Can a Gummy Smile Be ‘Corrected’?

Dental, Gum and Jaw Health
·
April 25, 2025

A gummy smile, often described as an excessive display of gum tissue when smiling, is a common aesthetic concern.

While the appearance of a gummy smile is highly individual and varies widely, many people seek to improve the balance of their smile through cosmetic dental treatments.

But what exactly causes a gummy smile, and can it be adjusted through dental procedures?

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth while smiling. While there is no universal measure for what qualifies as ‘excessive’, it’s typically considered noticeable if more than 3-4 millimetres of gum is exposed.

A gummy smile doesn’t typically cause health concerns, but it can affect how individuals perceive their smile’s overall balance.

What are the causes of a gummy smile?

The appearance of a gummy smile can result from various genetic and environmental factors, including:

Genetics: In many cases, the structure of the jaw, teeth, and gums is inherited. For example, a short upper lip, smaller teeth, or excessive gum tissue can all contribute to the appearance of a gummy smile.
Improper tooth eruption: If teeth do not emerge fully or are partially covered by gum tissue, the teeth may appear shorter, leading to a more pronounced gum display.
Hyperactive upper lip: Some people have upper lip muscles that move higher than average when smiling, revealing more gum tissue.
Jaw alignment issues: Vertical maxillary excess, where the upper jaw is longer than usual, can also cause a gummy smile.
Environmental factors: Habits like thumb-sucking during childhood or trauma to the teeth and gums may also influence gum appearance.

Why do people consider adjusting a gummy smile?

People may choose to improve the balance of their smile for aesthetic reasons, aiming for a harmonious proportion of teeth, gums, and lips. Others may seek treatment as part of a broader dental restoration plan if they have damaged or missing teeth.

Whatever the motivation, modern cosmetic dentistry offers several effective options to address a gummy smile while prioritising individual needs and preferences.

What treatment options are available to address a gummy smile?

Each dental case is unique, so a personalised consultation is essential to explore your options and develop a tailored treatment plan. Some potential treatments for a gummy smile include:

Gum re-contouring

In some instances, excess gum tissue is the primary concern, making gum re-contouring, or ‘gum lifts,’ an effective option to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. This procedure uses a laser to carefully remove excess gum tissue and refine the shape of the gums around the teeth.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are a popular option for enhancing the appearance of teeth and addressing a gummy smile. These custom-designed, thin shells are bonded to the front surface of the teeth and can help:

Make teeth appear longer, reducing the visual impact of excessive gum tissue.
Create a balanced appearance by improving the size, shape, and alignment of the teeth.

Porcelain veneers are a minimally invasive solution that doesn’t involve altering gum tissue itself but focuses on reshaping the visual balance between teeth and gums.

Gum lift + porcelain veneers

In some cases, a gummy smile may result from a combination of factors, such as excessive gum tissue and smaller tooth size. Addressing both issues often requires a combined treatment approach to achieve a balanced result.

Anti-wrinkle treatment

A gummy smile can sometimes be caused by a ‘hypermobile’ upper lip that retracts excessively when you smile. In certain cases, this can be managed with anti-wrinkle injections (not offered in-house at Advanced Dental Artistry).

Other things to consider

While porcelain veneers, gum lifts and anti-wrinkle injections can significantly help balance a gummy smile, some cases may require additional interventions.

In some cases, more advanced treatments like lip repositioning surgery may be considered. The choice of treatment depends on the ‘severity’ of the gummy smile, the patient’s desired aesthetic outcome, and the anatomical structure of the mouth.

Any dental procedure is highly personalised, so always make sure you have a thorough consultation with a trusted dental professional before you make any decisions regarding your treatment.