You can get rid of a gummy smile with Botox, laser gum contouring, crown lengthening, orthodontics, or jaw surgery, depending on the cause. Botox relaxes an overactive upper lip for 3 to 6 months with no downtime. Excess gum tissue is reshaped with a laser, while jaw-related cases may need orthognathic surgery.
Key Takeaways
- A gummy smile shows too much gum above the upper teeth when you smile.
- Causes include excess gum tissue, tooth eruption issues, an overactive upper lip, or jaw development.
- Botox relaxes the upper lip muscle, with results lasting about 3 to 6 months.
- Laser gum contouring and crown lengthening remove extra gum to show more tooth.
- Skeletal cases may need orthognathic surgery to reposition the upper jaw.
Estimated read: 3 min
how to fix gummy smile
A gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, occurs when too much gum tissue shows above the upper teeth when smiling. While this condition doesn’t usually affect oral health, many people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to fix a gummy smile, ranging from non-invasive solutions to surgical procedures.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Before diving into treatment, it’s essential to understand the common causes of gummy smiles:
- Excessive gum tissue: Sometimes, gums cover more of the natural tooth than usual.
- Tooth eruption issues: Improper tooth eruption positioning can lead to disproportionate gum exposure.
- Hyperactive or overactive upper lip: A muscular condition where the upper lip lifts too high when smiling.
- Jaw development: Vertical maxillary excess or abnormal upper jaw growth.
Knowing the cause will guide your choice of the most effective treatment option.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Botox Injections for Overactive Upper Lip |
If a hyperactive upper lip is the issue, Botox injections can help. Botox relaxes the upper lip muscle, limiting its upward movement and reducing gum exposure when you smile. This treatment is quick and requires no downtime, although effects typically last only 3–6 months. |
| Orthodontic Treatment | For patients whose gummy smile is caused by tooth position or jaw alignment issues, orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners like invisalign may be a practical solution. These devices help adjust the position of teeth and jaws, thereby improving both the aesthetics of the smile and its function. |
Minimally Invasive and Surgical Options
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Laser Gum Contouring | This procedure involves removing excess gum tissue and reshaping the gum line for a more balanced smile. Using a laser gum device, your dentist can perform the contouring with minimal pain and a quick recovery. It’s often used when the teeth appear shorter due to too much gum coverage. |
| Crown Lengthening | When more tooth surface needs to be exposed, a crown lengthening procedure may be recommended. This involves removing excess gum tissue—and sometimes bone—to reveal more of the natural tooth. This procedure not only improves appearance but also facilitates future dental restorations. |
| Surgical Procedures for Severe Cases | If the gummy smile results from jawbone structure, a surgical procedure known as orthognathic surgery might be necessary. This involves repositioning the upper jaw to reduce gum display. While more invasive, it’s the most permanent solution for skeletal-related gummy smiles. |
Choosing the Right Gummy Smile Treatment Option
The best way to fix a gummy smile depends on its cause. Your dentist or orthodontist will assess your oral structure and recommend the most suitable treatment options. In some cases, combining procedures like braces and laser gum contouring yields optimal results.
Maintaining Your Oral Health
Regardless of the method chosen, maintaining excellent oral health is essential for lasting results. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits ensure that your gums stay healthy and your smile remains confident.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Don’t let gummy smiles hold back your confidence. At Omni Dental, our expert team uses state-of-the-art diagnostics to determine the exact cause of your gummy smile and personalize a solution just for you. Whether it’s a quick botox injection or a comprehensive surgical procedure, we offer advanced techniques in a comfortable and professional environment.
Take the first step toward a confident, balanced smile. Book your consultation with Omni Dental today and experience the highest standard in dental care.
About the author
Dr. Bilus D PolesDDS,MAGD,DICOI, DIDIA
Founder and lead dentist of Omni Dental of Arlington Heights. Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and Board Certified Diplomate of the ICOI and IDIA. Illinois license #019.027365.
