How Can I Fix My Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile is when more of your gums show than you’d like when you smile. While there’s nothing medically wrong with a gummy smile, many people feel self-conscious about it and look for ways to improve their appearance. There are several treatment options available, depending on what’s causing your gummy smile.

At The Center for High Tech Dentistry on the Upper East Side, Kaveh Abedini, DMD, Simon Rosenberg, DMD, and our dental team can evaluate your smile and recommend personalized treatment options to help you feel more confident.

We offer laser gum contouring as part of our advanced laser dentistry services, using precise light energy to gently remove excess gum tissue and enhance your smile. Laser dentistry is just one component of our comprehensive full-mouth rehabilitation approach that restores both function and aesthetics.

Causes of a gummy smile

One of the first steps in fixing a gummy smile is understanding the cause. A gummy smile can happen for different reasons, such as how your teeth and jaw are positioned, how your upper lip moves, or how your gums grow. In some cases, the upper jaw may be slightly overdeveloped, or the upper lip may lift higher than average when you smile. 

We can identify the cause and determine the best treatment for you.

Nonsurgical treatment options

For some people, nonsurgical treatments may help improve the appearance of a gummy smile. Botox® injections are a common option. 

Botox works by relaxing the muscles that lift your upper lip, which can help reduce the amount of gum that shows when you smile. This treatment is quick, minimally invasive, and the results are temporary, usually lasting a few months. 

It can be a great option if you want to try a less permanent solution first.

Orthodontic and surgical options

Another option is orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, like Invisalign®. If your gummy smile is caused by how your teeth are positioned, moving them into a better alignment can help reduce gum exposure. In some cases, this approach may take longer, but it can provide long-lasting results.

For more significant cases, we may recommend surgical options. A procedure called crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue to expose more of your teeth. In other situations, jaw surgery may be needed to correct the position of the upper jaw. 

While these treatments are more involved, they can offer permanent improvements if you’re a patient with more severe concerns.

Finding the right treatment for you

You may also benefit from a combination of treatments, depending on your unique situation. We can evaluate your smile, listen to your goals, and create a plan that works best for you.

If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, you don’t have to just live with it. Talk with one of our qualified providers to explore your options and find the right solution for you.

Call  212-988-8822 today or use the online scheduler for convenience.