Gummy Smile

Teeth that Look Short

If you have noticed your teeth look small or short, the problem may not be your teeth, but rather gums that sit too low.

Too Much of Your Gums Show when Smiling

For some people, smiling reveals a large portion of their gums, drawing attention away from otherwise healthy, beautiful teeth.

Too Much Gum Tissue

Some of us simply have more gum tissue than others. In some cases, teeth appear short because they did not fully erupt from the gums and are still partially covered by gum tissue. Gums can also grow over teeth due to a condition called gingival hypertrophy.

Worn or Short Teeth

Your teeth may appear small in comparison with your gums if they have been worn down or are naturally shorter than average.

A Short or Hyperactive Upper Lip

If your upper lip is too short, it can reveal more of your gums when you smile. In other cases, the upper lip is a normal length, but lifts too high when smiling.

Jaw Problems

An overgrowth in the upper jaw, known as vertical maxillary excess, can make your gums bulge and upset the proportions of your smile.

Unfortunately, when a gummy smile is caused by genetics, there are no reliable methods of prevention. However, by visiting a dentist on a regular basis, you can address teeth grinding and other issues that can eventually contribute to a gummy smile.

Lip Repositioning Surgery

When combined with orthodontic treatment, lip repositioning can be a good alternative to jaw surgery.

Orthodontics

If your gummy smile is due to mild issues with your jaws or bite, an orthodontic treatment can shift the position of your teeth to reduce the amount of gum tissue that shows when you smile.

Porcelain Veneers or Crowns

Placing a restoration, such as a veneer or crown, can make worn or short teeth appear longer and balance the proportions of your smile.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

For cases of moderate to severe jaw protrusion, you may need orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontics.

BOTOX Cosmetic

Doctors can now use BOTOX Cosmetic to limit the movement of your upper lip when you smile. While temporary, it can provide beautiful results at an affordable price.