Relatively often, patients complain to us about highly visible gums when they smile.

Commonly referred to as a “gummy smile,” this is an increased visibility of the gums, more than 3 mm, when smiling or speaking.

It occurs more often in women (14% of the population) than in men (7% of the population). 

The causes for this condition may include the following:

• Genetics
• A short upper lip that cannot fully cover the gums
•  An overly mobile upper lip
•  Excessive growth of the patient’s maxilla (upper jaw), elongated face
•  Due to excessive tooth wear
• Due to insufficiently erupted teeth

This appearance represents a subjective nuisance, and not all patients perceive it as a problem.

For those who are bothered by it, there are several solutions, but we often combine multiple procedures to achieve the best possible results.

Depending on the causes of the increased visibility of the gums, we determine the direction of therapy.

The treatment can be simple, like gingivectomy or gingivoplasty, or more complex, involving a combination of procedures such as orthodontics, surgery, and prosthetics.

Gingivectomy – Laser Gum Contouring

If it is a mild form of a “gummy” smile, the quickest and least painful method is laser gum contouring. Only a small excess of gum tissue is removed under local anesthesia. The procedure is short, and recovery lasts 2-3 days.

If more gum tissue and part of the bone need to be removed, we perform what is called a clinical crown lengthening procedure. This is also done under local anesthesia, lasts about an hour, and recovery takes a week.

Orthodontics

If the patient has a mild case of excessive gum display, which is primarily caused by genetics or tooth wear, we move the teeth to a more favorable position with orthodontics, which will reduce the visibility of the gums.

If it is about excessive growth of the maxilla and extremely high visibility, then the main option is orthognathic surgery, which removes the excess bone mass of the maxilla and brings it to a normal position.

We often use orthodontic therapy in combination with gingivectomy and veneers, in order to achieve an optimal result.

Flakes

Instead of focusing on the gums, one option is to install veneers or crowns. We create them individually and planned in the Digital Smile Design software in the optimal size and shape for a harmonious relationship between the gums and teeth and for the overall harmony of the smile. The results of such works are always impressively beautiful teeth.

Botox

A botox injection is a temporary solution for a “gummy” smile. The serum is injected between the nose and the upper lip. Botox paralyzes the muscles and prevents them from lifting the upper lip too high every time the patient smiles. The effect is temporary, lasting 3-4 months, and the procedure needs to be repeated.

Lip Repositioning Surgery

If the upper lip is the cause of excessive gum display, a lip repositioning surgery can be performed. An incision is made in the mucosa on the inner side of the lip, and the attachment of the lip is repositioned to a lower position. This lowered attachment prevents the lip from lifting too high.

The procedure is permanent, and recovery takes a week.

Orthognatic surgery

 Orthognathic surgery reshapes and repositions the vertically overgrown maxilla, which is then secured with screws and plates. This is a procedure for moderate to severe anomalies of the upper jaw, and it is usually preceded by a year of orthodontic treatment. Recovery time is one month, and orthognathic surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia. In addition, the results are very noticeable and significantly change the appearance.

Everyone deserves a smile they are proud of. If your “gummy” smile is causing you unnecessary dissatisfaction, share your concerns with us, so we can discuss your treatment options.