Gummy Smile Correction: Causes, Treatments, and What to Expect
A beautiful smile is often considered one of our most attractive features. But for many individuals, excessive gum display — commonly referred to as a gummy smile — can affect confidence and make them hesitant to smile fully. Fortunately, gummy smile correction offers a range of effective treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, to restore balance and aesthetics to your smile.
In this blog, we’ll explore what causes a gummy smile, how it is diagnosed, and the various treatment options available in modern dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is a condition where an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. Clinically, if more than 3–4 millimeters of gum tissue is exposed, it is often considered aesthetically undesirable. Though not a health problem in most cases, many individuals seek gummy smile correction to improve their appearance and boost self-confidence.
Common Causes of a Gummy Smile
A gummy smile can result from a variety of anatomical or functional factors, including:
Excessive gum tissue (gingival overgrowth)
Short or worn teeth that appear smaller due to gum coverage
Hyperactive upper lip that rises too high when smiling
Vertical maxillary excess, where the upper jaw is too long and exposed during a smile
Delayed passive eruption, a condition where the gums haven’t receded properly after the teeth erupted
Identifying the underlying cause is key to choosing the most effective treatment for gummy smile.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Before recommending any treatment, a thorough clinical examination and smile analysis are done. This may include:
Measuring gum exposure when smiling
Assessing tooth size and lip movement
3D imaging and dental X-rays
Evaluating jawbone proportions
In complex cases involving jaw alignment issues, consultation with Best oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be necessary.
Treatment Options for Gummy Smile Correction
1. Laser Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)
Ideal for mild cases caused by excessive gum tissue. A dental laser is used to reshape the gum line, exposing more of the tooth surface and enhancing smile aesthetics. This is a quick and minimally invasive procedure with minimal recovery time.
2. Crown Lengthening Surgery
This procedure involves removing both gum tissue and a small amount of bone around the tooth to increase visible tooth height. It’s used in cases of short or worn teeth and provides long-lasting results.
3. Botox Injections
For patients with a hyperactive upper lip, Botox can be injected into specific muscles to reduce lip elevation during a smile. Results are temporary (3–6 months) but non-invasive.
4. Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)
In severe cases caused by vertical maxillary excess, orthognathic surgery may be required. This involves repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla) to reduce gum display and improve facial symmetry. It’s a permanent and highly effective solution for patients with skeletal discrepancies and is performed by a maxillofacial surgeon.
5. Lip Repositioning Surgery
A surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the lip and gums by repositioning the upper lip to prevent it from lifting too high when smiling.
Recovery and Results
Recovery depends on the treatment chosen. Minimally invasive options like laser contouring and Botox require little to no downtime, while surgical treatments like crown lengthening or jaw surgery involve longer healing periods. However, all options aim to achieve a more balanced and confident smile.
Cost of Gummy Smile Correction in India
The cost varies depending on the type of treatment:
Laser gum contouring: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
Crown lengthening: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000
Botox injections: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 (per session)
Lip repositioning surgery: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000
Orthognathic surgery: ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000
Consultation with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon or cosmetic dentist is essential to determine the most suitable approach and accurate pricing based on your specific needs.
Choosing the Right Specialist
When it comes to gummy smile correction, expertise matters. Complex cases involving jaw repositioning or skeletal discrepancies should always be handled by a trained maxillofacial surgeon with experience in orthognathic surgery. For simpler cases, a cosmetic dentist or periodontist may be the right choice.
Dr. Nehal Patel at nuFace Maxillofacial & Dental Hospital, India, is one of the few experts offering a full range of aesthetic and surgical treatments for gummy smiles — including advanced jaw surgery and lip repositioning.
Final Thoughts
A gummy smile can impact your self-esteem, but with today’s advanced treatment options, you don’t have to hide your smile anymore. Whether it’s a simple laser procedure or comprehensive jaw surgery, gummy smile correction can dramatically improve both facial harmony and confidence.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nehal Patel, one of India’s leading experts in maxillofacial surgery and aesthetic smile design, at nuFace Maxillofacial & Dental Hospital.