Can a Gummy Smile Be Fixed? The 3 Most Effective Treatments Available Today

A gummy smile — a cosmetic issue that can be solved

A gummy smile is when more than 2–3mm of gum tissue shows when you smile. Around 10–14% of the population has this condition to some degree.

The good news: Almost every case can be improved — and not everyone needs major surgery.

What causes a gummy smile?

• •Overgrowth of the upper jawbone (hyperplasia)
• •Teeth that appear too short (short clinical crowns)
• •A short upper lip that lifts too high when smiling
• •Gums sitting too low over the teeth (gum too low, teeth too short)

The 3 treatment options

1. Gum contouring / Gum reshaping (Gingivectomy)

Best when: The gums cover too much of the tooth — your teeth are actually long enough, just hidden under gum tissue

The procedure:

• •Local anesthesia
• •Excess gum tissue is removed with a laser or electrosurgery
• •Completed in 30–60 minutes
• •Swelling subsides within 1–2 weeks

Advantages: Fast, minimally invasive, moderate cost compared with other treatment options

2. Botox injections into the upper lip muscles

Best when: Your upper lip lifts too high when you smile

The procedure:

• •Botox is injected into the muscles that raise the upper lip
• •Takes about 15 minutes
• •Results appear in 3–5 days and last 4–6 months

Advantages: No surgery, no swelling, and a great way to preview results before committing to a permanent solution

3. Orthodontics combined with jaw surgery

Best when: The upper jawbone is overdeveloped — the most severe cases

The procedure: Braces first, followed by corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)

Advantages: Addresses the jaw structure itself, not just tooth position

Which treatment do I need?

Come in for a consultation so a dentist can pinpoint the exact cause, recommend the treatment that suits you best, and give you a precise cost estimate for your case.