Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help with Gummy Smile Concerns?

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Charles H. Goodman, DDS, MS on July 29, 2026

Yes, cosmetic dentistry can effectively address a gummy smile. A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, happens when more gum tissue shows above the upper teeth than most people consider proportionate, and it is a well-documented cosmetic concern with several dependable treatment approaches. Because the underlying cause varies from patient to patient, from excess gum tissue to an overactive upper lip muscle to how the jaw and teeth naturally align, the right fix depends on identifying what is actually driving the display in your particular case.

At North Creek Dental Care in Tinley Park, our team has helped patients throughout the South Suburbs of Chicago address gummy smile concerns through personalized cosmetic dentistry care. From gum contouring and aesthetic crown lengthening to porcelain veneers, Botox, and orthodontic options, we offer a range of treatments designed to give you a smile that looks and feels balanced, naturally beautiful, and exactly right for your face.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile, clinically referred to as excessive gingival display, occurs when a larger-than-average portion of the gums is visible when you smile. According to a clinical overview published on PubMed, up to one to two millimeters of gum display is generally considered within a typical, balanced smile, while a more noticeable amount often points to one of several distinct underlying causes.

The important thing to know is that a gummy smile is not a flaw you simply have to accept. It is a condition with well-established treatment options, and the right approach depends on what is actually causing the display in your particular case.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

Several distinct factors can contribute to a gummy smile, and understanding which one applies to you shapes which treatment will work best. Our team evaluates each of the following possibilities during a consultation:

• Excess or overgrown gum tissue that naturally covers more of the tooth surface than average.
• Teeth that appear shorter due to wear from grinding or clenching, or because they never fully erupted.
• A hyperactive upper lip muscle that lifts higher than usual when you smile.
• A jaw structure, such as vertical maxillary excess, that affects how the teeth and gums align.

In many cases, more than one of these factors is at play, which is why a hands-on evaluation matters more than trying to self-diagnose the cause.

How Common Is a Gummy Smile, and Can Orthodontics Help?

The same clinical overview referenced above estimates that roughly ten percent of adults between the ages of twenty and thirty show this level of gum display, and the condition appears somewhat more often in women than in men. If you have noticed this about your own smile, you are far from alone, and it is not a sign that anything is wrong with your oral health.

The source also notes that when a gummy smile is driven primarily by how the jaw and teeth are positioned, rather than by the gum tissue itself, orthodontic treatment on its own can sometimes be enough to improve the appearance. This works differently from the periodontal and cosmetic approaches described later on this page, since it repositions the teeth gradually instead of adjusting the gumline directly. For patients whose evaluation points to a bite or alignment component, our clear aligner treatment can be considered on its own or alongside a more direct gummy smile procedure. A consultation remains the best way to determine how much of a role alignment plays in your particular smile, since gum tissue, lip movement, and tooth position often overlap.

Why Consider Treatment for a Gummy Smile

Treating a gummy smile is about more than appearance, though the confidence boost is real for many patients who feel more comfortable smiling in photos, at work, and in everyday conversations. Excess gum tissue can also make it harder to thoroughly clean along the gumline, which is one reason our periodontal team pays close attention to gum health alongside aesthetics during any gummy smile evaluation.

Whether you decide to pursue treatment now or simply want to understand your options, having accurate information about what is causing your gummy smile puts you in a better position to make the choice that is right for you.

Cosmetic Treatments That Can Help

A personalized consultation is the starting point for any gummy smile treatment plan, because the cause determines the solution. That said, there are a few options our team commonly uses to address this concern.

Gum Contouring

For patients whose gummy smile stems from excess gum tissue alone, gum contouring is often the more conservative option. Using precise instruments or a soft-tissue laser, our team gently reshapes the gumline to reveal more of the natural tooth structure without altering the teeth themselves. Many patients experience minimal discomfort and a relatively short recovery window compared to more involved periodontal procedures.

Aesthetic Crown Lengthening

When a gummy smile also involves the bone supporting the gum tissue, crown lengthening is one of the most direct ways to treat the concern. During this procedure, excess gum tissue and, when needed, a small amount of underlying bone are reshaped to reveal more of the tooth surface. The result is a smile where the teeth appear longer, the gumline looks even, and the overall proportions of your smile feel more balanced.

Porcelain Veneers

For patients whose gummy smile is connected to the size or shape of their teeth, porcelain veneers can be a compelling option. Thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front surface of the teeth, creating the appearance of longer, more proportionate teeth. Veneers also address concerns such as chips, discoloration, and minor spacing issues, making them a popular choice for patients interested in a broader smile makeover.

Botox for Lip Positioning

In some cases, a gummy smile is caused by an overactive upper lip muscle that pulls the lip higher than intended when you smile. Botox treatment can relax that muscle just enough to reduce how much gum shows, without changing the look or feel of your smile in any other way. Results are temporary, making this a low-commitment option for patients who want to explore the change before committing to something more permanent. Because this treatment involves precise, targeted injections near the mouth, many patients prefer having it performed by a trained dental provider who already understands the anatomy of the smile, a point our blog post on Botox from a dental professional explores in more detail. Our team also offers a full range of facial aesthetic treatments for patients interested in combining this approach with other enhancements.

When Jaw Surgery May Be Considered

In rare cases, a gummy smile is driven mainly by a significant difference in how the upper and lower jaw developed, sometimes described as vertical maxillary excess. When the skeletal structure itself is the primary cause, gum contouring, crown lengthening, veneers, and Botox may only offer partial improvement. In these situations, your dentist may recommend a consultation with our oral surgery team to discuss whether a more involved surgical evaluation is appropriate. This path is far less common than the other options described here, and most patients find that periodontal or cosmetic treatment addresses their gummy smile without it.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

A gummy smile consultation is a low-pressure, conversational visit. Your dentist will take a close look at your gumline, tooth proportions, and lip movement to understand exactly what is driving the display, often starting with a focused periodontal evaluation of the gum tissue itself. From there, you will hear a clear explanation of which treatment options fit your situation, along with honest insight into what each one involves in terms of process, timing, and results.

There is no pressure to decide anything on the spot. The goal is simply to ensure you leave with a clear picture of what is possible, so you can make the choice that feels right for you. Our Meet the team page is a great place to learn more about the doctors who may be caring for you.

Recovery and Aftercare After Gummy Smile Treatment

Recovery depends on which treatment you and your dentist choose. Botox involves no downtime at all, and most patients return to their normal routine immediately. Gum contouring with a soft-tissue laser typically involves mild sensitivity for a few days, while traditional crown lengthening, which addresses both gum tissue and, when necessary, the bone beneath it, generally calls for a longer healing period of one to two weeks.

Porcelain veneers require little recovery time beyond an initial adjustment to how your bite feels, and most patients resume regular brushing and flossing right away with any treatment option. If your plan includes clear aligners to address a jaw- or tooth-related component, that process unfolds gradually over several months rather than through a single recovery window. Your dentist will walk you through the specific aftercare steps for whichever approach fits your situation, including anything you should expect in the days that follow.

Explore Your Options for Treating a Gummy Smile at North Creek Dental Care

At North Creek Dental Care, our team of dentists brings a broad range of backgrounds and training to every smile we treat. Dr. Tom Ryan, Dr. Omar El Ebrashy, and Dr. Charles H. Goodman, a board-certified periodontist with more than 40 years of experience, work together to deliver care that is thorough, thoughtful, and tailored to you. North Creek has been recognized as Southland’s Best Dental Office 2024 and received the Best Place to Work award in 2025, and Dr. El Ebrashy was named Best Doctor in Southland’s Best 2025. Flexible financing and insurance options are available to help make your treatment as accessible as possible.

If a gummy smile has been on your mind, there is no reason to keep putting it off. Our team is ready to walk you through your options and help you feel confident every time you smile. Reach out today by visiting our contact page to request your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gummy Smile Treatment