A "gummy smile" is when a noticeable band of gum shows above the upper teeth when you smile. It is harmless, and many people are not bothered by it — but for those who are, treatment is often simpler than expected once the cause is identified.
Why it happens
- Short-looking teeth. The teeth are normal length but part of the crown is still covered by gum (altered passive eruption). The teeth look small and square.
- Excess gum tissue, sometimes made worse by certain medicines or by gum inflammation.
- A hyperactive upper lip that lifts higher than usual when smiling.
- The upper jaw being vertically long, so the whole tooth-and-gum complex sits low.
- Worn teeth from grinding, where the teeth have shortened and the gum follows.
Often two causes combine, and the dentist assesses lip movement, tooth length, gum levels and the bite before suggesting anything.
Treatment options
Laser gum contouring
When the teeth are covered by extra gum, the dental laser reshapes the gum line to reveal the natural length of the teeth. It is done under local anaesthesia in one visit, with minimal bleeding and quick healing. This is the commonest and simplest fix. See gum laser treatment in Rajkot.
Crown lengthening
If bone also sits too close to the edge of the tooth, a small surgical procedure repositions the gum and bone together for a stable result.
Veneers or crowns
Where teeth are worn short, lengthening them with veneers or crowns restores proportion and often reduces the gum show. Planned as part of smile designing.
Orthodontics
When the teeth have erupted too far down, braces or aligners can move them upwards, carrying the gum with them. See braces treatment.
Lip repositioning or lip-relaxing injections
For a very mobile upper lip, a minor procedure limits how high the lip lifts; muscle-relaxing injections are a temporary alternative. These are discussed when the lip, not the gum, is the main cause.
Jaw surgery
Only for pronounced vertical excess of the upper jaw — rarely needed.
What the result looks like
A digital smile design preview shows the proposed gum line and tooth proportions before treatment, so you can see whether a millimetre or two of gum contouring is enough or whether veneers should be combined. Most patients are surprised by how much difference a small change in the gum line makes.
Common questions
Does laser gum contouring hurt? It is done under local anaesthesia; afterwards the gums feel mildly tender for a few days.
Will the gum grow back? After laser contouring of excess gum tissue the result is stable. If bone was the limiting factor, crown lengthening prevents regrowth.
Can it be done before a wedding? Laser contouring heals in about two weeks; plan it at least a month before.
Self-conscious about a gummy smile? Book a consultation at Lifedent, Rajkot.