A bright, confident smile can make a lasting impression, but if you feel that your gums overshadow your teeth, you might not be as comfortable showing it off. A gummy smile, where excessive gum tissue makes your teeth look smaller, is a common cosmetic concern that affects many adults. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do my teeth look so small?” or “Can I fix my gummy smile?”, there are several treatment options available that can help balance the appearance of your gums and teeth, giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes of a gummy smile and provide an in-depth look at the most effective treatment options available today.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile occurs when too much gum tissue is visible when you smile, typically exposing more than 2-3 millimeters of gum. This can make the teeth appear smaller, even if they are of normal size, and lead to an uneven or “off-balance” smile.

Common Characteristics of a Gummy Smile:

More gum tissue than teeth is visible when smiling.
The upper lip may rest higher than usual when smiling.
Teeth appear shorter or smaller relative to the gums.

Internally link: Learn more about the anatomy of a gummy smile and how it impacts the aesthetics of your smile.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

There are several reasons why you might have a gummy smile, and understanding the underlying cause can help determine the most appropriate treatment. Some of the common causes include:

1. Genetics

Just like tooth size and shape, the amount of gum tissue you have is often inherited. If one or both of your parents have a gummy smile, you may have a similar smile due to genetic factors affecting jaw and gum development.

2. Delayed Tooth Eruption

In some cases, the teeth may not fully emerge from the gums during development, causing more gum tissue to cover the teeth. This results in what appears to be small teeth hidden beneath excessive gum tissue, even though the teeth themselves may be normal in size.

3. Hyperactive Upper Lip

A hyperactive upper lip is another common cause of a gummy smile. In this case, the upper lip moves higher than normal when you smile, revealing more gum tissue than is typical.

4. Jawbone Issues

An overgrowth of the upper jaw (vertical maxillary excess) can lead to the appearance of a gummy smile. This condition causes the upper jaw to protrude, pushing the gums downward and increasing their visibility when you smile.

Internally link: Discover more about genetic factors and developmental issues affecting smiles.

Treatments for a Gummy Smile

Whether your gummy smile is caused by genetics, jaw issues, or excessive gum tissue, there are several effective treatments that can help improve the appearance of your smile. The best treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition.

1. Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)

Gum contouring is one of the most common and effective treatments for reducing a gummy smile. During this procedure, a dentist or periodontist removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface, creating a more balanced ratio between gums and teeth. Gum contouring is often performed using a laser for precision and minimal discomfort.

Best For: Individuals with excessive gum tissue or small teeth due to delayed eruption.

Procedure Overview:

Local anesthesia is applied to numb the gums.
Excess gum tissue is removed using a laser or scalpel.
The gum line is reshaped for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Internally link: Check out our detailed guide on gum contouring procedures for gummy smiles.

2. Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves removing both gum tissue and sometimes a small amount of bone around the teeth to expose more of the tooth structure. This treatment is often recommended for patients with short teeth that are hidden by excessive gums, or for those who need restorative work such as crowns but have insufficient tooth exposure.

Best For: People with severe gum overgrowth or those requiring additional tooth exposure for restorative work.

Procedure Overview:

Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area.
The dentist will remove gum tissue and reshape the underlying bone if necessary.
Sutures may be used to secure the gums in place as they heal.

Internally link: Learn more about crown lengthening and its benefits for improving smile aesthetics.

3. Orthodontics (Braces or Invisalign)

If your gummy smile is due to a jaw or bite issue, orthodontic treatment may be recommended. Braces or Invisalign can help move the teeth and jaw into proper alignment, reducing the amount of gum tissue that shows when you smile. This treatment is especially effective if your gummy smile is caused by vertical maxillary excess or improper bite alignment.

Best For: People whose gummy smiles are caused by jaw or bite misalignment.

Procedure Overview:

Orthodontic appliances (braces or Invisalign) are used to reposition the teeth and correct bite alignment.
Treatment typically lasts 12-24 months, depending on the severity of the case.
Results in a more balanced smile by reducing the appearance of gums.

Internally link: Read more about how orthodontic treatments can correct gummy smiles and improve bite alignment.

4. Lip Repositioning Surgery

For patients with a hyperactive upper lip, lip repositioning surgery can be an effective solution. This minimally invasive procedure lowers the position of the upper lip by restricting the movement of the muscles that elevate it, preventing the lip from rising too high when you smile.

Best For: Individuals whose gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive upper lip.

Procedure Overview:

Local anesthesia is applied to the area.
Small incisions are made inside the upper lip to adjust the muscles controlling lip movement.
The lip is repositioned to cover more of the gums when smiling.

Internally link: Learn more about lip repositioning surgery for gummy smiles caused by a hyperactive upper lip.

5. Botox Injections

Botox is a non-surgical option for treating a gummy smile caused by a hyperactive upper lip. By injecting small amounts of Botox into the muscles responsible for raising the upper lip, the movement of the lip is reduced, resulting in less gum exposure when you smile. This treatment is temporary but can be repeated as needed.

Best For: Those seeking a non-surgical, temporary solution to a gummy smile caused by a hyperactive upper lip.

Procedure Overview:

Botox is injected into the muscles around the upper lip.
The muscles relax, preventing the upper lip from rising too high.
Results typically last 3-6 months, after which the treatment can be repeated.

Internally link: Find out more about Botox treatments for gummy smiles and how they work.

6. Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery

In cases where a gummy smile is caused by jaw overgrowth (vertical maxillary excess), orthognathic surgery may be necessary. This procedure involves surgically repositioning the upper jaw to reduce the amount of gum tissue that shows when smiling. While this is a more invasive option, it can provide permanent results for severe cases.

Best For: Individuals with severe jaw issues contributing to their gummy smile.

Procedure Overview:

The surgeon repositions the upper jaw, moving it upward to reduce gum exposure.
The procedure is done under general anesthesia and may require a hospital stay.
Recovery can take several weeks, but the results are long-lasting.

Internally link: Explore orthognathic surgery as a treatment for severe gummy smiles.

How to Choose the Right Treatment for Your Gummy Smile

Choosing the right treatment for a gummy smile depends on its cause, severity, and your overall dental health. Consulting with a dental professional is the first step in determining which option is best for you. Your dentist or periodontist will evaluate your gums, teeth, and bite to provide a personalized treatment plan.

Internally link: Need help choosing the right option? Read our comprehensive guide to selecting the best gummy smile treatment.

Conclusion

A gummy smile can be a source of self-consciousness, but modern dental techniques offer a range of solutions to enhance your smile and boost your confidence. Whether your gummy smile is due to excess gum tissue, a hyperactive upper lip, or jaw issues, treatments like gum contouring, crown lengthening, and lip repositioning surgery can help you achieve a balanced and attractive smile.

If you’re ready to address your gummy smile, consult a cosmetic dentist or periodontist to discuss your options and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.