4 Options for Addressing a Gummy Smile

If a gummy smile makes you a little self-conscious, or you find yourself holding back from smiling because too much gum shows, you’re far from alone. Excessive gingival display, to give it its proper name, is something many people experience. The encouraging news is that there are several approaches that can help create a more balanced smile.

Below is a plain-English overview of the main options. Which one suits any given person depends entirely on the underlying cause, so think of this as a starting point for a conversation rather than a recommendation.

Gum contouring

Gum contouring, sometimes called gum reshaping or crown lengthening, involves removing or reshaping excess gum tissue to reveal more of the teeth and create a more proportionate look. Depending on the situation, it can be carried out using traditional methods or laser techniques. It’s often considered where the gums themselves are the main reason for the gummy appearance.

Lip repositioning

For some people, the issue relates to how the upper lip moves when they smile. Lip repositioning is a surgical option that adjusts the upper lip so it covers more gum tissue during a smile, achieved through small incisions inside the mouth. It’s sometimes considered for those with a high lip line.

Orthodontic treatment

In other cases, a gummy smile stems from an underlying orthodontic factor, such as a particular growth pattern or how the teeth and jaw are positioned. Here, orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners may help by realigning the teeth and jaw, creating a more harmonious balance between gums, teeth and lips over time.

Veneers or crowns

Where a gummy smile sits alongside other concerns, such as misshapen or discoloured teeth, veneers or crowns may be discussed as part of a broader approach. These custom restorations can address the appearance of the teeth while contributing to a more balanced overall result.

Finding the right approach

Because the best option depends so heavily on what’s causing the gum display in the first place, an individual assessment is the sensible next step rather than settling on a solution in advance. If you’d like to understand which approach might suit you, get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre to book an appointment and talk it through.