Your smile should make you feel unstoppable.
If you’ve ever caught yourself holding back a laugh, tilting your head a certain way in photos, or pressing your lips together because you feel like your gums show too much, you’re not alone. A “gummy smile” is more common than you might think, and it’s not just about appearance. For many people, a gummy smile holds them back from feeling confident, expressive, and at ease when they smile.
The good news? Today’s gummy smile treatment options are more advanced, precise, and minimally invasive than ever. Whether your gums are naturally more prominent or your teeth appear shorter, modern dentistry offers solutions that balance your smile beautifully, without overcorrecting or creating an artificial look.
At The Chicago Dental Studio, we approach gummy smile correction as an art form. Our team of experienced and skilled professionals will look at your unique facial features, tooth proportions, and gum line to design a smile that’s uniquely yours.
Let’s break down what a gummy smile is, what causes it, and how we can help you achieve a smile you can’t wait to show off.
What is a “Gummy Smile”?
What is a gummy smile? A “gummy smile” isn’t a medical diagnosis; it’s a way to describe a smile where the gums show more than one might like. There’s no strict rule for what counts as “too much” gum; it’s entirely subjective. What feels out of balance to one person may feel perfectly natural to another.
From an aesthetic perspective, a balanced smile usually shows most or all of the upper teeth and just a small amount of gum tissue. If more gum is visible, especially more than 3 to 4 millimeters, some people perceive it as “gummy.”
It’s important to remember: a gummy smile doesn’t mean your mouth is unhealthy. It’s simply a variation in the way your teeth, gums, lips, and jaw interact when you smile. And like any other aspect of your smile, it can be enhanced if you choose.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Several factors can contribute to causing a gummy smile, and sometimes more than one is at play. Understanding the specific cause(s) is key to designing the right treatment for you.
- Excess Gum Tissue: Sometimes, the gums simply cover more of the tooth surface than average. This can be due to genetics, gum development, or the way teeth erupted during childhood.
- Short or Worn-Down Teeth: Your teeth might be perfectly proportional in structure, but wear over time or naturally shorter tooth shapes can make them appear smaller compared to your gums.
- Hyperactive Upper Lip Muscles: When the muscles that lift your upper lip are overactive, your lip may rise higher than average when you smile, revealing more gum tissue than you’d like.
- Jaw Development & Bite Alignment: The way your upper jaw develops plays a big role in your smile. If it’s positioned slightly forward or downward, more gum can naturally show when you smile. Certain bite alignments can also make gums more prominent.
While these causes might sound technical, they’re all very common and, most importantly, highly treatable. Once we identify the “why” behind your gummy smile, we can match it to a precise, personalized solution.
How to Fix a Gummy Smile: Treatment Options
At The Chicago Dental Studio, gummy smile treatment is never one-size-fits-all. We blend artistry with advanced techniques to ensure your results look natural and balanced and like you.
Here are some of the most effective options:
Botox®
Best for: Hyperactive upper lip muscles
By relaxing the muscles that lift your upper lip, Botox® lowers the lip slightly when you smile, reducing gum exposure.
- Treatment time: About 10 minutes
- Recovery: None! You can typically return to your day immediately. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. We’ll discuss these in detail during your consultation.
- Results: Typically visible within a few days, can take up to two weeks; lasts 3–6 months
Laser Gum Contouring
Best for: Excess gum tissue
This minimally invasive procedure uses laser technology to gently reshape the gum line, revealing more of your natural tooth structure and improving tooth-to-gum proportions.
- Treatment time: Usually under an hour
- Recovery: Mild tenderness for a few days
- Results: Immediate improvement, with final healing in 1–2 weeks
Learn more about our cosmetic approach to gum contouring here.
Veneers or Crowns
Veneers For Gummy Smile – Best for: Short or worn-down teeth
Custom veneers or crowns can lengthen the visible portion of your teeth, creating a more balanced look with your gums. They also enhance tooth color and shape.
- Treatment time: 2–3 visits
- Recovery: Minimal—some mild sensitivity may occur
- Results: Long-lasting, durable, and natural-looking
Orthodontic Treatment
Best for: Jaw alignment or bite-related gummy smiles
If your gummy smile stems from how your teeth and jaw are aligned, orthodontics, like Invisalign®, can help reposition them for a better gum-to-teeth ratio.
- Treatment time: Varies (often 6–18 months)
- Recovery: No downtime; gradual changes over time
- Results: Functional and aesthetic improvement
Often, we’ll combine two or more of these cosmetic dentistry treatments for the best, most natural results, something we decide together after a detailed smile assessment, ensuring you receive a personalized treatment plan. Click to find an orthodontist near me!
When to See a Smile Specialist
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror or at a photo and thought anything like, “I wish I could see more teeth and less gum,” that’s your cue to explore gummy smile treatment options.
Other signs include:
- You notice your gums before your teeth when you smile.
- You avoid big, open-mouth smiles in pictures.
- You feel your gums draw attention away from your teeth.
An expert consultation is the best way to identify the exact cause of your issues and choose a gummy smile treatment plan tailored to your needs. During this consultation, we’ll conduct a detailed smile assessment, discuss your concerns and goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan. At The Chicago Dental Studio, we focus on minimally invasive options first and always aim for results that look effortless, not overdone.
Your Best Smile Starts at The Chicago Dental Studio
Your smile should be a source of joy, not self-consciousness. With today’s advanced gummy smile treatments, you don’t have to settle for holding back your expression.
Whether your ideal solution is quick Botox, artistic laser gum contouring, precision veneers, or orthodontics, we’ll design a plan that’s uniquely yours, crafted in our modern, welcoming studio space.
Book your consultation today, and let’s create a smile that’s balanced, confident, and completely you with our professional cosmetic dentistry specialists.
