Gummy Smile Correction Made Simple: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
A beautiful smile can make all the difference — but when excess gum tissue shows, it can sometimes overshadow your confidence. This condition, known as a gummy smile, affects many people who wish their smile looked more balanced.
At Park Dental Care, we believe every smile deserves perfect harmony between gums, teeth, and lips. This blog will help you understand what causes a gummy smile and explore the most effective gummy smile correction treatments available today.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile (medically called excessive gingival display) happens when too much gum tissue is visible when smiling — typically more than 3 to 4 millimeters.
While it's not harmful, it can impact self-esteem and facial aesthetics.
Common Signs of a Gummy Smile:
- Upper gums show prominently when smiling
- Teeth look shorter than normal
- Uneven gum line
- Hesitation to smile freely in public
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Identifying the underlying cause is key to choosing the right treatment. At Park Dental Care, our dentists carefully diagnose whether your gummy smile stems from gum tissue, teeth, lips, or jaw alignment.
Cause | Description | Usually Seen In |
---|---|---|
Excess Gum Tissue | Extra gum covers part of the teeth, making them appear shorter. | Adults with overgrown gums or due to medication side effects |
Short Teeth | Natural wear or genetics cause teeth to appear small. | Adults and grinders (bruxism) |
Hyperactive Upper Lip | The upper lip lifts too high while smiling, revealing more gums. | Men and women of all ages |
Vertical Maxillary Excess | The upper jawbone grows excessively downward, showing more gums. | Often genetic |
Improper Tooth Eruption | Teeth don't fully emerge, leaving excess gum visible. | Children or young adults |
Gummy Smile Correction Treatments at Park Dental Care
At Park Dental Care, we offer customized solutions based on the cause and severity of your gummy smile. From non-invasive options to advanced surgical corrections, here's what you can expect:
Laser Gum Contouring (Gum Reshaping)
A modern, pain-free solution that uses dental laser technology to reshape and remove excess gum tissue precisely.
Ideal for: Mild to moderate gummy smiles due to extra gum tissue.
Time: 30–45 minutes
Recovery: 3–5 days
Benefits:
- No bleeding or stitches
- Immediate results
- Quick healing
- Perfect gum symmetry
Botox for Gummy Smile
If your upper lip moves too high while smiling, Botox injections can relax the muscles and reduce gum visibility.
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Results last: 4–6 months
Advantages:
- Non-surgical
- Instant confidence boost
- No downtime
Orthodontic Treatment (Braces or Invisalign)
When the issue stems from jaw structure or misaligned teeth, orthodontic correction helps reposition the bite and balance the smile.
Options available at Park Dental Care:
- Metal braces for major alignment issues
- Ceramic braces for subtle appearance
- Invisalign aligners for clear, comfortable correction
Crown Lengthening Surgery
If your teeth appear too short, crown lengthening removes small amounts of gum and sometimes bone to expose more tooth surface.
Performed by: Our in-house periodontist
Recovery: 1–2 weeks
Results: Permanent and natural-looking
Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
For severe skeletal gummy smiles caused by vertical maxillary excess, orthognathic surgery repositions the upper jaw to restore harmony between gums, teeth, and lips.
Performed by: Maxillofacial surgeon
Recovery: 3–4 weeks
Gummy Smile Correction Cost in India (Approximate Range)
Treatment | Estimated Cost (INR) | Treatment Type |
---|---|---|
Laser Gum Contouring | ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 | Cosmetic |
Botox Injections | ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 | Non-surgical |
Orthodontic Treatment | ₹40,000 – ₹2,00,000 | Corrective |
Crown Lengthening | ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 | Surgical |
Orthognathic Surgery | ₹1,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 | Advanced surgical |
Note: Prices vary depending on the extent of correction and individual needs. Park Dental Care provides personalized treatment estimates after evaluation.
Who Should You Consult at Park Dental Care?
At Park Dental Care, your smile correction is handled by a team of specialists:
- Periodontist – for gum reshaping and crown lengthening
- Orthodontist – for braces or Invisalign
- Cosmetic Dentist – for aesthetic balancing
- Oral Surgeon – for jaw alignment or skeletal corrections
Before and After: Gummy Smile Correction
Before | After |
---|---|
Excess gum tissue showing | Balanced gum-to-tooth ratio |
Short, uneven teeth | Longer, symmetrical teeth |
Hesitant to smile | Confident, natural smile |
Visible gum exposure | Subtle, proportionate smile line |
Recovery & Aftercare Tips
After your gummy smile treatment at Park Dental Care, follow these simple care tips for the best results:
- Avoid spicy and hard foods for a few days
- Rinse gently with prescribed mouthwash
- Maintain good brushing and flossing habits
- Avoid smoking or alcohol for a week post-surgery
- Attend follow-up visits for evaluation