If you feel self-conscious about showing too much gum tissue when you smile, you are not alone. A gummy smile is one of the most common cosmetic dental concerns I see at our Northridge practice. I’m Dr. Shahdad Arami, DDS, and I’ve helped countless patients in Northridge and nearby communities feel confident about their smiles. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about gummy smile correction — what causes it, how we diagnose it, and the treatment options available to you today.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile means that an excessive amount of gum tissue shows above your upper teeth when you smile. Most dental professionals consider a smile “gummy” when more than three to four millimeters of gum tissue is visible. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, a gummy smile affects roughly 10% of the adult population between ages 20 and 30, and it is more common in women than in men.
While a gummy smile is not a health risk, it can have a real impact on your self-esteem. Many patients here in Northridge tell me they avoid smiling in photos or cover their mouths when they laugh. The good news is that gummy smile treatment has advanced significantly, and there are safe, effective ways to create a more balanced smile.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Understanding the cause is the first step toward choosing the right gummy smile correction approach. Several factors can contribute to excess gum display, and sometimes more than one cause is present.
- Excess gum tissue (gingival overgrowth): Sometimes the gum tissue simply covers too much of the tooth surface. This can make teeth look short even though they are a normal size underneath.
- Hyperactive upper lip: If the muscles in your upper lip pull it higher than normal when you smile, more gum tissue becomes visible.
- Abnormal tooth eruption: Teeth that did not fully erupt during development may remain partially covered by gum tissue, a condition called altered passive eruption.
- Vertical maxillary excess: The upper jawbone may have grown longer than average, pushing the gum line downward and creating extra gum show.
- Short upper lip: A naturally shorter lip provides less coverage over the gums when you smile.
During your consultation, I evaluate each of these factors carefully. A precise diagnosis ensures that the gummy smile treatment we recommend targets the actual cause of the problem.
How We Diagnose Excess Gum Display
Diagnosing the root cause of a gummy smile involves more than a quick visual check. At Northridge Dental Group, I perform a thorough clinical examination that includes measuring gum tissue height, tooth crown length, lip length, and lip mobility. We also take digital X-rays and photographs to analyze your facial proportions.
I look at how your teeth, gums, lips, and jawbone all work together. This comprehensive approach helps me determine whether the issue is related to soft tissue, bone structure, tooth position, or a combination. Once we identify the cause, we can map out a personalized gummy smile correction plan.
Treatment Options for Gummy Smile Correction
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for fixing a gummy smile. The best treatment depends on the underlying cause. Below are the most effective options we offer and recommend.
Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)
Gum contouring is one of the most popular treatments for patients whose gummy smile is caused by excess gum tissue. During this procedure, we carefully remove and reshape the gum line to expose more of the natural tooth surface. The result is longer-looking teeth and a more proportionate smile. Modern laser technology makes this procedure minimally invasive, with faster healing and less discomfort than traditional methods.
Crown Lengthening Surgery
When excess gum tissue is accompanied by underlying bone that sits too close to the tooth surface, crown lengthening may be necessary. This periodontal procedure involves removing both gum tissue and a small amount of bone to create proper tooth proportions. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, crown lengthening is a well-established procedure with predictable outcomes for improving both aesthetics and function. Research published in the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry shows that crown lengthening procedures have a success rate exceeding 95% when performed by a trained periodontist.
Lip Repositioning Surgery
For patients whose gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive upper lip, lip repositioning surgery can be an excellent option. This procedure limits how far the upper lip rises when you smile by adjusting the attachment between the lip and the gum tissue. The result is a natural reduction in visible gum tissue without altering the gums or teeth themselves.
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for Gummy Smiles
Botox offers a non-surgical approach to treating a gummy smile caused by overactive lip muscles. Small injections into the upper lip area temporarily relax the muscles that pull the lip upward. The effects typically last three to six months, making this a great option for patients who want to try a less permanent solution before committing to surgery. Many of our patients from Granada Hills and the surrounding San Fernando Valley communities appreciate this quick, in-office treatment.
Orthodontic Treatment
In some cases, the gummy appearance is related to tooth position or bite alignment. Orthodontic treatment, including braces or clear aligners, can reposition the teeth and reduce the amount of gum that shows when you smile. Orthodontics may also be combined with other procedures for a comprehensive result. If you’re interested in how orthodontics can complement cosmetic improvements, our blog post on Invisalign vs. braces offers a helpful comparison.
Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
When the gummy smile is caused by vertical maxillary excess — meaning the upper jaw has grown too long — orthognathic surgery may be the most appropriate solution. This procedure repositions the upper jaw to reduce the overall height of the gum-and-tooth complex. Jaw surgery is typically reserved for more severe cases and is performed in collaboration with an oral surgeon.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery depends on which gummy smile treatment you receive. Non-surgical options like Botox require virtually no downtime. You can return to your normal routine the same day. Gum contouring with laser technology usually involves mild tenderness for a few days, and most patients feel comfortable within a week.
Crown lengthening and lip repositioning surgeries involve a slightly longer recovery period — typically one to two weeks of healing. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments to ensure everything heals smoothly. Patients who undergo orthognathic surgery should expect several weeks of recovery, though the life-changing results are well worth the investment.
How to Choose the Right Procedure
Selecting the right gummy smile correction procedure starts with an accurate diagnosis. I always recommend a professional evaluation rather than trying to self-diagnose. During your visit, we will discuss your goals, review your options, and create a plan tailored to your unique anatomy.
Some patients benefit from a combination of treatments. For example, gum recontouring may be paired with porcelain veneers to achieve a beautifully balanced result. Others may start with Botox to preview the improvement before considering a permanent surgical approach.
Why Choose Northridge Dental Group
At Northridge Dental Group, we bring together expertise in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and periodontics under one roof. This means you get a multidisciplinary approach to your gummy smile correction without needing referrals to outside specialists. Our team uses the latest technology, including digital imaging and laser treatment, to deliver precise, comfortable care.
We proudly serve patients throughout Northridge, Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, Encino, and the greater San Fernando Valley. Every treatment plan is customized, and we take the time to answer all your questions so you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gummy smile correction painful?
Most gummy smile correction procedures involve minimal discomfort. Non-surgical options like Botox cause only a brief pinch during injection. Surgical procedures such as gum contouring and crown lengthening are performed under local anesthesia, so you feel little to no pain during treatment. Mild soreness after surgery is normal and usually managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How much does gummy smile correction cost?
The cost of gummy smile treatment varies depending on the procedure and the complexity of your case. Botox injections may range from a few hundred dollars per session, while surgical options like crown lengthening or lip repositioning can range from $1,000 to $4,000 or more. During your consultation at Northridge Dental Group, we provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss financing options.
How long do the results of gummy smile treatment last?
Surgical gummy smile corrections such as gum contouring, crown lengthening, and lip repositioning provide permanent results. Botox is a temporary treatment that lasts approximately three to six months and requires repeat sessions to maintain the effect. Your dentist will help you choose the option that best fits your goals and lifestyle.
Can Botox really fix a gummy smile?
Yes, Botox is an effective non-surgical option for patients whose gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive upper lip. It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that pull the lip too high when smiling. The treatment takes just a few minutes and results are visible within one to two weeks. It is a great way to preview improvements before considering a permanent procedure.
Am I a good candidate for gummy smile correction?
Most adults in good overall health who are bothered by excess gum tissue showing when they smile are good candidates for gummy smile correction. The best way to find out which treatment is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a qualified dentist or periodontist. They will evaluate your gums, teeth, lip mobility, and jawbone to recommend the most effective approach for your specific case.
Written by Dr. Shahdad Arami, DDS — Northridge Dental Group
