Why Does My Smile Look Gummy?
More visible gum when you smile can have several causes — and the right treatment depends on which one applies.
A gummy smile means more gum tissue is visible when smiling, which can make the teeth appear shorter or change the balance between the teeth and gums.
Possible causes include excess gum tissue, the natural size or position of the teeth, upper-lip movement, or the relationship between the teeth and jaw.
Because the cause differs between patients, the teeth, gums, smile line, and bite should be examined before choosing a treatment.
When excess gum tissue is the main cause, Gum Contouring may be used to reshape the gum line and expose more of the natural tooth surface.
In other cases, gum contouring alone may not be appropriate, and another treatment or combination of treatments may be needed.
The shape and proportion of the teeth also matter, which is why treatments such as Teeth Reshaping may sometimes be considered as part of the overall smile plan.
For patients with several cosmetic concerns, a Smile Makeover can involve planning different treatments together rather than treating the gums in isolation.
Healthy gums should be assessed before cosmetic treatment, and unnecessary removal of healthy gum tissue should be avoided.
With more than 14 years of dental experience, Dr. Sawsan Awartani evaluates the reason for excessive gum display and recommends treatment according to the individual smile, gums, and teeth.
The goal is a balanced, natural-looking smile while preserving healthy tooth and gum tissue.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for a dental examination. Dr. Sawsan Awartani assesses each patient individually before recommending treatment at Sultan Al Olama Medical Center in Dubai.
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