Gummy Smile Surgery
 Gummy smile surgery is a professional, surgical approach used to reduce excessive gum display and create a more balanced relationship between the teeth, gums, and lips when you smile. If your smile feels “too gummy,” your teeth look shorter than they are, or your gumline sits unevenly across the front teeth, gummy smile correction may help improve overall smile aesthetics and facial harmony.
A “gummy smile” typically means that more gum tissue than desired shows above the upper teeth when smiling. What counts as “excessive” varies by person, because lip shape, tooth size, gumline anatomy, and facial proportions all play a role. The goal of surgery for gummy smile is not to create a one-size-fits-all look, but to improve the gum-to-tooth ratio and deliver a natural result that fits your face.
Many people pursue excessive gum display surgery for aesthetic reasons, confidence, and smile proportion. Results can be dramatic in the right candidate, but outcomes are individualized and depend heavily on the underlying cause—whether it’s mostly gum tissue, tooth eruption patterns, lip movement, jaw position, or a combination.
Common signs that lead people to explore a gummy smile procedure include:
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Gums dominate the smile - The pink tissue draws more attention than the teeth.
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Teeth appear short or “covered” - Teeth may look small even if the tooth structure is normal.
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Uneven gumline - One side of the gumline sits higher than the other, affecting symmetry.
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Smile feels “too high” - The upper lip lifts enough to show a large band of gum above the teeth. |
Because different causes require different solutions, a proper diagnosis is the foundation of any long-lasting gummy smile correction.
What Causes a Gummy Smile
A gummy smile can come from several sources, and the best treatment depends on identifying which factor (or factors) is driving the gum display. Some causes are mainly related to soft tissue (the gums or the lip), while others relate to tooth eruption or jaw structure. An in-person evaluation is the most reliable way to determine the cause, because it involves measurements, a gum health assessment, and observing how your smile changes in motion.
Major categories of causes include:
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Excess gum tissue or thick gum tissue - The gums extend farther down over the teeth than typical, making teeth look shorter.
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Altered passive eruption - A common situation where the gum tissue does not “finish” receding to its ideal position after the tooth erupts, so more gum remains covering the tooth than expected.
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High lip line or hypermobile upper lip - The upper lip lifts higher than average during smiling, exposing more gum above the teeth.
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Vertical maxillary excess - A jaw-related cause where the upper jaw is vertically prominent, often showing more gum and tooth structure at rest and in a full smile.
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Tooth size, wear, or positioning - Teeth may be naturally smaller, worn down, or positioned in a way that makes the gums appear more prominent. |
To confirm the cause, clinicians typically review photos, measure gum levels, evaluate tooth proportions, analyze the bite, and observe smile dynamics (how the lips move during a natural smile). This is why treatment plans for excess gum display are highly personalized.
Gummy Smile Surgery Options
“Gummy smile surgery” can refer to different procedures depending on your diagnosis. Some procedures focus on reshaping gum tissue, others expose more tooth structure by adjusting gum and bone, and some address lip movement or jaw position. In many cases, the best plan involves combining approaches to address multiple contributing factors.
Common gummy smile correction surgery options include:
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Gingivectomy or gum contouring - Removes or reshapes excess gum tissue to improve symmetry and reveal more tooth. Often considered when the main issue is the gumline shape or extra soft tissue.
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Crown lengthening
- Adjusts the gumline and, when needed, the underlying bone to safely expose more natural tooth structure. Often used for altered passive eruption or when more tooth show is needed for balanced proportions.
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Lip repositioning surgery - Repositions and stabilizes the upper lip in select cases to reduce how far it lifts when smiling. This approach is typically considered when lip mobility is a primary driver of gum show.
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Orthognathic (jaw) surgery - Used for skeletal causes such as vertical maxillary excess, usually planned with a specialist team and sometimes coordinated with orthodontics.
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Combination treatment - Addresses multiple causes, such as gum contouring plus restorative work, or crown lengthening plus orthodontics in select cases. |
The idea of “permanent” results depends on treating the true cause, individual biology, and aftercare. When the cause is properly addressed and gum health is maintained, many outcomes are long-lasting. For some patients, however, a non-surgical approach may be more appropriate depending on goals, anatomy, and tolerance for treatment.
What to Expect During the Consultation and Diagnosis
A consultation for gummy smile surgery is designed to answer a few key questions: Why does your smile show extra gum, what options match that cause, and what result would look natural for your facial features and smile style. Because “ideal” gum display varies widely, planning should be individualized rather than based on a single standard.
A comprehensive evaluation commonly includes:
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Smile and gum assessment - Measuring gum levels, checking gum health, and evaluating symmetry across the front teeth.
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Tooth proportions - Assessing tooth width-to-length balance to determine whether the teeth are truly short, appear short due to gum coverage, or could benefit from restorative reshaping.
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Bite analysis - Reviewing how the teeth meet and whether bite forces or alignment contribute to appearance or long-term stability.
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Lip mobility and facial proportions - Evaluating how the lip moves at rest and in a full smile, and how the teeth and gums relate to overall facial harmony.
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History and risk review - Discussing medical history, medications, previous dental treatment, and factors that could affect healing. |
Imaging and additional measurements may be recommended depending on the suspected cause. You should also expect a conversation about your goals—such as a natural look, a specific amount of tooth show, improved symmetry, or softening a “high smile”—along with a clear discussion of tradeoffs, limitations, and expected outcomes.
At Martin Periodontics, our dental team uses this evaluation to build a plan focused on both aesthetics and long-term gum health, since healthy tissues are essential to stable results.
The Procedure Process
The exact steps of a gummy smile surgery procedure depend on which option is appropriate for your diagnosis. Most gum-focused procedures are performed with local anesthesia, and additional comfort options may be available depending on the procedure and your needs.
For many patients, treatment involves gum contouring or crown lengthening. While details vary by case, the process often includes:
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Comfort and anesthesia planning (typically local anesthesia; sedation may be considered depending on needs and procedure)
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Precise marking and measurements to guide gumline symmetry and natural contours
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Careful reshaping of gum tissue to reveal more tooth structure where appropriate
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For crown lengthening, evaluation and adjustment of underlying bone as needed to support healthy gum architecture around the tooth
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Protection of tooth roots and planning that respects the body’s natural indicate of stable gum attachment and tissue health
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Post-procedure instructions and follow-up scheduling to monitor healing and gumline maturation |
Immediately afterward, it is common to see temporary swelling, mild tenderness, and changes in the gumline appearance while tissues heal. Careful planning helps avoid an “overdone” look and supports a smooth, natural gumline shape that fits your smile.
Healing, Recovery, and Aftercare
Recovery after gummy smile correction surgery usually happens in stages. Early healing typically involves tenderness and swelling, followed by gradual refinement of the gumline contours as tissues mature. Final gumline maturation can take longer in procedures like crown lengthening because both the gums and the supporting structures are settling into a stable position.
Aftercare instructions are individualized, but commonly emphasize:
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Gentle hygiene - Keeping the area clean while following specific brushing and rinsing instructions from your dental team.
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Diet considerations - Choosing foods that minimize irritation while tissues are sensitive.
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Activity guidance - Limiting activities if advised, especially if swelling or tenderness increases with exertion.
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Follow-up visits - Monitoring healing, confirming symmetry, and supporting predictable results. |
Certain factors can slow healing and affect long-term stability, including smoking or vaping, inconsistent oral hygiene, and unmanaged gum inflammation. If you experience unusual bleeding, increasing pain, fever, concerning swelling, or anything that feels off, contact Martin Periodontics for guidance.
Results and Longevity
Successful gummy smile surgery typically improves:
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Tooth visibility - More natural tooth display with less dominant gum show.
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Gumline symmetry - A smoother, more even gumline across the front teeth.
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Smile balance - Better harmony between teeth, gums, and lip position.
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Overall smile aesthetics - A proportion that fits your face and looks natural in photos and conversation. |
Longevity depends on the cause and the procedure type. When treatment addresses the underlying driver—such as gum coverage, altered passive eruption, or skeletal factors—results can be long-lasting. Stability is supported by good gum health, routine dental care, healthy bite forces, and avoidance of habits that irritate the gums.
In some cases, additional cosmetic dentistry may be recommended to complete proportions, such as minor reshaping, bonding, or veneers—especially if tooth wear or shape contributes to the appearance of a gummy smile. When combined thoughtfully, these options can improve both tooth display and overall balance without forcing a single approach to do all the work.
Risks, Limitations, and Safety Considerations
Any surgical procedure has potential risks, and gummy smile surgery is no exception. Many side effects are expected and temporary, such as swelling, tenderness, and short-term sensitivity. The specific risks depend on the procedure performed and individual healing patterns.
Potential risks can include:
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Bleeding or infection - Uncommon when aftercare is followed, but possible with any oral procedure.
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Uneven healing - Gum contours can change as tissues mature, sometimes requiring refinement.
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Gum recession or increased tooth sensitivity - More likely if anatomy, bone levels, or gum thickness limit how much reshaping can be done.
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Esthetic dissatisfaction - A result may not match a patient’s expectations, which is why planning and communication matter.
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Procedure-specific limitations - Certain causes (especially skeletal factors) may not be fully corrected with gum-only surgery. |
Choosing an experienced provider matters because outcomes depend on diagnostic accuracy, technique, respect for gum and bone biology, and an eye for natural proportions. Some people may not be candidates until underlying conditions are addressed, such as active gum disease, uncontrolled medical concerns, medication-related considerations, or habits that significantly impair healing.
A personalized risk discussion during consultation is essential so you understand what applies to your situation, not just what can happen in general.
Alternatives to Surgery and When They Make Sense
Not every gummy smile requires surgery. In some cases, non-surgical or minimally invasive approaches may provide meaningful improvement—especially when the primary driver is tooth position, bite relationship, or lip movement. The best results usually come from matching the solution to the cause rather than choosing a single “popular fix.”
Alternatives that may be considered include:
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Orthodontics - Helpful in select cases where tooth position, bite, or vertical relationships contribute to excessive gum display.
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Injectables for hypermobile lip - A temporary approach that may reduce gum show in some patients; appropriateness varies and results are not permanent.
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Restorative options - Bonding or veneers may help when tooth size or shape is the main driver, sometimes combined with minor gum recontouring for proportion.
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Combination planning - A staged approach can address multiple factors without over-treating any single area. |
Temporary options can be appealing, but they may disappoint if they camouflage the appearance without correcting the underlying anatomy. A cause-based plan helps clarify what can be improved, what will remain, and which route best aligns with your goals.
FAQs
Is gummy smile surgery permanent?
Results can be long-lasting when the procedure addresses the true cause of the gummy smile and gum health is maintained. Longevity depends on the diagnosis, the procedure used, individual healing, and long-term dental care.
Does it hurt? What kind of anesthesia is used?
Most gum-focused procedures are performed with local anesthesia so the area is numb during treatment. Afterward, tenderness and mild swelling are common, and comfort measures are provided as part of your aftercare plan. Sedation may be available in some cases depending on the procedure and patient needs.
How long does healing take?
Healing happens in phases. Early tenderness and swelling typically improve as the initial tissues close and stabilize, while the final gumline contours can continue to refine over time. Procedures that involve deeper tissue changes, such as crown lengthening, may take longer for final maturation.
Will my teeth look longer?
In many cases, yes. By reducing excess gum coverage and optimizing the gumline position, more natural tooth structure becomes visible. The goal is a balanced, natural-looking proportion rather than an exaggerated change.
What if my gummy smile is caused by my jaw or lip movement?
If the cause is mainly skeletal (jaw-related) or related to a hypermobile upper lip, gum-only surgery may not fully correct the appearance. Treatment may involve options such as lip repositioning, orthodontics, or coordination with specialists for jaw-focused care, depending on the diagnosis.
Can gum tissue grow back after treatment?
Some degree of tissue change can occur during healing, and long-term stability depends on the procedure type, individual biology, and gum indication. When the underlying cause is properly treated and gum health is maintained, outcomes are often stable, but your dental team will discuss what to expect for your specific case.
Can I combine gummy smile surgery with veneers or other cosmetic dentistry?
Yes, in select cases. Gumline correction can improve tooth display and proportions, and restorative dentistry such as bonding or veneers may be recommended to refine shape, size, or symmetry. The best sequencing depends on your gum health, tooth structure, and overall smile design goals.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering gummy smile surgery and want a clear diagnosis and personalized plan, contact Martin Periodontics to schedule an evaluation. Our dental team can explain candidacy, review gummy smile treatment options, outline what to expect during healing, and discuss payment and financing approaches when relevant. If insurance coverage may apply, calling the office is the best way to understand how your benefits may relate to your treatment. To book a consultation, call (513) 445-4282. |
