Do you hide your smile in photos because you show too much gum when you’re happy? You’re definitely not alone. Many people feel a bit awkward about their gummy smile, but here’s the good news: it’s completely treatable, and you have plenty of options to choose from.
A gummy smile happens when more than 3-4 millimeters of your gum tissue shows above your upper teeth when you smile. It’s not a health problem at all—just something that might make you feel less confident about your appearance.
About 10-14% of people deal with this, and it’s more common in women than men.
Let’s talk about what causes it and, more importantly, how you can fix it if it bothers you.
What Actually Causes a Gummy Smile?
There are several reasons why some people show more gum tissue when they smile:
• Your Upper Lip Moves Too Much
Some people have a hyperactive upper lip muscle. When you smile, this muscle pulls your lip up higher than normal, exposing more of your gums. It’s just how your facial muscles work—nothing you did wrong.
• You Have Extra Gum Tissue
Sometimes your gums simply cover more of your teeth than they should. This happens when gum tissue doesn’t recede properly as your teeth develop, making your teeth look shorter and your gums more prominent.
• Your Jaw Developed Differently
In some cases, the upper jaw grows more forward or downward than typical. Dentists call this “vertical maxillary excess.” It’s a skeletal difference that affects how your entire smile looks.
• Your Lip Is Naturally Short
If you have a shorter or thinner upper lip, it might not cover your gums adequately when you smile. This is just part of your natural anatomy—some people are born with smaller lips.
• Your Teeth Haven’t Fully Come In
Sometimes teeth don’t fully erupt from the gums during development. When this happens, your teeth appear shorter, and more gum shows when you smile.
Should You Be Worried About a Gummy Smile?
Here’s the truth: a gummy smile is almost always just a cosmetic issue. It won’t hurt your health or cause dental problems down the road. However, it can affect how you feel about yourself. If you’re constantly covering your mouth or avoiding photos, it might be worth looking into treatment options.
In rare cases, a gummy smile might signal an underlying jaw or bite problem. That’s why it’s worth getting a professional opinion, even if you’re not sure you want treatment yet.
How Can You Fix a Gummy Smile?
You’ve got several good options, ranging from quick procedures to more involved solutions. The right choice depends on what’s causing your gummy smile in the first place.
• Botox Injections
Yes, Botox isn’t just for wrinkles! When injected into your upper lip muscle, Botox relaxes it so your lip doesn’t pull up as high when you smile. This works best if your gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive lip muscle.
The procedure takes about 15 minutes, and results show up within a few days. The downside? It’s temporary. You’ll need touch-ups every 3-6 months to maintain the results. But it’s a great way to test if you like how a less gummy smile looks on you.
• Laser Gum Contouring
If you have too much gum tissue, laser gum contouring might be your answer. Your dentist uses a laser to carefully remove excess gum and reshape the gum line. This exposes more of your tooth crown, making your teeth look longer and reducing the gummy appearance.
The best part? Lasers are gentle on your tissue, healing is quick, and results are permanent. You’ll walk out with an immediately different smile. Most people feel just mild discomfort afterward and recover within a week or two.
• Lip Repositioning Surgery
This procedure limits how high your upper lip can move. Your dentist makes a small incision inside your mouth and repositions the muscles that control your lip movement. It sounds intense, but recovery usually takes just 1-2 weeks, and the results last permanently.
This works particularly well if your main issue is lip movement rather than excess gum tissue.
• Crown Lengthening
Similar to gum contouring, crown lengthening involves removing gum tissue and sometimes a bit of bone to expose more of your tooth. This makes your teeth appear longer and reduces the gummy look. Healing takes about 2-3 weeks, and you’ll need to stick to soft foods for a little while.
• Orthodontic Treatment
Braces or clear aligners can help in some cases, especially if your gummy smile is related to how your teeth are positioned. Moving your teeth into better alignment can reduce gum exposure. Keep in mind this typically takes 12-24 months and works best for mild cases.
• Jaw Surgery
For severe cases where the jaw itself is the problem, orthognathic surgery repositions the upper jaw. This is the most involved option and requires several months of recovery, but it provides dramatic, permanent results. You’ll usually need braces before and after the surgery too.
Most people only consider jaw surgery when other options won’t work or when there are functional bite problems along with the cosmetic concerns.
Which Treatment Should You Choose?
The right treatment depends on what’s causing your gummy smile. During a consultation, a dentist will examine your mouth, take measurements, and possibly use imaging to understand the root cause. They might show you digital previews of what different treatments could achieve.
Think about your budget, timeline, and whether you want permanent results or are okay with maintenance. Also consider how much downtime you can handle. Some people want the quickest fix possible, while others prefer to invest in a one-time permanent solution.
What to Expect During Treatment
Most gummy smile treatments are done right in the dental office under local anesthesia, meaning you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Non-surgical options like Botox take just 15-30 minutes. Surgical procedures typically take 1-2 hours.
Afterward, expect some swelling and sensitivity. This is totally normal and usually goes away within a few days to a week. Your dentist will give you instructions on caring for your mouth during healing—follow them closely for the best results.
Why Treat a Gummy Smile?
Beyond the obvious aesthetic improvement, fixing a gummy smile can seriously boost your confidence. You’ll smile more freely in photos, feel better during social interactions, and might even notice positive changes in your professional life.
Most treatments offer long-lasting or permanent results, meaning you invest once and enjoy the benefits for years—or a lifetime.
Start Your Journey to a Confident Smile
A gummy smile is more common than many people think, and there are multiple ways to treat it depending on the cause. Whether it’s a simple cosmetic adjustment or a structural correction, treatment can bring balance to your smile and boost your confidence.
If you’re looking for gummy smile treatment in Ballygunge, we welcome you to visit Beyond Smile Dental Clinic, Ballygunge. Dr. Ankit Saha offers trusted solutions to help you achieve a smile that feels natural and beautiful. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward a smile you’ll love to share.
Don’t spend another year hiding your smile. Book a consultation with Dr. Ankit Saha at Beyond Smile Dental Clinic and start your journey toward a smile you’ll love showing off.