A gummy smile is more common than most people think, and for many, it leads to feeling self-conscious when smiling or taking photos. The good news? A gummy smile isn’t harmful, and it’s absolutely treatable with modern dentistry. If you’ve ever wondered what causes a gummy smile, or you’re exploring how to fix a gummy smile, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll break down the causes, the most effective gummy smile treatments, and how the team at Garrett Family Dental can help you achieve a balanced, confident smile you’ll love showing off.
Explore more cosmetic smile solutions on our Cosmetic Treatments page.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile occurs when more gum tissue than usual—typically more than 2 to 4 millimeters—shows above the upper teeth when smiling. Gummy smiles can be mild, moderate, or more pronounced, depending on how much gum displays.
While a gummy smile is primarily a cosmetic concern and not a threat to oral health, it can affect your confidence. Understanding what it is is the first step toward finding the right gummy smile treatment for your needs.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
There are several reasons someone may have a gummy smile, including:
- Excess gum tissue: Extra gingival tissue can make teeth appear shorter than they are.
- Hyperactive upper lip muscles: When the upper lip lifts farther than average, more gum shows.
- Short or worn-down teeth: Grinding or natural anatomy can lead to a gummy appearance.
- Jaw development differences: A condition known as vertical maxillary excess can cause the upper jaw to sit lower.
- Orthodontic issues: Over-eruption or misalignment of teeth can also influence gum display.
Pinpointing the cause is essential before deciding how to fix a gummy smile, since treatment varies based on your anatomy.
How to Fix a Gummy Smile: Effective Treatment Options
The right approach depends on the underlying cause. Here are the most common and effective ways to fix or reduce a gummy smile:
1. Botox for Hyperactive Upper Lip
Botox is a quick, nonsurgical method used to relax the lip muscles so the upper lip doesn’t rise as high when smiling. This helps reduce gum exposure and is ideal for mild-to-moderate cases. Results are subtle and natural-looking, with minimal downtime.
2. Laser Gum Contouring
Also known as a gingivectomy, this treatment removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the natural tooth. Laser contouring is minimally invasive and offers immediate visual improvement, making it a popular treatment for gummy smiles.
3. Orthodontic Solutions
If misalignment or over-eruption of teeth is the cause, orthodontics—including braces or clear teeth aligners—can help reposition the teeth and improve gum balance.
Learn more about dental care options on our Treatments page.
4. Crown Lengthening
For gummy smiles caused by short or worn-down teeth, crown lengthening reshapes gum and bone tissue to restore proper tooth proportions.
5. Surgical Jaw Correction
For severe cases involving jaw structure, jaw surgery may be recommended. This option is typically reserved for patients whose gummy smile originates from bone position rather than gum tissue or the lip.
Whether you’re looking for nonsurgical options or long-lasting cosmetic results, your dentist will help determine the most effective plan for how to get rid of a gummy smile based on your goals.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Every smile is unique, which is why the first step is a personalized evaluation. During your consultation, we’ll examine your gums, teeth, and smile mechanics to determine the best treatment approach, ensuring your results look natural and balanced.
Explore your options on our Cosmetic Treatments page, or reach out directly through our Contact Us page.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
If you’re considering how to fix a gummy smile, the team at Garrett Family Dental is here to help. We offer gentle, effective, and modern solutions to help you achieve a confident, natural-looking smile.
Schedule your consultation today to get started.