Treating a Gummy Smile

What causes a gummy smile?

Several different factors can produce the same visual result. The treatment that'll work best for you depends on which cause is at play — sometimes more than one.

• A
  Excess gum tissue (altered passive eruption)

  The gums never fully receded as the teeth erupted, leaving teeth that look short. This is one of the most common causes and is usually addressed with crown lengthening or gum contouring.

• B
  A hyperactive upper lip

  The muscles that raise the upper lip pull too high when you smile, exposing extra gum. Options include neuromodulator injections (Botox) or, in select cases, lip-repositioning surgery.

• C
  Tooth position or wear

  Teeth that have erupted too far down, or worn-down edges that have shortened the teeth, can make the gum line appear too prominent. Orthodontics or restorative work can rebalance the smile.

• D
  Jaw development (vertical maxillary excess)

  In rarer cases, the upper jaw grew longer than usual, pushing the gum line down. Surgical correction may be considered for severe cases — but most patients see excellent results with simpler in-office options.

What does treatment involve?

Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the process is. Here's the typical flow from consultation to results.

1. Cosmetic evaluation. Dr. Martenson or Dr. Ma examines your gum line, lip dynamics, and tooth proportions, then recommends the simplest treatment that'll achieve the look you want.
2. Treatment planning. Using digital photos and imaging, we map out the new gum line so you can preview the outcome before committing.
3. The procedure itself. In-office contouring takes 30–60 minutes under local anesthesia. Surgical crown lengthening is similar — comfortable, with no general anesthesia required.
4. Healing & follow-up. Most gum tissue heals in 3–4 weeks. We'll see you back to confirm symmetry and discuss any restorative steps (like veneers) if they're part of your plan.

A few things to keep in mind

• Results are typically permanent for surgical options like crown lengthening, while Botox-based treatments require periodic touch-ups every 3–6 months.
• Healthy gums come first. If you have active gum disease, we'll address that before any cosmetic work — it's essential for a lasting result.
• It's OK to start small. Many patients begin with the most conservative option and decide later whether to add veneers or orthodontics. We'll never push more treatment than you need.