How to Fix a Gummy Smile: Modern Treatment Options for a More Balanced, Confident Smile
A beautiful smile isn’t simply about white, straight teeth. It’s about harmony. When too much gum tissue shows while smiling, even perfectly healthy teeth can appear small or disproportionate. Fortunately, today’s cosmetic dentistry offers several effective ways to correct a gummy smile and create a naturally balanced appearance.
At Marielaina Perrone, DDS, in Henderson, NV, gummy smile treatment begins with understanding why excess gum tissue is visible. Because every smile is unique, the best treatment depends on the underlying cause—not just the appearance.
Whether the solution involves laser gum contouring, Botox®, orthodontics, or restorative dentistry, modern techniques can produce dramatic yet natural-looking improvements with minimal discomfort.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, occurs when an unusually large amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth while smiling.
Most cosmetic dentists consider more than 3 to 4 millimeters of visible gum tissue to be excessive, although beauty is subjective and many people are comfortable with their natural smile.
Some patients have only a mild concern, while others feel their gums dominate their smile, making their teeth appear:
- Short
- Small
- Square
- Uneven
- Less youthful
The good news is that most gummy smiles can be improved once the cause has been identified.
What Is Causing Your Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can result from excess gum tissue, strong upper-lip movement, short teeth, tooth position, or jaw development. Open each section to understand the possible causes and the treatments that may help create a more balanced smile.
1. What Is a Gummy Smile?When the gums become the dominant part of the smile
A gummy smile, also called excessive gingival display, occurs when a noticeable amount of gum tissue shows above the upper teeth during smiling. The issue is not always the amount of gum tissue itself. The teeth, lips, bite, and jaw can all influence the appearance.
✓ Teeth may appear short or square
✓ The gumline may look uneven
✓ The upper lip may rise unusually high
✓ Several causes may be present together
“A gummy smile is not one condition with one solution. The right treatment begins with understanding why the gums are showing.”
— Marielaina Perrone, DDS
2. Could Excess Gum Tissue Be the Cause?The teeth may be normal in size but partly hidden
Some teeth remain partly covered by gum tissue after eruption. This pattern, often associated with altered passive eruption, can make healthy teeth look shorter than they really are.
✓ Teeth look short despite minimal wear
✓ Gum tissue covers part of the enamel
✓ The gumline may appear thick or uneven
✓ Laser contouring or crown lengthening may help
3. Could a Hypermobile Upper Lip Be Responsible?Strong lip movement can expose healthy gums
Some upper lips lift farther than average during smiling. The teeth and gums may be healthy and well proportioned, but the lip movement exposes more gum tissue.
✓ Gum display is most noticeable during a full smile
✓ The upper lip appears to rise quickly
✓ The teeth may look normal at rest
✓ Botox may reduce excessive lip elevation temporarily
4. Are Your Teeth Short, Small, or Worn?The gums may only appear excessive
Naturally small teeth, grinding, acid erosion, chipped edges, or years of wear can reduce visible tooth length. As the teeth become shorter, the gum-to-tooth ratio may look less balanced.
✓ Flattened or worn tooth edges
✓ Chipping or shortening over time
✓ Teeth appear small compared with the gums
✓ Veneers, bonding, or crowns may improve proportion
5. Can Tooth Position or Your Bite Create a Gummy Smile?The position of the teeth affects the gumline
Teeth that have erupted too far downward, shifted position, or developed within a deep bite can change the amount of gum tissue that shows when smiling.
✓ Deep overbite
✓ Uneven tooth position
✓ Teeth appear lower than ideal
✓ Orthodontic treatment may improve smile balance
6. When Is Laser Gum Contouring Appropriate?A conservative option for excess soft tissue
Laser gum contouring removes and reshapes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth surface. It is most effective when the underlying bone level is favorable.
✓ Precise gumline reshaping
✓ Minimal bleeding
✓ Usually limited downtime
✓ Immediate improvement in tooth display
7. When Is Crown Lengthening Needed?Sometimes the bone must be reshaped too
Crown lengthening may be recommended when both gum tissue and underlying bone cover too much of the tooth. Repositioning the tissue and bone creates a stable, healthy gumline.
✓ Appropriate for altered passive eruption
✓ Creates more visible tooth structure
✓ May be completed before veneers or crowns
✓ Healing takes longer than simple contouring
8. How Can Botox Improve a Gummy Smile?A temporary option for excessive lip movement
Small amounts of Botox can relax the muscles that lift the upper lip. This may allow the lip to remain slightly lower during smiling so less gum tissue is visible.
✓ Treatment takes only a few minutes
✓ Little to no downtime
✓ Results develop over several days
✓ Maintenance is required as the effect fades
9. Can Veneers or Bonding Help?Restoring tooth length can rebalance the smile
Porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding may help when teeth are naturally small, worn, chipped, discolored, or out of proportion. These treatments add visible tooth length and can improve shape and symmetry.
✓ Improves tooth length and shape
✓ Can correct chips or worn edges
✓ May improve color and symmetry
✓ Often combined with gum contouring
10. When Are Orthodontics or Jaw Surgery Considered?More complex causes may require specialist care
Orthodontic treatment may help when tooth position or the bite contributes to excess gum display. Severe vertical upper-jaw development may require evaluation by an orthodontist and oral surgeon.
✓ Braces or clear aligners may reposition teeth
✓ Bite correction may improve smile balance
✓ Severe skeletal cases need coordinated care
✓ Treatment depends on facial and jaw anatomy
11. Can More Than One Treatment Be Combined?Many gummy smiles have multiple causes
Combination treatment is common because the gums, teeth, lips, and bite all contribute to smile appearance. The order of treatment is important for achieving stable, natural-looking results.
✓ Gum contouring with porcelain veneers
✓ Crown lengthening before crowns
✓ Orthodontics followed by gum reshaping
✓ Botox with conservative cosmetic treatment
12. Why Should You Avoid Choosing Treatment From a Photo Alone?Similar-looking smiles may have different causes
A photograph cannot show bone position, periodontal health, bite relationships, tooth wear, or the full range of lip movement. Choosing the wrong treatment may create an unstable or unnatural result.
⚠ Removing too much gum can expose roots
⚠ Botox cannot correct short or damaged teeth
⚠ Veneers cannot solve every skeletal or lip issue
⚠ Bite problems should be addressed before cosmetic work
13. What Happens During a Gummy Smile Evaluation?The entire smile and face should be evaluated
Dr. Perrone evaluates the teeth, gums, bite, lip movement, and facial proportions before recommending treatment. Digital photographs and X-rays may be used when appropriate.
✓ Tooth length and width measurements
✓ Gumline and periodontal evaluation
✓ Upper-lip movement analysis
✓ Bite and tooth-position assessment
✓ Review of cosmetic goals
14. Which Gummy Smile Treatment May Be Right for You?The cause determines the most conservative solution
The ideal treatment depends on whether the primary issue is gum tissue, lip movement, tooth size, tooth position, bite, jaw development, or a combination of factors. A personalized evaluation is the only reliable way to choose treatment.
✓ Excess tissue: gum contouring or crown lengthening
✓ Strong lip movement: Botox or selected lip treatment
✓ Short or worn teeth: bonding, veneers, or crowns
✓ Tooth-position concerns: orthodontics
✓ Severe skeletal cause: specialist evaluation
“The most beautiful result is not the most aggressive treatment. It is the treatment that restores balance while respecting the health and character of the smile.”
— Marielaina Perrone, DDS
Educational Note
This interactive guide is educational and cannot diagnose the cause of a gummy smile. Treatment recommendations require an examination of the teeth, gums, bite, bone levels, lip movement, and facial proportions.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Many people assume excess gum tissue is the only cause. In reality, several different conditions can create the same appearance.
Excess Gum Tissue
One of the most common causes is simply having gums that cover too much of the teeth.
Often called altered passive eruption, this condition occurs when adult teeth never become fully exposed after they erupt.
The teeth are actually normal size—they’re just hidden beneath excess gum tissue.
This is one of the easiest gummy smiles to correct.
A Hyperactive Upper Lip
Some patients have a perfectly healthy smile, but the upper lip lifts unusually high while smiling.
Instead of covering the gums, the lip exposes much more tissue than average.
These patients often benefit from conservative treatments rather than surgery.
Small or Worn Teeth
Teeth that have become shortened through wear or grinding may make the gums appear larger.
Likewise, naturally small teeth can create an imbalance between teeth and surrounding tissues.
Restorative dentistry may be the ideal solution.
Jaw Development
In some cases, the upper jaw extends farther downward than average.
Known as vertical maxillary excess, this skeletal condition creates significant gum display.
Severe cases may require collaboration between cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery.
Orthodontic Issues
The position of the teeth can also affect smile aesthetics.
As teeth move during orthodontic treatment, gum display may improve significantly.
Why Fix a Gummy Smile?
Many patients seek treatment because they feel self-conscious about smiling in photographs or social situations.
Correcting a gummy smile can:
- Improve smile balance
- Make teeth appear longer
- Enhance facial proportions
- Increase confidence
- Create a younger appearance
- Improve overall facial harmony
Interestingly, correcting a gummy smile often changes the appearance of the entire face. Not just the teeth.
Treatment Options for a Gummy Smile
The ideal treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis.
Laser Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)
For patients with excess gum tissue, laser gum contouring is often the fastest and most predictable treatment.
Using a dental laser, excess tissue is gently reshaped to reveal more natural tooth structure.
Benefits include:
- Immediate improvement
- Minimal discomfort
- Little bleeding
- Faster healing
- Highly precise results
Many patients return to normal activities the same day.
Crown Lengthening
Sometimes excess gum tissue is accompanied by underlying bone that also needs reshaping.
Crown lengthening involves carefully adjusting both gum tissue and supporting bone to expose additional tooth structure.
This procedure is commonly recommended when:
- Teeth appear unusually short
- Restorations are planned
- Gum levels are uneven
- Significant reshaping is needed
Although healing takes longer than simple laser contouring, results are typically permanent.
Botox for a Gummy Smile
For patients whose upper lip lifts excessively, Botox offers a minimally invasive solution.
Small amounts of Botox relax the muscles that elevate the upper lip.
As a result:
- Less gum tissue shows
- Smiles appear more balanced
- Results remain natural
- Treatment takes only minutes
Most patients begin noticing improvement within several days.
Results generally last three to four months.
Botox is particularly effective when the issue is muscular rather than dental.
Orthodontic Treatment
Braces or clear aligners can sometimes reposition teeth to reduce gum display.
Orthodontics may also improve:
- Bite alignment
- Smile symmetry
- Lip support
- Overall aesthetics
For some patients, orthodontics is combined with cosmetic procedures for optimal results.
Porcelain Veneers
When teeth appear unusually short or worn, porcelain veneers can create the illusion of longer, more proportional teeth.
Veneers are often combined with gum contouring to achieve ideal smile proportions.
Together, these treatments can dramatically transform smile aesthetics.
Dental Crowns
If teeth have extensive wear, fractures, or large restorations, crowns may provide a better long-term solution.
Combined with gum reshaping, crowns restore both function and beauty.
Orthognathic Surgery
Patients with severe skeletal discrepancies may benefit from corrective jaw surgery.
Although this is the least common treatment, it offers life-changing improvements for patients with significant vertical maxillary excess.
Treatment typically involves coordination among an orthodontist, oral surgeon, and restorative dentist.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Determining the ideal solution requires more than simply looking at the gums.
A comprehensive cosmetic evaluation includes:
- Smile analysis
- Facial proportions
- Lip movement
- Tooth dimensions
- Gum symmetry
- Bite evaluation
- Digital photography
- Medical history
Only after identifying the true cause can the most conservative and effective treatment be recommended.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery depends on the procedure.
Laser Gum Contouring
- Mild soreness for several days
- Soft foods initially
- Most patients resume normal activities immediately
Crown Lengthening
- Mild swelling
- Healing over several weeks
- Final tissue maturation occurs gradually
Botox
- Virtually no downtime
- Immediate return to daily activities
- Full results in approximately one to two weeks
Veneers
- Little downtime
- Mild temporary sensitivity
- Immediate cosmetic improvement after placement
Will My Results Look Natural?
One of the biggest concerns patients express is looking “overdone.”
Modern cosmetic dentistry emphasizes subtle enhancement rather than dramatic alteration.
The goal isn’t simply exposing more tooth structure.
Instead, treatment seeks to create ideal proportions between:
- Teeth
- Gums
- Lips
- Facial features
- Smile width
When performed properly, others often notice you look refreshed without realizing exactly what changed.
How Long Do Results Last?
Longevity varies by treatment.
Laser gum contouring and crown lengthening often provide permanent improvements when oral health is maintained.
Botox requires periodic maintenance every few months.
Orthodontic results remain stable with proper retainer use.
Porcelain veneers typically last many years with excellent home care and routine dental visits.
Can Multiple Treatments Be Combined?
Absolutely.
Many smile makeovers combine several procedures to achieve optimal facial harmony.
Examples include:
- Laser gum contouring with porcelain veneers
- Botox with Invisalign
- Crown lengthening with crowns
- Orthodontics followed by cosmetic bonding
- Veneers with teeth whitening
Comprehensive treatment planning ensures every aspect of the smile works together.
Why Experience Matters
Treating a gummy smile isn’t simply about removing gum tissue.
It requires an understanding of cosmetic dentistry, facial aesthetics, bite function, periodontal health, and smile design.
Removing too much tissue can create sensitivity or an unnatural appearance, while removing too little may not achieve the desired improvement.
An experienced cosmetic dentist carefully evaluates facial balance before recommending treatment.
“Every smile tells a different story. The key to correcting a gummy smile isn’t choosing a procedure—it’s understanding why the gums are showing in the first place. Once we identify the cause, we can create a treatment plan that looks beautifully natural and complements the entire face.”
— Dr. Marielaina Perrone
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fixing a gummy smile painful?
Most modern procedures involve little discomfort. Local anesthesia is typically used for gum contouring, while Botox requires only a few tiny injections.
Can a gummy smile come back?
Laser gum contouring and crown lengthening usually provide permanent results. Botox requires periodic maintenance because the muscle gradually regains activity.
Does insurance cover gummy smile treatment?
If treatment is performed solely for cosmetic reasons, dental insurance generally does not provide coverage. However, procedures performed for periodontal health or restorative needs may have partial benefits depending on your plan.
How long does treatment take?
Some procedures, such as Botox or laser gum contouring, can often be completed in a single appointment. More comprehensive smile makeovers involving veneers, orthodontics, or crowns require additional visits.
Am I a candidate for gummy smile correction?
Most healthy adults with excessive gum display are candidates. A cosmetic consultation helps determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment approach.
Create a More Balanced Smile
A gummy smile doesn’t have to define your appearance. Thanks to advances in cosmetic dentistry, laser technology, Botox, orthodontics, and smile design, treatment is more personalized and conservative than ever before.
At Marielaina Perrone, DDS, every gummy smile evaluation begins with understanding your facial proportions, dental health, and aesthetic goals. Whether your treatment involves simple laser contouring or a comprehensive smile makeover, the objective is always the same: a smile that looks natural, balanced, and uniquely yours.
If you’re ready to feel more confident every time you smile, schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Marielaina Perrone in Henderson, NV, and discover which treatment option is right for you.
About Marielaina Perrone, DDS
Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS, is a trusted cosmetic and family dentist in Henderson, NV, known for helping patients achieve healthy,
beautiful smiles through personalized, compassionate care. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, she combines advanced dental expertise with an artistic eye to deliver exceptional results in porcelain veneers, dental implants, smile makeovers, periodontal therapy, Botox, dermal fillers, and facial aesthetic treatments.
A graduate with honors from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Perrone remains committed to lifelong learning and regularly pursues advanced continuing education in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, and facial aesthetics. Her comprehensive approach focuses on enhancing oral health, facial harmony, and overall confidence through customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique goals.
Dr. Perrone is passionate about patient education, preventive care, and building lasting relationships founded on trust, communication, and comfort. She believes every patient deserves individualized attention and treatment that supports both long-term health and a confident smile.
Proudly serving Henderson, Green Valley, Las Vegas, Summerlin, and surrounding communities, Dr. Perrone is dedicated to providing modern, patient-centered dentistry in a welcoming environment. Outside the office, she enjoys cooking, staying active, spending time with family, and participating in community activities throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
Reviewed for Clinical Accuracy
This article has been written and clinically reviewed by Marielaina Perrone, DDS, to ensure it reflects current evidence-based dentistry and the personalized philosophy of care practiced at her Henderson, Nevada office.
Last Reviewed: August 2026