Gummy Smile Treatment Options Explained
A gummy smile has several possible causes — and each has a different correct treatment. Here are the main approaches.
Dr. Sofia Petrova
Lead Cosmetic Dentist
What counts as a gummy smile
Gum exposure of 3 mm or more above the top of the upper front teeth when smiling is usually perceived as gummy. 1–2 mm is well within normal range and often considered youthful.
The four main causes
1. Short clinical crowns
Your teeth are there, but gum covers too much of them. Treatment: gum contouring or crown lengthening to expose more tooth surface.
2. Overactive upper lip
Your lip lifts too high when you smile. Treatment: Botox into the lip-elevator muscles — a 5-minute injection giving 3–4 months of effect.
3. Vertical maxillary excess
The upper jaw is positioned too low, so gum naturally shows. Treatment: orthognathic surgery (jaw repositioning). Usually only offered when other features also warrant surgery.
4. Altered passive eruption
Gums didn't fully recede during tooth eruption. Treatment: crown lengthening with soft tissue and sometimes bone recontouring.
Diagnosis matters
The same "gummy" appearance can come from any of these four causes. Before any treatment, we photograph and video the smile, measure upper lip movement, and assess tooth proportions. Getting the diagnosis right determines which treatment actually works.
Treatment costs in Dubai
- Gum contouring (laser, 6–8 teeth): AED 2,500–4,500
- Crown lengthening with bone work (per tooth): AED 1,200–2,000
- Botox for lip elevators: AED 800–1,500 per session
- Orthognathic surgery: AED 60,000–120,000 (very specialised)
Combining approaches
A common plan: crown lengthening + veneers + annual Botox top-up. This tackles both the tooth-length issue and the lip hyperactivity.
What recovery looks like
Gum contouring
3–5 days of mild tenderness, soft diet for 48 hours, full healing at 2 weeks.
Crown lengthening
5–10 days of soreness, stitches removed at 1 week, full gum maturity at 6–8 weeks.
Botox
Immediate return to normal; results visible within 3–7 days.
When to avoid Botox as the sole fix
If gum exposure exceeds 5–6 mm and your teeth actually look short in proportion, Botox alone will help only modestly. In those cases, crown lengthening (exposing more tooth) combined with Botox gives a balanced result.
References
- Journal of Periodontology — Gingival sculpting outcomes
- International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Referenced sources
- J. Periodontology
- Int. J. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Medical disclaimer. This article is informational and does not replace professional clinical advice. For a plan specific to your situation, book a consultation with a Paradise Dental specialist.
Related reading
Gum Contouring: When It's Needed and What It Costs
A 'gummy' smile often has perfectly fine teeth — it's the gum line that's uneven or too low. Here's how contouring fixes it.
Veneers After Botox Treatment
Wait 2 weeks after Botox. Coordinate procedures.
Fixing a Gummy Smile: The Full Menu of Options
From Botox to surgery, here are all the ways to address a gummy smile — and how to choose.