A smile is often the first thing people notice about you. However, for many individuals, a smile that shows more gums than teeth—commonly called a gummy smile—can affect confidence and self-esteem. At Royal Oral & Dental Clinic, we believe everyone deserves to smile freely and proudly. Thankfully, effective treatment options are tailored to correct a gummy smile and bring harmony to your facial features.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A smile that has too much gum tissue visible above the top teeth is referred to as a gummy smile. Generally, showing more than 3 millimeters of gum while smiling is considered excessive. This condition isn’t harmful, but many people feel self-conscious about it.
Common Causes:
-
Excess gum tissue covering the teeth
-
Short or worn-down teeth
-
Overactive upper lip muscles (lip moves too far up when smiling)
-
Excessive jawbone growth or abnormal tooth eruption
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
If you’re looking for a quick, non-invasive fix, there are several modern options that offer visible improvements with minimal downtime.
1. Botox Injections
Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles of the upper lip, reducing how far the lip rises when you smile. This results in less gum exposure. The procedure is quick, effective, and requires no recovery time. Results typically last 4 to 6 months, after which touch-ups may be needed.
2. Laser Gum Contouring
Also known as gum reshaping, this procedure uses laser technology to remove and reshape excess gum tissue. It is painless, blood-free, and offers immediate results. Perfect for people whose gummy smile is caused by thick or overgrown gums.
3. Orthodontics (Braces or Aligners)
If your gummy smile is due to improper tooth eruption or jaw alignment, orthodontic treatment may help. Braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign) can reposition teeth and improve the appearance of the gum line over time.
4. Lip Fillers
Dermal fillers can be used to plump the upper lip, reducing the amount of gum visible when smiling. Though temporary, this option can subtly enhance your smile without surgery.
Surgical Treatment Options
In more severe or structural cases, surgical procedures may be the ideal choice. These treatments offer long-term or permanent results.
1. Crown Lengthening
This surgery removes excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of the natural tooth. It’s commonly performed when teeth appear too short due to being covered by gums.
2. Lip Repositioning Surgery
This minimally invasive procedure lowers the position of the upper lip to prevent it from lifting too high when smiling. It offers a permanent solution for a hyperactive upper lip.
3. Gingivectomy
This involves cutting away a portion of the gum tissue to create a more even and proportionate gum line. Healing time is short, and the aesthetic results can be dramatic.
4. Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
When the cause is skeletal—such as an overgrown upper jaw—orthognathic surgery may be necessary. This major surgery repositions the jaw and corrects the facial structure. It’s performed in more complex cases and involves a longer recovery period, but the results are transformative.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution for a gummy smile.The cause, the severity, and your aesthetic objectives all influence the best course of action. At Royal Oral & Dental Clinic, we provide detailed evaluations and advanced diagnostic tools to understand what’s causing your gummy smile and recommend the most suitable correction option.
Why Choose Royal Oral & Dental Clinic?
At Royal Oral & Dental Clinic, we combine dental artistry with science to give you results that look natural and feel comfortable. Here’s what sets us apart:
-
✅ Expert Consultation: We take time to listen, examine, and guide you through each option.
-
✅ Customized Solutions: Every smile is unique; so are our treatments.
-
✅ Advanced Technology: We use modern tools for precision and comfort.
-
✅ Patient Comfort First: From start to finish, we ensure you feel relaxed and informed.
Final Thoughts
A gummy smile doesn’t have to be permanent. With today’s advanced dental options—both non-surgical and surgical—you can transform your smile and regain your confidence.
At Royal Oral & Dental Clinic, your smile transformation is our passion. Let us help you reveal the best version of yourself.
Book your personalized consultation today and take the first step toward a smile
