Gummy Smile – What Is It, Causes & Treatment Options

March 10, 2025

A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, happens when more gum tissue than usual is visible when smiling. Typically, if 2-3 millimeters or more of gum show above the upper teeth, it is considered a gummy smile. While a gummy smile doesn’t always pose a health risk, it can impact confidence and make people self-conscious about their appearance.

Is a Gummy Smile a Dental Health Concern?

For many, a gummy smile is primarily a cosmetic issue. However, in some cases, it can indicate underlying dental concerns such as improper tooth eruption, bite alignment issues, or gum overgrowth that could lead to oral health complications. Consulting with an orthodontist at Impact Orthodontics can help determine if treatment is necessary for health reasons or simply for aesthetics.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

Several factors can contribute to a gummy smile, including genetics and dental development issues. Here are the most common causes:

Excessive Gum Tissue: Some individuals naturally have more gum tissue surrounding their teeth, making their smile appear “gummier” than usual.
Hyperactive Upper Lip Muscles: When the upper lip muscles are overly active, they can pull the lip too high while smiling, exposing more gum.
Abnormal Tooth Eruption: Teeth that do not fully emerge or develop correctly can appear shorter, leading to an increased gum display.
Overgrowth of the Upper Jawbone (Vertical Maxillary Excess): In some cases, the upper jawbone grows excessively downward, which can result in a more prominent gumline.
Medications and Other Medical Conditions: Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure or epilepsy, can cause gum overgrowth, contributing to a gummy smile.

How to Fix a Gummy Smile – Best Treatment Options

At Impact Orthodontics, we offer a range of solutions for gummy smiles, from non-surgical options to permanent corrective procedures.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Orthodontic Treatment (Braces or Invisalign):

Braces or Invisalign can reposition the teeth to reduce gum exposure and create a more balanced smile.
Ideal for individuals whose gummy smiles result from improper tooth eruption or jaw alignment issues.
Treatment duration varies but generally takes 12-24 months.

Surgical Treatments for Long-Term Results

Crown Lengthening (Gingivectomy):

Involves removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface.
Suitable for those with excessive gum tissue covering their teeth.
Recovery time is about 1-2 weeks.

Lip Repositioning Surgery:

A surgical procedure that limits how high the upper lip lifts when smiling.
Less invasive than jaw surgery, but offers permanent results.
Recovery time is typically 1-2 weeks.

Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery:

For severe cases caused by jaw overgrowth, surgery can reshape the upper jaw to reduce gum exposure.
Requires significant recovery time (several weeks to months), but offers a permanent solution.

Choosing the Right Gummy Smile Treatment for You

When selecting a treatment, consider these factors:

Severity of the gummy smile (mild cases may benefit from braces, while severe cases may require surgery).
Cost (non-surgical options are more affordable but temporary; surgical options are permanent but more expensive).
Recovery time (surgery requires weeks of healing).
Longevity of results (some treatments, like jaw surgery, offer permanent solutions, while others need maintenance).

The best way to determine the right treatment is through a consultation with our experienced orthodontists at Impact Orthodontics, serving SW and SE Calgary and surrounding communities.

Before and After – Transforming Your Smile

Fixing a gummy smile can significantly improve confidence and overall appearance. Many patients who undergo treatment report feeling happier and more comfortable showing their smiles in social settings.

What to Expect from Treatment Results

More balanced smile with improved teeth-to-gum ratio.
Boosted confidence in personal and professional life.
Improved oral health if the gummy smile was caused by gum overgrowth or improper tooth eruption.

FAQs About Gummy Smiles

Can a gummy smile go away on its own?

No, a gummy smile typically does not resolve without treatment. However, mild cases may become less noticeable as facial structure changes with age.

Is fixing a gummy smile painful?

Most treatments involve minimal discomfort. Non-surgical options like Botox are painless, while surgical procedures may require local or general anesthesia with some post-procedure soreness.

Does insurance cover gummy smile treatment?

Insurance may cover functional treatments (e.g., jaw surgery or orthodontics for medical reasons) but typically does not cover cosmetic procedures like Botox or gum contouring.