Too much gum tissue can make your teeth look shorter than they are, causing your smile to look unbalanced.

Many patients do not know there are treatments available for their gummy smiles, including gum contouring and BOTOX® Cosmetic.

How do I know if my smile is “gummy?”

Are certain people more likely to have gummy smiles?

Many of the conditions that lead to a gummy smile are hereditary. If a close family member has a gummy smile, there is a much higher chance that you will as well.

Gummy smiles also tend to be more prevalent in women than in men.

So what causes my smile to look gummy?

“Bleeding gums are never normal, not even when you have your teeth professionally cleaned.”

– Lisa Marie Samaha, DDS, founder and director of the Perio Arts Institute

Are gummy smiles common?

_{* According to a study by Jerbi Mohamed Ali and Dallel Ines}

Excessive gum tissue tends to decrease with age.

What should I do if I think my smile is gummy?

If you are concerned about how much gum tissue shows when you smile, your dentist can perform an examination and explain your treatment options. During the appointment, he or she will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw to figure out the cause. You may also need impressions and x-rays.

Can I prevent my smile from looking gummy?

Unfortunately, when a gummy smile is caused by genetics, there are no reliable methods of prevention. However, by visiting a dentist on a regular basis, you can address teeth grinding and other issues that can eventually contribute to a gummy smile.

What counts as a “gummy smile?”

“Anything over three to four millimeters of gum showing starts to look ‘gummy.’”Dr. Stan Heifetz on the ideal smile

One of the most common treatments for patients who have a mildly gummy smile is laser gum contouring. Your doctor can use a soft-tissue laser to remove gum tissue,  improving the proportions between your teeth and gums.

What are my other treatment options?

Lip Repositioning Surgery

When combined with orthodontic treatment, lip repositioning can be a good alternative to jaw surgery.

Orthodontics

If your gummy smile is due to mild issues with your jaws or bite, an orthodontic treatment can shift the position of your teeth to reduce the amount of gum tissue that shows when you smile.

Porcelain Veneers or Crowns

Placing a restoration, such as a veneer or crown, can make worn or short teeth appear longer and balance the proportions of your smile.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

For cases of moderate to severe jaw protrusion, you may need orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontics.

BOTOX Cosmetic

Doctors can now use BOTOX Cosmetic to limit the movement of your upper lip when you smile. While temporary, it can provide beautiful results at an affordable price.

How do I get started?

Contact a Doctor Today

If you dislike the gummy look of your smile, a range of treatments exist to give you a more balanced, symmetrical appearance. Reach out to a doctor today to learn more about your options.

24950 Redlands Blvd
Ste B
Loma Linda, CA 92354