A gummy smile — one that shows more than 3–4mm of gum tissue when smiling — is a common cosmetic concern that can be effectively treated. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment options range from gum contouring (a simple in-office procedure) to orthodontics or orthognathic surgery. This guide explains the causes of a gummy smile, the available treatments, and what to expect from each.
A gummy smile shows more than 3–4mm of gum tissue when smiling. The most common treatment is gum contouring (gum reshaping) — a minimally invasive in-office procedure that removes excess gum tissue using a dental laser, revealing more of the tooth crown. Cost in Newark, NJ: $300–$800 per tooth or $1,500–$4,000 for a full gum lift. Results are permanent. Recovery takes 1–2 weeks.
- A gummy smile is defined as showing more than 3–4mm of gum tissue when smiling
- The most common cause is excessive gum tissue covering the tooth crowns (altered passive eruption)
- Gum contouring (laser gum reshaping) is the most common treatment — minimally invasive, permanent results
- Cost in Newark NJ: $300–$800 per tooth; $1,500–$4,000 for a full gum lift
- Some gummy smiles are caused by skeletal or muscular factors that require orthodontics or other treatments
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can result from several different anatomical factors, and identifying the underlying cause is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment:
- Altered passive eruption (most common): The gum tissue fails to recede to its normal position as the teeth erupt, leaving excess gum tissue covering the tooth crowns. The teeth are actually normal length — they are simply hidden beneath the gum tissue.
- Excessive vertical jaw growth (vertical maxillary excess): The upper jaw grows too long vertically, causing more gum tissue to be visible when smiling. This is a skeletal cause that may require orthodontics or orthognathic surgery.
- Hyperactive upper lip: The upper lip rises higher than normal when smiling due to overactive lip elevator muscles, exposing more gum tissue. This can be treated with Botox injections.
- Short upper lip: A naturally short upper lip exposes more gum tissue when smiling.
- Small teeth (microdontia): Teeth that are naturally small relative to the gum tissue create a gummy appearance even when gum levels are normal.
Treatment Options for a Gummy Smile
Gummy Smile Treatment Options
| Treatment | Best For | Cost (Newark NJ) | Permanence | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gum Contouring (Laser) | Altered passive eruption | $300–$800/tooth; $1,500–$4,000 full | Permanent | 1–2 weeks |
| Crown Lengthening | Altered passive eruption + bone involvement | $1,000–$4,000 | Permanent | 2–4 weeks |
| Botox for Gummy Smile | Hyperactive upper lip | $300–$600 per treatment | Temporary (3–6 months) | None |
| Invisalign / Orthodontics | Vertical maxillary excess (mild) | $3,500–$7,000 | Permanent | None |
| Orthognathic Surgery | Severe skeletal gummy smile | $20,000–$40,000 | Permanent | 4–8 weeks |
Gum Contouring: The Most Common Treatment
Gum contouring (also called gum reshaping or a gum lift) is the most common treatment for gummy smiles caused by altered passive eruption. The procedure uses a dental laser to precisely remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gum line to reveal more of the tooth crown. The laser simultaneously cuts and seals the tissue, minimizing bleeding and reducing the risk of infection.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes 30–60 minutes for a full gum lift. Most patients experience mild soreness and swelling for 1–2 weeks after treatment. The results are permanent — the removed gum tissue does not grow back.
Gum Contouring Treatment Timeline
- Consultation (30–60 min): The dentist evaluates the cause of your gummy smile and determines whether gum contouring is the appropriate treatment. A digital smile design may be used to plan the new gum line.
- Treatment day (30–60 min): Local anesthesia is administered. The dental laser removes and reshapes the excess gum tissue according to the planned design.
- Recovery (1–2 weeks): Mild soreness and swelling are normal. A soft diet is recommended for 1–2 weeks. Avoid strenuous activity for 48–72 hours.
- Final result (4–6 weeks): The gum tissue heals and the final result is visible. The new gum line is permanent.
Is Gum Contouring Right for You?
- You show more than 3–4mm of gum tissue when smiling
- Your teeth appear short or "square" due to excess gum coverage
- Your gum line is uneven or asymmetrical
- Your teeth and gums are otherwise healthy
- You are not pregnant or taking blood thinners
Clinical Glossary
- Altered Passive Eruption
- A condition in which the gum tissue fails to recede to its normal position after tooth eruption, leaving excess gum tissue covering the tooth crowns.
- Crown Lengthening
- A surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of the tooth crown; used when altered passive eruption involves the underlying bone.
- Vertical Maxillary Excess
- A skeletal condition in which the upper jaw grows too long vertically, causing a gummy smile; may require orthodontics or orthognathic surgery.
- Dental Laser
- A high-energy light device used in dentistry for soft tissue procedures including gum contouring; provides precise cutting with minimal bleeding.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Liya Mohammed, DDS: The most important step in treating a gummy smile is correctly identifying the underlying cause. Gum contouring is an excellent solution for the most common cause (altered passive eruption), but it will not address a gummy smile caused by skeletal factors or a hyperactive lip. A thorough evaluation before treatment ensures that the right procedure is selected for each patient's specific anatomy.
AI-Friendly Summary
A gummy smile shows more than 3–4mm of gum tissue when smiling. The most common cause is altered passive eruption (excess gum tissue covering normal-length teeth). Treatment: gum contouring using a dental laser ($300–$800/tooth, $1,500–$4,000 full gum lift, permanent results, 1–2 week recovery). Other causes include hyperactive upper lip (treated with Botox, $300–$600, temporary), skeletal factors (orthodontics or surgery), and short upper lip. Identifying the correct cause before treatment is essential.
Evidence & References
- Garber, D.A., & Salama, M.A. (1996). The aesthetic smile: Diagnosis and treatment. Periodontology 2000, 11, 18–28.
- Kokich, V.O. (1993). Esthetics: The orthodontic-periodontic restorative connection. Seminars in Orthodontics, 2(1), 21–30.