Dental · Gum Esthetics · Gummy Smile · Nişantaşı Istanbul

Gummy Smile (Excessive Gingival Display)
Causes and All Treatment Options

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Tuğçe Sümer Yılmaz· Updated:
“A gummy smile is never solved with a single method; the key is to correctly diagnose why the gum shows and choose the right approach for each person.”
— Dr. Tuğçe Sümer Yılmaz · Periodontology Specialist, Cosmetic & Aesthetic Dentist

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile (excessive gingival display) means showing more than about 3-4 mm of gum above the upper teeth when you smile. It is an aesthetic condition, not a disease, but many people feel self-conscious about it. A gummy smile can be gum-, tooth-, lip- or jaw-related — and the right treatment depends on the right diagnosis.

What Causes a Gummy Smile? (4 Main Causes)

1. Gum-related: Gum that covers too much of the teeth (altered passive eruption). Teeth look short although their length is normal.
2. Tooth-related: Worn or naturally short teeth make the gums look proportionally larger.
3. Lip-related: An upper lip that rises too high when smiling (hyperactive lip muscles) or a short upper lip.
4. Skeletal/jaw-related: Vertical overgrowth of the upper jaw (vertical maxillary excess).

Why TSHEALTH & Dr. Tuğçe Sümer Yılmaz?

A gummy smile involves the gums; a periodontology specialist assessment is recommended. At TSHEALTH Nişantaşı, gummy smile treatment is carried out by periodontology specialist, cosmetic and aesthetic dentist Dr. Tuğçe Sümer Yılmaz, experienced in laser gum contouring, crown lengthening, lip repositioning, gingivectomy and smile design.

Gummy Smile Treatment Options

Laser Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy & Gingivoplasty)

Excess gum tissue is reshaped with a laser so the teeth reach their natural length. Minimally invasive, fast healing.

Best for: Gum-related gummy smile (altered passive eruption)

Crown Lengthening

The gum and, where needed, the bone level are repositioned to expose more tooth surface.

Best for: Gum + bone-level gummy smile

Lip Repositioning

A surgical procedure that limits the upward movement of the upper lip; a permanent solution.

Best for: Hyperactive upper lip (lip-related gummy smile)

Lip-Elevator (Levator) Botox

Botulinum toxin applied to the muscles that lift the upper lip (levator labii); a temporary solution.

Best for: Mild, lip-related gummy smile

Orthodontic / Orthognathic Approach

Adjusting tooth and jaw position; planned with relevant specialists in skeletal cases.

Best for: Skeletal (vertical maxillary excess) gummy smile

Important: Gummy smile botox is applied to the muscles that lift the upper lip (levator labii) — not the masseter (jaw) muscle. Masseter botox (jaw slimming) is a completely different procedure and is unrelated to gummy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a gummy smile be corrected without surgery?
Most gum-related gummy smiles can be corrected without surgery using laser gum contouring (gingivectomy/gingivoplasty). For mild lip-related cases, lip-elevator botox is a temporary option. Bone-level or skeletal cases may require surgery (crown lengthening, lip repositioning) or orthodontics.
Is gummy smile botox applied to the masseter (jaw) muscle?
No. Gummy smile botox is applied to the muscles that lift the upper lip (levator labii) — not the jaw/masseter muscle. Masseter botox is a completely different procedure for jaw slimming and teeth grinding, and is unrelated to gummy smile.
Is gummy smile treatment permanent?
Laser gum contouring, crown lengthening and lip repositioning give permanent results. Lip-elevator botox is temporary; its effect lasts about 4-6 months and must be repeated.
Is laser gum contouring painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so no pain is felt. With a laser, bleeding and discomfort are minimal and healing completes within a few days.
Who should perform gummy smile treatment?
A gummy smile involves the gums; assessment by a periodontology specialist is recommended for correct diagnosis and gum/bone procedures. At TSHEALTH, gummy smile assessment and treatment are carried out by periodontology specialist Dr. Tuğçe Sümer Yılmaz.
How long does gummy smile treatment take?
Laser gum contouring is usually completed in a single session of about 30-60 minutes. Surgical methods such as crown lengthening and lip repositioning are done in one session; healing ranges from a few days to a few weeks.

Free Gummy Smile Assessment

Find out how much gum shows in your smile and the best method for you.

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