How To Fix A Gummy Smile?

Treatment Options to Correct a Gummy Smile

Even if you take good care of your teeth, sometimes a gummy smile can still happen. Following are some common ways to fix a smile that shows excessive gum, either with surgery or without:

1. Orthodontics
   Braces or clear aligners like Invisalign can help if your teeth are not aligned properly. They slowly move your teeth into the right position, reducing how much gum shows when you smile.
2. Scaling and Root Planing
   This deep cleaning by your dentist removes bacteria deep in your gums and smoothens your tooth roots. It helps heal infections and reduces inflammation, making your smile less gummy.
3. Crown Lengthening (Gingivectomy)
   If you have too much gum tissue, this procedure removes the excess, showing more of your natural teeth. It’s often done along with laser treatments and can include crowns or veneers for a balanced look. This is the most effective and lasting treatment for getting the desired result.
4. Laser Gum Contouring
   Using a laser, your dentist reshapes your gum line, reducing how much gum shows when you smile. It’s a simple and minimally invasive procedure. For this, you must consult a periodontist who has expertise in using lasers.
5. Veneers or Crowns
   These dental additions can make teeth look longer and improve the balance between teeth and gums. They can be done alone or with other treatments, like laser gum contouring.
6. Upper Lip Lowering
   This surgery removes some gum tissue and adjusts your lip to cover more gum when you smile, giving the appearance of shorter teeth.
7. Lip Repositioning Surgery
   In this procedure, your lip is moved downward to cover more gum tissue. It’s often done for people with an overly active upper lip.
8. Botox
   Botox injections can relax the muscles in your upper lip and reduce the appearance of excess gum tissue. The effects last for a few months and need to be repeated regularly.