A little gum showing when you smile is completely normal and healthy. But if it feels like your smile shows more gum than teeth, you are not imagining it, and you are not stuck with it. A gummy smile is one of the most treatable cosmetic concerns, and the best fix depends entirely on what is causing it. Here is a clear rundown.

What counts as a gummy smile?

There is no strict cutoff, but a smile is often described as gummy when more than about three to four millimeters of gum shows above the upper teeth. Really, it comes down to proportion and how you feel about it. If it makes you self-conscious, it is worth understanding your choices.

Why it happens

A gummy smile can come from several different sources, which is exactly why an exam matters before any treatment. Common causes include excess gum tissue that covers part of the teeth and makes them look short, an upper lip that rises too high when you smile, an overgrowth of the upper jaw, or simply the way your teeth erupted. Identifying the cause is the key to the right solution.

How it is treated

Because the causes differ, so do the treatments:

• Gum recontouring: When extra tissue covers the teeth, your dentist can gently reshape the gum line, often with a laser, to reveal more of each tooth.
• Crown lengthening: A slightly more involved option that adjusts gum and, when needed, a little bone for a balanced result.
• Lip repositioning: When an overactive lip is the cause, treatments exist to limit how far it lifts.
• Orthodontics or restorations: When tooth position or proportion is the issue, aligners, veneers, or crowns may be part of the plan.

What to expect

Many gummy-smile treatments are quick and comfortable. Laser gum recontouring, for instance, is often completed in a single visit with minimal downtime, and you can see the change right away. Your dentist will walk you through healing and aftercare based on the approach you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gummy smile treatment painful?

Most procedures, especially laser gum recontouring, are done with numbing and are comfortable. Any tenderness afterward is usually mild and short-lived.

Will my gums grow back after recontouring?

When excess tissue is reshaped properly, results are typically long-lasting. Your dentist makes sure enough healthy tissue remains for a stable result.

How much does it cost to fix a gummy smile?

It depends on the cause and the treatment involved, so a consultation gives the most accurate estimate. Simple gum recontouring costs less than plans that also include restorations.

The first step is simply finding out what is behind your gummy smile. If it is something you would like to change, schedule a cosmetic consultation at Havasu Dentistry and we will explain which option, or combination, will give you the balanced smile you are after.