Gummy Smile Correction
Gums, teeth, and lips in perfect balance
Gummy Smile Correction
Gums, teeth, and lips in perfect balance
Your smile is the first thing many people notice—and how you feel about it can influence your confidence. At Alma Dental Surgery, we understand that for some individuals, a higher-than-usual gum line can be a concern when smiling, speaking, or laughing.
While a “gummy smile” is usually a natural and harmless feature, we’re here to support those looking to enhance the balance between their teeth and gums. Our process begins with a personalised consultation to understand your goals, assess the underlying factors, and explore safe, appropriate treatment options tailored to your facial features.
Gummy smile
Some people naturally show more gum tissue above their upper teeth when they smile, while others show very little. When around 2–3 mm or more of gum is visible, it’s often referred to as a “gummy smile.”
For many, this is simply part of their unique facial characteristics. However, if the appearance of your smile makes you feel self-conscious, there are safe and effective treatment options available. There’s no fixed standard for how much gum should show—treatment is a personal choice based on your comfort and aesthetic preferences.
We begin with a gentle, thorough assessment to understand the cause of your gummy smile—whether it relates to your teeth, gums, lips, or jaw structure. From there, we’ll recommend a tailored treatment plan to enhance the natural balance and beauty of your smile.
What causes a gummy smile?
Everyone’s smile is unique—and sometimes certain features don’t quite sit in harmony, such as:
Ideally, these elements work in harmony to reveal the upper teeth with minimal gum display. When one or more of these factors fall outside the typical range, it may result in a smile where more gum tissue is visible.
Common contributing factors include:
If the upper jawbone has developed more than usual—causing what’s known as vertical maxillary excess—it can lead to more gum showing when you smile.
Shortened teeth can exaggerate the amount of visible gum tissue
Teeth may appear shorter due to incomplete exposure or excess gum coverage
A short or hyperactive upper lip (one that lifts higher than average when smiling) can reveal more gum
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of visual examination, clinical photography, digital smile design, and in some cases, X-rays to assess the position of the teeth and jaw.
How gummy smiles can be treated
Once we determine the underlying cause of your gummy smile we can recommend a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs.
If the cause is related to the jawbone, tooth wear, or altered tooth eruption, treatment may be more comprehensive. This can include:
- Orthodontic treatments to reposition the teeth
- Crown lengthening procedures to adjust gum and bone levels
- Surgical interventions such as orthognathic (jaw) surgery are used in more complex cases
Your personal treatment plan will be highly individualised, based on a detailed clinical assessment to ensure a natural-looking, functional result.
Gummy smile correction using muscle relaxers
When a gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive upper lip, a simple, non-surgical treatment using small amounts of muscle relaxant may be considered. This gently reduces the elevation of the upper lip when smiling, allowing for a more balanced, natural-looking result.
- The procedure is quick and can be done in a single appointment
- Results begin to show within a few days, with full effect in about two weeks
- The effects typically last 3 to 4 months and can be maintained with repeat treatments
As with any cosmetic treatment involving muscle relaxants, there is a chance of side effects. These may include mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site, and occasionally, slight unevenness in lip movement. In rare cases, nearby muscles may be temporarily affected.
At Alma Dental Surgery, we take the time to talk you through all potential risks and benefits, so you can feel fully informed and confident in your decision.
Get professional advice from our caring team
If you’re concerned about a gummy smile or would like to explore treatment options, we invite you to book a personalised consultation with one of our dentists. At Alma Dental Surgery, your consultation is a relaxed, one-on-one conversation where we listen to your goals, explain what’s possible, and guide you toward the solution that feels right for you.
Call us on (08) 9227 6468 or book online to schedule your appointment—we look forward to helping you smile with confidence.
* Results vary between individuals. A comprehensive consultation is required to determine your suitability for treatment. We do not advertise or promote prescription-only medications.