which procedure you need, from a simple gum contouring to orthodontics. We give you a clear estimate at your consultation rather than a one-size-fits-all price.
4. Can Botox fix a gummy smile?
Yes, when the cause is an overactive upper lip. Botox relaxes the muscle so your lip does not lift as high, though the effect is temporary and lasts a few months.
5. Who treats a gummy smile?
A general or cosmetic dentist can handle gum contouring and veneers, while gum-and-bone procedures like crown lengthening are usually done by a periodontist. A consultation determines who is best for your case.
Ready to feel better about your smile? Book a cosmetic consultation at Fancy Smiles Dental Studio in Boynton Beach, and we will find the gummy smile treatment that fits your smile and your goals.