A gummy smile occurs when excessive gum tissue is visible when smiling. Fortunately, there are several treatment options depending on the cause (excess gum tissue, short teeth, hyperactive upper lip, or jaw positioning). Here are some effective ways to fix a gummy smile:
Non-Surgical & Minimally Invasive Options
- Botox Injections
- Best for: Hyperactive upper lip that lifts too high when smiling.
- How it works: Botox relaxes the muscles controlling the upper lip, reducing the amount of gum shown.
- Cost: $300–$600 per session.
- Results: Temporary, lasting 3–6 months.
- Laser Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)
- Best for: Excess gum tissue covering the teeth.
- How it works: A laser removes and reshapes the gumline to expose more of the teeth.
- Cost: $500–$3,000 (depending on the number of teeth treated).
- Results: Permanent, quick healing time.
- Orthodontic Treatment (Braces or Invisalign)
- Best for: Jaw alignment issues or mild gummy smiles caused by the way teeth erupt.
- How it works: Moves teeth into a better position, sometimes combined with other treatments.
- Cost: $3,000–$7,000.
- Results: Permanent, but requires time.
Surgical Treatment Options
- Crown Lengthening Surgery
- Best for: Teeth that appear short due to excess gum coverage.
- How it works: A periodontist removes excess gum tissue and reshapes the underlying bone to lengthen the appearance of the teeth.
- Cost: $1,000–$4,000 per tooth.
- Results: Permanent.
- Lip Repositioning Surgery
- Best for: A high upper lip that exposes too much gum.
- How it works: The surgeon repositions the upper lip closer to the teeth, reducing gum exposure.
- Cost: $2,000–$5,000.
- Results: Permanent.
- Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)
- Best for: Severe cases where excessive gum exposure is due to jaw misalignment.
- How it works: A maxillofacial surgeon repositions the upper jaw to reduce excessive gum visibility.
- Cost: $20,000–$50,000 (often covered by insurance if medically necessary).
- Results: Permanent but involves extensive recovery.
Which Option is Right for You?
The best treatment depends on the cause of your gummy smile. A consultation with a dentist, orthodontist, or periodontist can determine the best solution based on your gum-to-teeth ratio, lip movement, and jaw alignment.
Before Choosing a Treatment: Key Factors to Consider
- The Root Cause of Your Gummy Smile
- Excess gum tissue? → Gum contouring or crown lengthening.
- Short teeth? → Crown lengthening or veneers.
- Hyperactive upper lip? → Botox or lip repositioning surgery.
- Jaw misalignment? → Orthodontics or orthognathic surgery.
- Your Desired Outcome
- Subtle improvement? Botox or laser contouring.
- Permanent fix? Crown lengthening, lip repositioning, or jaw surgery.
- Minimal downtime? Botox or laser treatments.
- More dramatic change? Surgery or orthodontics.
- Cost & Insurance Coverage
- Cosmetic procedures (laser gum contouring, Botox, veneers, etc.) are typically not covered by insurance.
- Medical necessity (orthognathic surgery, periodontal treatments, severe overgrowth issues) may be partially covered if they affect function.
Combination Treatments for Best Results
In some cases, a single treatment may not be enough. Your dentist or periodontist may suggest combining treatments such as:
- Gum contouring + veneers → Reshapes the gums and enhances tooth size.
- Lip repositioning + Botox → Controls the upper lip movement for natural results.
- Braces/Invisalign + gum contouring → Adjusts alignment and refines the gumline.
- Jaw surgery + orthodontics → Corrects skeletal causes for a long-term fix.
What to Expect During a Gummy Smile Consultation
When you visit a dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon to discuss your gummy smile, here’s what typically happens:
- Initial Examination & Diagnosis
The dentist will:
- Evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw alignment.
- Take digital X-rays or 3D imaging to assess bone structure.
- Possibly take impressions or intraoral scans to plan treatment.
- Determine whether the issue is due to gum overgrowth, teeth size, lip position, or jaw alignment.
- Treatment Plan Discussion
Based on your diagnosis, the dentist will:
- Explain which treatment options fit your case.
- Show before-and-after photos of similar patients.
- Discuss expected outcomes, healing time, and risks.
- Provide cost estimates and discuss financing options if needed.
- Pre-Treatment Considerations
- For Botox: Quick, non-invasive, lasts 3–6 months.
- For Laser Gum Contouring: Minimal downtime, can eat normally within a day.
- For Orthodontics or Jaw Surgery: Longer treatment time but permanent results.
- For Crown Lengthening: Healing time is typically 1-2 weeks with mild discomfort.
Recovery & Aftercare for Common Gummy Smile Treatments
If you move forward with treatment, here’s what you can expect afterward:
Botox for Gummy Smile
- Downtime: None, but avoid excessive lip movement for 24 hours.
- Pain: Minimal; slight swelling possible.
- Results: Visible within a few days, lasts 3–6 months.
Laser Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)
- Downtime: 1–3 days.
- Pain: Mild discomfort, managed with OTC pain relievers.
- Care: Avoid spicy/hard foods for a few days, use antimicrobial mouthwash.
Crown Lengthening
- Downtime: 1–2 weeks.
- Pain: Moderate swelling, managed with painkillers.
- Care: Soft foods, gentle brushing near the gumline.
Lip Repositioning Surgery
- Downtime: 1–2 weeks for full healing.
- Pain: Mild to moderate swelling, avoid excessive lip movements.
- Care: Stick to soft foods, avoid excessive smiling/laughing during healing.
Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
- Downtime: 4–6 weeks (full recovery takes months).
- Pain: Moderate to significant swelling; requires post-op care.
- Care: Liquid/soft food diet initially, regular follow-ups with the surgeon.
Gummy Smile Myths & Facts
Before you choose a treatment, it’s important to separate myths from facts about gummy smiles.
🚫 Myth #1: A Gummy Smile Is Only a Cosmetic Issue
✅ Fact: In some cases, a gummy smile is linked to jaw misalignment (skeletal issues), gum disease, or bite problems, which can impact oral health. Consulting a dentist ensures the best treatment approach.
🚫 Myth #2: Braces or Invisalign Can Always Fix a Gummy Smile
✅ Fact: Orthodontic treatment only helps if the gummy smile is due to tooth positioning (such as over-eruption). If excess gum tissue, lip movement, or jaw structure is the cause, other treatments are required.
🚫 Myth #3: Laser Gum Contouring Is a One-Time Fix for Everyone
✅ Fact: Laser contouring works well for mild to moderate gummy smiles, but in cases where too much gum tissue is removed, regrowth can occur. Some people may require additional treatment, such as crown lengthening or lip repositioning surgery, for a permanent result.
🚫 Myth #4: Jaw Surgery Is the Only Permanent Solution
✅ Fact: While orthognathic surgery is the best option for severe jaw-related cases, many people can achieve a permanent fix with less invasive options like lip repositioning, gum contouring, or Botox with maintenance.
Can You Reduce a Gummy Smile Naturally?
If you’re looking for non-surgical, at-home solutions, they may be limited but can sometimes help reduce gum visibility:
- Facial Exercises for Lip Control
- Try strengthening lip muscles by practicing a subtle smile (avoiding excessive upper lip lifting).
- Massaging the area before Botox may help train muscles to relax slightly.
- Lip Filler for Added Volume
- A fuller upper lip (with hyaluronic acid fillers) can reduce how much the lip lifts when smiling.
- Not a permanent fix, but a good alternative to Botox or surgery.
- Posture & Smile Awareness
- Some people unconsciously overuse their upper lip muscles when smiling.
- Being aware of lip movement in mirrors or photos can help train a softer, more natural smile.
- Gum Health Maintenance
- Swollen or inflamed gums due to poor oral hygiene can make a gummy smile worse.
- Brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can help reduce excess gum appearance.
Best Gummy Smile Treatment by Severity
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right solution:
Gummy Smile Severity | Best Treatment | Effectiveness | Downtime |
Mild (1-2mm gum exposure) | Botox, lip fillers, laser contouring | Temporary to semi-permanent | 0–3 days |
Moderate (3-4mm gum exposure) | Laser contouring, lip repositioning surgery, orthodontics | Semi-permanent to permanent | 1-2 weeks |
Severe (5mm+ gum exposure) | Jaw surgery, crown lengthening, orthodontics | Permanent | 4–6+ weeks |
Real-Life Gummy Smile Transformations: What to Expect
If you’re still unsure about treatment, seeing real patient experiences can be helpful. Here’s what you can expect from various treatments:
- Botox for a Gummy Smile – Quick Fix
Patient Story:
- Ashley (28) had a hyperactive upper lip that lifted too high when she smiled. She was hesitant about surgery, so her dentist recommended Botox.
- Procedure: 5-minute Botox injection in the upper lip.
- Results: Within 3 days, her upper lip relaxed, covering her gums slightly.
- Maintenance: Every 4-6 months.
- Cost: $300–$600 per session.
- Ashley’s Thoughts: “It was so easy! I love the results, but I do have to keep up with touch-ups.”
- Laser Gum Contouring – Instant Reshaping
Patient Story:
- David (35) had excess gum tissue that made his teeth look short. His dentist suggested laser gum contouring for a quick, permanent fix.
- Procedure: A laser was used to remove excess gum tissue on 8 upper teeth.
- Results: Immediate, with mild swelling that healed in 1 week.
- Maintenance: Permanent unless gum regrowth occurs.
- Cost: $500–$3,000.
- David’s Thoughts: “The change was instant, and my teeth finally look normal-sized!”
- Lip Repositioning Surgery – Moderate to Permanent Fix
Patient Story:
- Maria (32) had a high upper lip that showed 4mm of gum when she smiled. She wanted a longer-lasting fix than Botox but wasn’t ready for jaw surgery.
- Procedure: A minor surgery repositioned her upper lip to limit movement.
- Results: Less gum exposure when smiling; healed in 2 weeks.
- Maintenance: Permanent unless excessive lip movement returns.
- Cost: $2,000–$5,000.
- Maria’s Thoughts: “It was totally worth it! I don’t have to worry about Botox every few months.”
- Orthodontics + Gum Contouring – Long-Term Solution
Patient Story:
- Chris (25) had a gummy smile due to both excess gums and slightly misaligned teeth. His orthodontist recommended Invisalign followed by gum contouring.
- Procedure: 12 months of Invisalign, then laser gum contouring.
- Results: More even teeth and a balanced gum-to-tooth ratio.
- Maintenance: Permanent.
- Cost: $4,000–$7,000.
- Chris’s Thoughts: “It took a year, but the transformation is amazing. It was totally worth the wait.”
- Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) – Permanent Solution for Severe Cases
Patient Story:
- Jessica (29) had a severely misaligned jaw that caused excessive gum exposure. Braces alone wouldn’t fix it, so she underwent jaw surgery.
- Procedure: Orthognathic surgery repositioned her upper jaw to correct the gummy smile.
- Results: Dramatic change with reduced gum exposure.
- Maintenance: Permanent.
- Cost: $20,000–$50,000 (insurance may cover it).
- Jessica’s Thoughts: “The recovery was tough, but my confidence skyrocketed. I love my new smile!”
Gummy Smile Before & After Expectations
💡 What to Expect Based on Treatment Choice:
Treatment | Before | After |
Botox | Upper lip raises too high | More balanced lip movement |
Laser Gum Contouring | Short-looking teeth | Longer, well-proportioned teeth |
Lip Repositioning | Excessive gum exposure | Lip naturally covers more gum |
Braces/Invisalign | Uneven smile, minor gum exposure | Aligned teeth, improved gum visibility |
Jaw Surgery | Severe gum display | Dramatic change with balanced jaw alignment |
FAQs About Fixing a Gummy Smile
- How do I know which treatment is right for me?
- A dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon will evaluate your gums, lip movement, and teeth alignment.
- If your teeth look short, gum contouring may help.
- If your upper lip moves too much, Botox or lip repositioning may work.
- If your jaw position is the issue, orthodontics or jaw surgery may be needed.
- Does insurance cover gummy smile treatments?
- Cosmetic procedures (Botox, gum contouring, veneers, etc.) are usually not covered.
- Medical procedures (jaw surgery, severe gum overgrowth, or bite correction) may be covered if they affect function.
- How painful are these treatments?
- Botox: No pain.
- Laser gum contouring: Mild discomfort for 1–3 days.
- Lip repositioning: Some swelling, heals in 2 weeks.
- Jaw surgery: Significant recovery time, but long-term results.
- Will my gummy smile come back after treatment?
- Botox & fillers need maintenance every few months.
- Gum contouring is usually permanent, but gums can regrow in some cases.
- Lip repositioning & jaw surgery offer permanent results.
Alternative and Emerging Treatments for Gummy Smiles
If you’re exploring newer or alternative approaches, here are some lesser-known but effective treatments for a gummy smile.
- Hyaluronic Acid Lip Fillers for Gummy Smiles
- Best for: People with a thin upper lip that exposes too much gum.
- How it works: Filler adds volume to the upper lip, subtly lowering how much gum is visible when you smile.
- Procedure Time: 10–20 minutes.
- Downtime: None; minor swelling for 1-2 days.
- Cost: $500–$1,500 (varies by provider).
- How long it lasts: 6–12 months.
- Pros: Non-invasive, quick results, adjustable if needed.
- Cons: Requires regular maintenance.
💡 Pro Tip: This treatment can be combined with Botox for even better results!
- Orthodontic Mini-Screws (Temporary Anchorage Devices – TADs)
- Best for: People with an over-erupted upper jaw causing excess gum display.
- How it works: Small titanium screws (TADs) are placed in the gums and used to pull the upper jaw slightly higher, reducing gum exposure.
- Procedure Time: 30–45 minutes.
- Downtime: 1-3 days (minor discomfort).
- Cost: $1,500–$4,000.
- How long it lasts: Permanent.
- Pros: Less invasive than jaw surgery, effective for certain cases.
- Cons: Only works if your gummy smile is caused by jaw height.
- Myofunctional Therapy (Facial & Tongue Exercises)
- Best for: Mild cases caused by excessive upper lip movement.
- How it works: Strengthens facial muscles and retrains lip movement to reduce gum exposure when smiling.
- Procedure Time: Requires daily exercises for several months.
- Downtime: None.
- Cost: Usually free or low-cost (if done through a speech therapist or online program).
- How long it lasts: Permanent, but results vary.
- Pros: Completely natural, no risks.
- Cons: Requires patience and consistency.
Newest Technologies & Innovations in Gummy Smile Correction
Dental technology continues to evolve, and cutting-edge treatments are becoming available:
🔬 AI-Guided Smile Design
Some dentists now use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to design your perfect smile before treatment.
- AI can simulate how your smile will look after Botox, gum contouring, or orthodontics.
- This helps patients visualize their results before committing to a treatment.
- Availability: High-end cosmetic dental clinics.
🦷 Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST)
- A scalpel-free alternative to gum surgery.
- Small pinholes are made in the gums, and tissue is gently repositioned without stitches.
- Faster healing and less discomfort than traditional gum surgery.
- Availability: Limited to select periodontists.
🧬 Regenerative Gum Therapy
- Biologic materials (like platelet-rich fibrin) are used to regrow gum tissue in a controlled way.
- Helps reshape gums without cutting them away.
- Currently in experimental stages but could revolutionize gummy smile treatments in the future.
