Gummy Smile Correction: what it means
If your smile shows more gum than you would like, you are not alone. A “gummy smile” can make teeth look shorter or draw attention away from the teeth. Gummy Smile Correction is about creating a better balance between teeth and gums so your smile looks more even and natural.
What causes a gummy smile
A gummy smile does not have one single cause. It can be influenced by:
- extra gum tissue covering part of the teeth
- teeth that did not fully “show” as they erupted
- the way your upper lip lifts when you smile
- tooth position or bite factors
- jaw structure in some cases
This is why diagnosis matters. The right solution depends on the reason your gums show more.
When gum contouring helps (and when it won’t)
Gum contouring is most useful when extra gum tissue is a major reason for the gummy look or when the gum line is uneven.
Gum contouring may not give the outcome you want if the gummy smile is mainly driven by lip movement or jaw structure. In those cases, we will explain what other options may be needed and what can realistically be achieved.
Your consultation: how we decide the right plan
We treat this like healthcare, not a quick cosmetic fix. In your consultation, we:
- check gum health and rule out inflammation or gum disease
- examine tooth proportions and gum-to-tooth balance
- evaluate symmetry across the smile zone
- check for factors that can affect stability, including bite and, when relevant, bone levels around teeth
- explain what is realistic, what is optional, and what should be done first
If gums are inflamed, or there are cavities or active issues, we will recommend treating those first. A stable, healthy foundation protects your long-term result.
Crown lengthening and bone level checks (when needed)
In some cases, teeth look short because both gum and supporting bone influence how much tooth surface is visible. If we suspect this, we may discuss crown lengthening as part of the plan. We will only recommend what is relevant to your case.
What the procedure involves
Gum contouring reshapes the gum line to improve symmetry and reduce gum display. Comfort is planned first. Depending on your case, this may be done using laser gum contouring or other suitable clinical techniques. We recommend the approach that best fits your gum health, tooth proportions, and the outcome you want, and we explain the steps before we begin.
Recovery and aftercare (what to expect)
Healing varies based on how much reshaping is needed and your gum health. We give aftercare guidance to support comfortable healing and reduce irritation. In general, it includes:
- gentle oral hygiene while healing
- avoiding irritation to the treated area
- following any rinsing or care instructions provided
- follow-up if advised
Healthy gums help aesthetic results last longer.
When gummy smile correction is combined with other smile aesthetics
In many cases, gum contouring is part of a broader smile aesthetics plan. Depending on your goals, it may be combined with:
- teeth whitening
- dental bonding for small shape improvements
- veneers for broader shape and colour changes
- aligners if tooth position affects symmetry
We recommend the safest sequence so the final result looks natural and feels stable.
WhatsApp helper
If possible, share one clear smile photo and tell us your main concern: “gummy smile” or “uneven gum line.” This helps us guide you faster.
Disclaimer
Suitability and outcomes vary based on gum health, tooth proportions, and the cause of gum display. We explain limitations, risks, and aftercare before treatment.
What gum contouring can help with
- reducing the appearance of a gummy smile when extra gum tissue is a main factor
- correcting an uneven gum line
- improving tooth-to-gum symmetry in the smile zone
- creating a better frame for whitening, bonding, or veneers
When we may recommend a different approach first
- gum health treatment first if gums are inflamed
- aligners first if tooth position drives the gummy appearance
- restorative planning if tooth shape and gum changes must be planned together
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, book an appointment with our professional.
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