Gummy Smile

A gummy smile is the term used to describe an excessive exposure of the gums when you smile. In medical terms this is known as 'excessive gingival display' and is usually diagnosed when more than 2mm of the gum is exposed when smiling. It is a common problem that is generally caused by overgrowth of the gum tissue, but the positioning of the jaw and the way the jaw developed can also play a part. People with a gummy smile may feel that their gums look too big or prominent when they smile. It can also impact the aesthetics of the smile in other ways by making the smile look uneven or wonky and by making the teeth appear disproportionately smaller than they are. A gummy smile often goes hand-in-hand with a high lip line and short upper lip too.

Treatments:

Botulinum Toxin

Dermal Filler

FAQ - GUMMY SMILE

What is the best treatment for a gummy smile?

There are a number of treatments for gummy smiles which will depend on the severity of the gum exposure and what underlying causes there are.

We can use Botulinum Toxin to relax the upper lip muscles so they drop ever so slightly to obscure the excess gum on show.

Alternatively, if your lips are on the thinner side, dermal filler is able to increase the lip volume which will help to hide the excess gum while adding structure to the shape of your lips.

Other options include seeing your dentist for laser gum contouring which involves removing some of the exposed gum tissue around the most visible front teeth, so more of the tooth is exposed, reproportioning the tooth-to-gum ratio.

Can I use botox to correct a gummy smile?

Yes. In some cases a gummy smile is caused by the muscle that controls the movement of your upper lip being “hyperactive”, which causes your upper lip to sit higher up than normal, therefore exposing more of your gum tissue when you smile. Botox works by suppressing this activity of the muscle, which then relaxes and lowers the lip. It can take up to two weeks after treatment for the full result to be visible.

Can a lip lowering procedure help with a gummy smile?

Yes. If your gummy smile is a result of the muscle that controls the elevation of your lip then botox injections can help. They lower the lip by relaxing the muscles that are causing it to sit in a more elevated position. Lip lowering surgery is also another option for more permanent results or in more severe cases.

Does surgery to fix a gummy smile help?

If your gummy smile has been caused by the positioning of your jaw then there are surgical options available to correct this. Maxillofacial surgery can be performed to reposition the bone. Other surgical options also include gum repositioning and lip lowering surgery. Crown lengthening is another procedure that can be performed to remove excess gum tissue thereby exposing more of the crown of the tooth and making the teeth appear longer. This is usually performed by a specialist periodontist.

Do lip fillers help with a gummy smile?

In some cases lip fillers can improve the appearance of a gummy smile if the top lip is positioned too high and is thin, leading to more exposure of the gums than if the lip was fuller. In this case subtle enhancement and balancing of the upper lip could improve the appearance of a gummy smile.

Can a child grow out of a gummy smile?

It is possible but it is also possible that the appearance of a gummy smile will get worse as the jaw develops and grows. If you are concerned about your child’s teeth or smile you should consult with a dentist.