A gummy smile — when too much gum tissue shows above your teeth when you smile — can be corrected in several ways depending on its cause. The most common treatments are laser gum contouring to reshape excess tissue, crown lengthening, orthodontic adjustment, and lip repositioning. A dentist first identifies why the gums show excessively, then recommends the least invasive option that will deliver a balanced, natural-looking smile.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, known clinically as excessive gingival display, occurs when more than about three millimeters of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth during a full smile. It’s a common cosmetic concern that can make teeth look short even when they are perfectly healthy. The good news is that it’s highly treatable once the underlying cause is identified.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
There isn’t a single cause — and the right treatment depends entirely on which one applies to you. Common causes include:
- Excess gum tissue that covers part of the tooth (altered passive eruption)
- Teeth that are naturally short or worn down
- An overactive upper lip that lifts too high when smiling
- An overgrowth of the upper jaw bone (vertical maxillary excess)
- The way the teeth and gums erupted during development
Treatment Option 1: Laser Gum Contouring
For gummy smiles caused by excess gum tissue, laser gum contouring (also called gum reshaping) is often the most direct solution. A dental laser precisely removes and reshapes the excess tissue to reveal more of the tooth, creating a more balanced ratio between gums and teeth. Because it’s minimally invasive, laser treatment typically involves less bleeding and faster healing than traditional gum surgery.
Our practice uses advanced laser technology, including the PerioLase system also used for LANAP gum treatment, to treat the gums gently and precisely.
Treatment Option 2: Crown Lengthening
When both gum tissue and a small amount of underlying bone need to be adjusted, crown lengthening exposes more of the natural tooth. This is often used when teeth appear short. It creates a longer, more proportional tooth surface and can also prepare a tooth for a crown or veneer.
Treatment Option 3: Veneers or a Smile Makeover
If short or worn teeth are contributing to the gummy appearance, restoring the teeth themselves can rebalance the smile. Porcelain veneers or crowns can lengthen the visible tooth surface, and these are frequently combined with gum reshaping as part of a comprehensive smile makeover.
Treatment Option 4: Orthodontics or Lip Repositioning
When the cause is related to tooth position or jaw development, orthodontic treatment such as clear aligners may reposition the teeth to reduce gum display. For a gummy smile driven by a hyperactive upper lip, a lip repositioning procedure or muscle-relaxing injections can limit how high the lip rises when you smile.
Which Gummy Smile Treatment Is Right for You?
Because a gummy smile can have several causes, an in-person evaluation is essential. During a consultation, Dr. Erfan Imeni examines your gums, teeth, bite, and lip movement to pinpoint the cause and recommend the least invasive treatment that will give you a natural, confident smile.
Correct Your Gummy Smile in Durham, NC
Smile Design Modern Dentistry serves Durham and the surrounding areas of Chapel Hill, Cary, Brier Creek, and Raleigh, offering laser gum treatment and cosmetic solutions under one roof.
Schedule your gummy smile consultation at Smile Design Modern Dentistry by calling (919) 220-5505 today.