Do You Have a Gummy Smile? Discover How to Correct It and Achieve a More Balanced Smile.
Do you feel like your gums show too much when you smile, making you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable? This condition is known as a gummy smile, and while it's completely harmless to your oral health, it can affect the aesthetics of your smile—and your confidence when smiling.
At Dental Artistry, we’re here to explain why it happens and what treatments are available to help you achieve a more harmonious and natural-looking smile.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile occurs when, upon smiling, more than 3 mm of upper gum tissue is exposed. This can make the teeth appear smaller and the smile look out of proportion.
Why Does It Happen?
There are several possible causes:
Excess gum tissue or long gums
A short or overly active upper lip
Small or worn-down teeth
Overgrowth of the upper jaw bone (vertical maxillary excess)
Altered passive eruption (when teeth don’t fully emerge from the gums)
Every case is different, so it’s essential to have a personalized evaluation to determine the exact cause and recommend the best solution.
How Can It Be Corrected?
Depending on the cause, there are several treatment options:
1. Smile design with gingivectomy or crown lengthening
A minor surgical procedure that trims excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth. It's quick, minimally invasive, and offers immediate results.
2. Botulinum toxin (Botox)
Injected into the upper lip muscle to reduce its movement when smiling. It's a non-surgical option, ideal when the gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive lip.
3. Orthodontics
In some cases, the position of the teeth can contribute to a gummy smile. Orthodontic treatment can reposition the teeth to improve overall aesthetics.
4. Orthognathic surgery
If the issue is due to a skeletal imbalance (excess bone in the upper jaw), this surgical procedure repositions the maxilla to correct proportions between teeth, gums, and lips.
Which Option Is Best for You?
The key is proper diagnosis. At Dental Artistry, we perform a full clinical and radiographic evaluation of your smile to offer a personalized, safe, and effective treatment plan.
Get Your Confidence Back When You Smile
Your smile is unique—and if you feel self-conscious about how it looks, we’re here to help you achieve a more harmonious, natural version that reflects the best of you.
