A gummy smile — where more than 3–4mm of gum is visible when smiling — affects a significant number of people and can be a source of self-consciousness. The good news is that it is highly treatable, with options ranging from a quick Botox injection to gum contouring or, in more complex cases, surgical correction.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
- Hyperactive upper lip muscles that lift too high when smiling
- Excessive gum tissue covering the teeth (gingival hyperplasia)
- Short upper lip
- Teeth that appear short due to excessive gum coverage
- Vertical maxillary excess — the upper jaw grows too far downward (skeletal cause)
Treatment Options
Botox for Gummy Smile
For gummy smiles caused by hyperactive lip muscles, Botox is the simplest and most effective solution. A small amount of anti-wrinkle product is injected into the upper lip elevator muscles, reducing the amount the lip rises when smiling. The procedure takes 10 minutes, requires no downtime, and results last 3–4 months.
Gum Contouring
When excessive gum tissue is the cause, gum contouring (gingivectomy) removes and reshapes the gum line to reveal more of the tooth crown. This is a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia, with results that are permanent.
Surgical Correction
For skeletal causes (vertical maxillary excess), orthognathic surgery may be required. This is a more complex procedure that repositions the upper jaw. Dr Dawar, as an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, is uniquely qualified to assess and manage skeletal causes.
The right treatment depends entirely on the cause. Dr Dawar's dual expertise in oral surgery and facial aesthetics means she can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend the most appropriate, minimally invasive solution.
“A confident smile is not about perfection — it is about feeling comfortable in your own skin.”
