Gummy Smile: What Causes It and How Can It Be Fixed?

A beautiful smile is often seen as a perfect balance between the teeth and gums. However, when excess gum tissue covers a significant portion of your teeth, it can lead to what is commonly known as a gummy smile. While a gummy smile isn’t a medical concern, it can affect how confident you feel about your appearance. The good news is that there are effective treatments available to correct a gummy smile and bring harmony to your smile.

At Peninsula Dental Associates in Foster City, we offer personalized solutions to help you achieve a more balanced, natural-looking smile. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of a gummy smile and the treatments available to fix it.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, occurs when too much gum tissue shows when you smile. Ideally, your gums should be visible only minimally, and your teeth should be the main focus of your smile. When the gums dominate, it can make your teeth appear smaller or shorter than they actually are.

While a gummy smile isn’t harmful, many people feel self-conscious about it and seek treatment to enhance their smile’s aesthetics.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

Several factors can contribute to a gummy smile. Understanding the cause is the first step in determining the best treatment option. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Genetics
   For many people, a gummy smile is simply due to genetics. If you have inherited a shorter upper lip, small teeth, or excess gum tissue, you may be more prone to showing more gum when you smile.
2. Abnormal Tooth Eruption
   Sometimes, the teeth don’t fully erupt from the gums, making them appear shorter than they actually are. This can result in more gum tissue showing than normal.
3. Jaw Development
   The way your jaw develops can also influence your smile. A gummy smile may be caused by an overgrowth of the upper jaw, which can cause the gums to protrude more than usual.
4. Hyperactive Upper Lip
   A hyperactive upper lip can pull too far up when you smile, revealing more of your gums. While your teeth and gums may be normal in size, the lip’s movement can create the appearance of a gummy smile.
5. Gingival Overgrowth
   Certain medications or medical conditions can cause the gums to grow excessively, covering more of the teeth and leading to a gummy appearance.

How Can a Gummy Smile Be Fixed?

At Peninsula Dental Associates, we offer a range of treatments to address a gummy smile, depending on the underlying cause. Here are some of the most effective options:

1. Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)

Gum contouring is one of the most common treatments for a gummy smile. Using a dental laser, our skilled team can carefully remove excess gum tissue and reshape your gum line to reveal more of your teeth. This procedure is minimally invasive, provides immediate results, and often requires little recovery time.

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  • Excess gum tissue covering the teeth
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2. Crown Lengthening

If your teeth are naturally shorter or partially covered by gum tissue, crown lengthening can help. During this procedure, a small amount of gum and possibly bone tissue is removed to expose more of the tooth structure. This not only improves the appearance of your smile but can also prepare your teeth for other cosmetic or restorative treatments.

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  • Teeth that appear short due to excess gum or bone tissue
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3. Orthodontics

Sometimes, a gummy smile is the result of jaw alignment or tooth positioning issues. Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign or braces can help reposition the teeth and jaw to create a more balanced smile. This option is particularly effective if the gummy appearance is due to how the teeth and gums meet when smiling.

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  • Gummy smiles caused by misalignment or overbites
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4. Botox for Hyperactive Upper Lip

For some patients, a hyperactive upper lip is the main cause of a gummy smile. In these cases, Botox injections can be used to relax the muscles in the upper lip, preventing it from lifting too high when you smile. This is a non-invasive, temporary solution that can be repeated as needed to maintain the desired results.

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  • Hyperactive upper lip
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The Benefits of Treating a Gummy Smile

Correcting a gummy smile can lead to significant improvements in both appearance and confidence. Here are some of the benefits of treatment:

• A More Balanced Smile: Treatments like gum contouring or crown lengthening can create a more proportional smile by revealing more of your teeth.
• Enhanced Confidence: Many patients report feeling more self-assured about their appearance after correcting a gummy smile.
• Long-Lasting Results: Treatments such as gum contouring and crown lengthening provide long-lasting improvements, allowing you to enjoy your new smile for years to come.

At Peninsula Dental Associates, we are dedicated to helping you feel great about your smile. Our experienced cosmetic dentists will work with you to determine the most effective treatment based on your specific needs.

Why Choose Peninsula Dental Associates for Gummy Smile Treatment?

At Peninsula Dental Associates in Foster City, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to ensure optimal results for our patients. Whether your gummy smile is caused by excess gum tissue, tooth positioning, or a hyperactive upper lip, our expert team will develop a tailored treatment plan to enhance the appearance of your smile.

We understand the importance of feeling confident in your smile, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process—from consultation to treatment and beyond.

Ready to Transform Your Smile?

If you’re self-conscious about a gummy smile, Peninsula Dental Associates can help. Our expert team offers a range of treatments to address the root causes of excessive gum display, ensuring you achieve a more balanced, confident smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about the options available to you.