Stressed Out about a Gummy Smile? Did You Know it Can Be Corrected?

The amount of gum tissue we possess, just like how much hair we have on our heads, is merely a matter of personal anatomy — some of us just have more of it than others. If you are unhappy with your smile and feel you have "too much" gum tissue, there are several ways to help reduce a gummy smile. Let's take a look at the three most common options:

Gingivectomy (Gum Lift, Gum Contouring)

The most common and speediest solution for revitalizing a gummy smile is a gingivectomy. A gingivectomy is the surgical removal of excess gum tissue from the crown of the tooth. It can be performed with a scalpel, electrosurgery, lasers, or dental burs.

There is an artistic element to this procedure, as your dentist reshapes the gumline to create a more balanced smile. The procedure is done under local anesthetic and typically takes a few minutes to an hour, depending on how many teeth are treated.

Lip Repositioning

This option may sound intimidating, but aside from post-surgical swelling and some tightness, it can be an effective solution if your gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive upper lip rather than excess gum tissue.

During the procedure, a small section of tissue from inside the upper lip is removed and stitched together in a slightly lower position. It’s similar to removing a strip of fabric from the middle of a seam and sewing the ends back together. Your lip isn’t truly lowered; its movement is simply restricted to prevent it from lifting too high and exposing excess gum tissue. The surgery takes about 45 minutes, and results are immediate.

Crown Lengthening

Despite its name, crown lengthening doesn't actually involve stretching the tooth. Instead, the dentist makes a small incision in the gum to create a flap, exposing the bone surrounding your teeth. A small amount of bone is removed, and the gum tissue is repositioned lower on the tooth, making more of the crown visible when you smile.

While crown lengthening can effectively reduce a gummy smile, many dentists may recommend orthodontic treatment instead, as it can gradually reposition teeth without surgery or permanent bone removal.

Modern dental techniques offer impressive solutions for enhancing your smile. If you’re self-conscious about showing too much gum or find yourself hiding your smile altogether, talk to your dentist. You may be surprised how quickly we can help you smile confidently again!