Gummy Smile Treatment
A smile that's all about your teeth.
We find the real cause of a gummy smile and match it with the gentlest treatment that works.
What is gummy smile treatment?
A gummy smile shows more gum than usual when you smile. Causes include extra gum tissue, short teeth, an overactive upper lip, or jaw position. Treatments include gum contouring, crown lengthening, lip-relaxing injections or orthodontics. Its main limitation: jaw-related cases may need a surgical specialist.
Who is a candidate?
Often a good fit
- Excess gum tissue
- Short-looking teeth
- Overactive upper lip
Needs extra care or planning
- Active gum disease
- Skeletal jaw causes
- Pregnancy (for injections)
When an exam is needed: A smile analysis with photos identifies the cause.
Problems it can address
Limitations: Lip-relaxing injections are temporary; jaw-related cases need specialist surgery.
Benefits and disadvantages
Benefits
- Many options, from minimal to comprehensive
- Natural-looking result
- Quick procedures for tissue causes
Disadvantages
- Injections need repeating
- Some options need healing time
- Complex cases need referral
The treatment process
- 1
Smile analysis
Photos and measurements find the cause.
- 2
Plan
We explain every option, simplest first.
- 3
Treat
Gum reshaping, injections or a referral.
- 4
Refine
Optional veneers or bonding to finish.
- 5
Follow-up
Healing and result check.
Timeline: From one visit to several months, depending on cause.
Recovery and aftercare
What to expect
Discomfort: Mild for gum reshaping.
Downtime: Usually 1–2 days.
Aftercare
- Soft foods briefly
- Gentle brushing
- Follow-up visits
Call us right away if you notice
- Persistent bleeding
- Increasing swelling
- Fever
Longevity and outcomes
Tissue treatments are long-lasting; injections last about 3–6 months.
What affects your result
- Cause
- Method
- Gum health
Possible complications
- Asymmetry
- Relapse
Cost and payment options
Varies widely by cause and method. You'll get a written, itemized quote before treatment begins, and we'll check your insurance benefits for you.
What affects the price
- Cause
- Method
- Number of teeth
Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO plans and offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and others.
Comparison with alternatives
Gum contouring
Removes excess tissue.
Crown lengthening
Reshapes gum and bone.
Orthodontics or jaw surgery
For skeletal causes.
Clinical case examples
Real, patient-authorized cases for this treatment are being added soon, with diagnosis, reasoning and results.
View our Before & After Gallery →Why choose Neo Dental?
Patient reviews
Read what our patients say, in their own words, on independent review sites.
Frequently asked questions
What causes a gummy smile?+
Extra gum, short teeth, an active lip or jaw position.
Is it painful to treat?+
Most treatments are numbed and mildly tender after.
Is it permanent?+
Tissue treatments usually are; injections aren't.
Can veneers help?+
Yes, sometimes combined with gum reshaping.
Do I need surgery?+
Only for jaw-related causes.
How do I know my cause?+
A smile analysis visit will tell us.
Your care team & booking
Dr. Sol Shahri
General and cosmetic dentist leading every treatment plan at Neo Dental. This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Sol Shahri.
Meet the team →Related treatments
Not sure if you need gummy smile treatment?
Book an exam and we'll explain every option, including the most conservative one.
Book your visit