Understanding the Gummy Smile

A gummy smile—when excessive gum tissue is visible while smiling—can affect confidence and overall smile aesthetics. At Evolve Dentistry, we offer advanced solutions to correct gummy smiles and help patients achieve balance, beauty, and confidence.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

Several factors can contribute to a gummy smile:

• Genetics: Natural variation in gum and tooth proportions.

• Hyperactive Upper Lip: Causes the lip to rise higher than usual when smiling.

• Excess Gum Tissue: Overgrowth can cover healthy tooth structure.

• Tooth Eruption Issues: Teeth may appear shorter if not fully erupted.

• Jaw Development: Conditions like vertical maxillary excess (overgrowth of the upper jaw) can lead to excessive gum visibility.

Treatment Options for Gummy Smiles

At Evolve Dentistry, we tailor each treatment to the underlying cause and your unique smile goals:

1. Botox Injections

Ideal for hyperactive upper lips, Botox relaxes the muscles that raise the lip too high when smiling.

• Non-surgical

• Quick results (3–6 months duration)

• Minimal downtime

2. Laser Gum Contouring

A precise, minimally invasive option that uses laser technology to gently reshape excess gum tissue.

• No stitches, minimal discomfort

• Fast healing

• Improves tooth-to-gum ratio

3. Crown Lengthening

For patients needing more extensive reshaping, crown lengthening involves removing excess gum and sometimes bone to expose more of the natural tooth.

• Improves aesthetics

• Often used with veneers or restorations

• Long-lasting results

4. Orthodontic Treatment (Braces or Invisalign)

When a gummy smile is caused by misalignment or jaw position, orthodontic treatment can adjust tooth and jaw relationships for a more balanced smile.

• May be paired with other treatments

• Ideal for structural correction

5. Implant-Supported or Prosthetic Solutions

For patients missing teeth or with complex smile goals, restorative and implant options may be integrated into the smile correction plan.

Benefits of Gummy Smile Treatment

• Improved Smile Aesthetics: Achieve harmony between gums and teeth.

• Boosted Confidence: Feel proud to smile freely.

• Better Oral Hygiene: Easier access to clean along the gumline.

• Long-Term Results: Surgical and laser treatments provide durable improvements.

• Minimal Downtime: Many procedures allow you to return to your routine the same or next day.

Recovery & Aftercare

Each treatment comes with its own recovery expectations:

• Botox: Little to no downtime. Results visible within 5–7 days.

• Laser Contouring: Minor sensitivity; full healing in 1–2 weeks.

• Crown Lengthening: Avoid hard/sticky foods. Healing can take several weeks.

• Orthodontics: Requires longer-term care, but results are comprehensive and lasting.

Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Cost & Financing Options

The cost of gummy smile treatment depends on the chosen procedure:

• Botox: Generally the most affordable

• Laser & Crown Lengthening: May range from several hundred to several thousand dollars

• Financing Available: Evolve Dentistry offers flexible payment plans to make treatment accessible and stress-free.

Choosing the Right Provider

Correcting a gummy smile requires a detailed understanding of facial structure, gum contouring, and smile design. At Evolve Dentistry, our team blends clinical precision with artistic vision to deliver balanced, beautiful smiles. We invite you to schedule a consultation to explore your options and design a smile that feels natural—and looks amazing.