How to fix a gummy smile

What is a gummy smile?

There isn’t a single definition of how much gum display counts as a gummy smile. And numerous studies have tried to determine how much visible gum is ‘too much’.

The presence and ‘severity’ of a gummy smile can be subjective – it depends on how you feel about your smile.

Having a gummy smile is common and it doesn’t usually affect your oral health. Some people may feel self-conscious about a gummy smile and wish to treat it to improve their appearance.

What causes a gummy smile?

There are several reasons why a smile may appear gummy. Common causes include the following.

• Teeth that appear smaller relative to your gums, due to wear or genetics.
• Having a ‘hyperactive upper lip’ that appears to lift too high when you smile, causing excess gum tissue to be exposed.
• Teeth that have grown incorrectly, and remain partially covered by gum tissue.
• Enlarged gums caused by overgrowth.
• An upper lip that looks short or narrow.
• An overgrowth of the upper jaw causing bulging of the gums.

A dentist can help identify the cause, and recommend treatments for a gummy smile.

How is a gummy smile treated?

A gummy smile can be treated with a range of different treatments.

Orthodontic treatment

If your gummy smile is mild and caused by issues with your jaw or teeth, orthodontic procedures may help. These procedures shift your bite to make your gums appear less prominent. There are several options such as:

• Traditional metal braces
• Lingual braces
• Invisalign clear aligners

Jaw surgery

If you have a gummy smile due to an overdeveloped upper jaw, you will probably need to be treated with a combination of jaw surgery and orthodontic treatment. This may involve seeing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who will be able to recontour your upper jaw and reposition it.

Gum contouring

Some gummy smiles can also be treated with gum contouring. Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure done under local anaesthetic, which surgically sculpts the gum line. It reduces the appearance of excess gum tissue and creates an even-looking smile.

Botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin treatment involves carefully positioned injections above the lip. You might also hear people call it ‘Botox®’. But this is just one brand name for botulinum toxin.

The toxin temporarily paralyses the muscles in your mouth that raise your upper lip when you smile. This stops your lip lifting too much when you smile, so less gum shows.

The effects wear off over time, so the treatment lasts for around three to four months, but this can vary.

Lip repositioning surgery

This procedure involves removing a small strip of tissue from the inside of your upper lip. The remaining tissue is then stitched into a new position. This limits how much your upper lip lifts when you smile, reducing the amount of gum that shows. The surgery is done under a local anaesthetic.

What is the best treatment for a gummy smile?

The best gummy smile treatment will depend on the causes behind it. If you’re considering treatment, a dentist will be able to offer advice and recommend the right option for you.