How to Fix a Gummy Smile: Safe & Lasting Treatments
June 27, 2025
Do you always stop and think twice to smile? Because you know that your gums show more than you’d like? You are not alone. A gummy smile where too much gum tissue is visible above your top teeth can make you feel insecure even if you have strong and healthy teeth.
We at Melton Dental Group understand your concerns and believe that everyone deserves a confident smile. Thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry, our Melton dentist can now give you an effective and lasting solution for your gummy smile.
In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of a gummy smile, the available treatment options, and how you can choose the best approach for your dental needs.
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, is a condition in which more than a typical amount of gum tissue (3-4 millimetres) is visible above your upper teeth when you smile. This can make the gums appear prominent, sometimes making your teeth seem small or covered by the gums.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Understanding the root causes of a gummy smile can help you decide which treatment option would suit you best. Here are a few reasons:
1. Excess Gum Tissue
The gum tissue will sometimes cover more tooth surface than normal, which would make your teeth look shorter with more visible gums.
2. Short Upper Lip
A short or hyperactive upper lip can rise too high, revealing more gum than usual when you smile.
3. Teeth That Didn’t Fully Erupt
Also known as altered passive eruption, this happens when your teeth appear short because they are more partially covered by gum tissue than they should be.
4. Overactive Lip Muscles
When your lip muscles contract more than usual, your gums may be more visible.
5. Jaw Development Issues
In some cases, a gummy smile is caused by vertical maxillary excess — when the upper jaw hasn’t grown too much vertically.
Are Treatments for a Gummy Smile Safe & Effective?
Yes, they are. Thanks to advances in cosmetic dentistry, correcting a gummy smile has never been safer. The right solution will depend on the root cause of your condition. Let’s look at the most popular and effective treatment options that are available at Melton Dental.
1. Gum Contouring or Crown Lengthening
It is a simple procedure that is best for those who have excess gum tissue growth or short teeth. The treatment option helps eliminate and reshapes excess gum tissue to show more of your natural tooth. Sometimes small quantities of surrounding bone of the tooth will also be removed to create a more balanced look.
Gum contouring, or crown lengthening, is minimally invasive, gives long-term results and is ideal if you are looking for fast recovery.
2. Orthodontic Treatments (Braces or Invisalign)
If you suffer with misaligned teeth eruption, then orthodontic treatment is something you should consider. Braces or clear aligners like Invisalign can help straighten your teeth into a more natural position and correct bite issues that cause a gummy smile.
This also helps address the root issue and improves your overall dental alignment. If you like, you can also combine it with other treatments once you consult our Melton dentist.
3. Lip Repositioning Surgery
This minimally invasive surgical procedure is painless and reduces the position of the upper lip by restricting the movement of some muscles.
Lip repositioning surgery gives you permanent results and only takes less than an hour with a short recovery time. It’s a more permanent solution than Botox if you deal with hyperactive lip movement.
4. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
When a gummy smile is caused by jaw structure rather than gums or lips, orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be required. This treatment is often done in collaboration with an orthodontist and oral surgeon.
Though it’s more invasive and requires longer recovery, it’s the most effective solution for patients with skeletal discrepancies.
What’s the Best Treatment for You?
The ideal gummy smile treatment relies on:
- The degree of gum exposure
- The reason (e.g., gums, lips, teeth, jaw)
- Your age and overall oral health
- Your treatment goals and comfort with surgery
At Melton Dental Group, we offer personalised smile assessments to identify the root cause and recommend the most suitable option for you.
What Are the Benefits of Fixing a Gummy Smile?
Other than just having the perfect smile, there are many other benefits to fixing your gummy smile:
- More Confidence – You would be more confident smiling in photos and in everyday social settings.
- Improved Facial Aesthetic – The procedure enhances the balance and proportion in your smile.
- Simplifies Your Oral Hygiene – Some procedures, like gum contouring, make it easier to clean around the gum line.
- Long-Term Satisfaction – Most procedures deliver long-lasting or even lifelong results.
Why Choose Melton Dental Group for Gummy Smile Treatment?
As a trusted dentist in Melton, we take pride in offering quality cosmetic dentistry procedures to fit your individual smile. From contouring gums to orthodontics or smile makeovers, our experienced team is here to help you.
We use advanced dental technology and a compassionate, patient-first approach to make every visit comfortable and effective.
Your dream smile is just a call away. Transform your gummy smile today with confidence at Melton Dental Group.