Periodontal Plastic Surgery
Gummy Smile Treatment
A gummy smile occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue shows while smiling, making the teeth look smaller than they are. Although often cosmetic, excess gingival display can affect confidence and the balance of the smile.
Treatment begins with identifying the underlying cause — the relationship between your teeth, gums, lips, and facial muscles. Depending on what's driving it, treatment may involve gum contouring, crown lengthening, lip repositioning, or a combination, all planned to create balanced proportions while preserving healthy tissue.
Who it's for
- Excessive gum display when smiling
- Teeth that appear short relative to the gums
- Self-consciousness about a gummy smile
- Anyone seeking more balanced smile proportions
What to expect
- 1
Diagnosis
We determine the cause — excess gum tissue, tooth position, or a hypermobile lip — which guides the right treatment.
- 2
Treatment plan
A tailored plan may combine gum contouring, crown lengthening, or lip repositioning.
- 3
The procedure
The chosen procedure is performed under local anesthesia with attention to natural, balanced proportions.
- 4
Healing
The gums and tissues settle into their refined contour over the following weeks.
Recovery & aftercare
Recovery depends on the specific procedure used but is generally mild, with tenderness for a few days managed by over-the-counter pain relief.
The final result refines as the tissues mature over the weeks after treatment.
Common questions
- What causes a gummy smile?
- It can be excess or overgrown gum tissue, teeth that erupted in a way that shows more gum, or an upper lip that lifts higher than average when smiling. Identifying the cause determines the right treatment.
- Which treatment is right for me?
- It depends on the cause — gum contouring or crown lengthening for excess tissue, lip repositioning for a hypermobile lip, or a combination. This is decided after evaluation.
Talk to a specialist about gummy smile treatment
Whether you're a patient considering treatment or a dentist referring a case, we'll evaluate, plan, and coordinate care from diagnosis through follow-up.
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment should always be determined by a qualified dental professional based on your individual condition.