How to Fix a Gum­my Smile: Treat­ment Options Explained

Plenty of people are happy to embrace a gummy smile and enjoy their unique appearance, but for others, it is a source of discomfort and embarrassment.

Thankfully, there are options available to change the appearance of a gummy smile. In this guide, we’re exploring the causes of a gummy smile and the steps you can take to change the appearance of your smile.

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile refers to a smile with a prominent gum line. This happens when the teeth appear shorter and more of the gum is visible. The shape of your lips will also impact the appearance of a gummy smile. This isn’t a medical condition, but it can impact your confidence, so we encourage you to book a consultation if you are interested in changing your smile.

What is the treatment for a gummy smile?

There are several treatment plans available, from quick fixes to more extensive, long-term treatment. Your dentist will help you to choose the right treatment for your needs. The following are some of the most common options:

Gum contouring

The most popular treatment for a gummy smile is gum contouring. This involves changing the shape of your gums to reveal more of the teeth, creating a more natural-looking gum line. This can drastically improve the appearance of your smile with minimal intervention.

This treatment is completed under local anaesthetic and your dentist will use a laser to remove excess gum. You shouldn’t experience any pain during the treatment, but your gums may feel tender in the days following the treatment. This is a quick and effective way to address gummy smiles.

Orthodontics

Another popular treatment option for a gummy smile would be orthodontic treatment, also known as braces. Braces allow us to change the appearance of the smile by moving the teeth into the correct alignment. This would be a more effective treatment plan if your gummy smile is caused by a jaw alignment issue, such as an overbite.

Orthodontic treatment is not a quick treatment, so you’ll need to be patient. You can choose between fixed braces or removable aligners to help address your gummy smile.

Lip fillers

If your gummy smile is the result of a thin upper lip, you may be able to address this with lip filler treatment. This treatment involves injecting a substance called hyaluronic acid into the lips to make them look larger and more prominent.

This treatment is instant and virtually painless. Lip fillers will typically last for around 6-12 months and will then need to be replaced, or you can allow your lips to return to their former fullness. This is a highly effective treatment if you would like to transform your smile for a special occasion like your wedding.

Botox

Another injectable treatment to consider is Botox. This is better known as an anti-wrinkle treatment, but it could also be highly effective for your gummy smile. The injection is placed in the upper lip and will prevent your lips from rising as high when you smile. This small adjustment to your smile will help to conceal more of the gums and help you to feel more confident.

Botox treatment will typically last around 3-4 months before the effects begin to wear off. After this time, you can either renew the treatment or allow your smile to return to how it was before.

How to choose the right treatment for you

The first step is to ask if you actually want to change your gummy smile or just conceal it slightly. Gum contouring is the only way to truly change the appearance of a gummy smile. It will also make your teeth look longer, which can also boost your confidence if you have very short teeth.

Otherwise, consider treatments that will temporarily hide your gummy smile to see if this boosts your confidence. Book an appointment with our team if you would like to explore your options.