A confident smile has the power to transform first impressions, boost self-esteem, and brighten any room. But for individuals with a “gummy smile”—where an excessive amount of gum tissue shows when smiling—it can be a source of self-consciousness. If you find yourself covering your mouth when you laugh or avoiding wide smiles in pictures, you’re not alone. The good news? Residents in Frisco have several modern, effective options for gummy smile correction.
This blog explores what causes a gummy smile, how it can impact your appearance and confidence, and the various treatment options available to correct it—so you can smile freely and confidently.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, medically referred to as excessive gingival display, occurs when more than 3–4 millimeters of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. While it isn’t necessarily a dental health issue, many people seek correction for aesthetic reasons. A balanced smile—where the teeth, gums, and lips appear in harmony—is often viewed as more attractive.
Common Causes of a Gummy Smile
To understand how to treat a gummy smile, it helps to know what causes it. Some of the most common reasons include:
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Overactive Upper Lip Muscles: In some people, the muscles that control the upper lip pull it up too far when smiling, exposing more gum tissue.
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Short Upper Lip: A naturally short upper lip may not provide enough coverage of the gums.
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Excess Gum Tissue: This may develop due to genetics or improper tooth eruption.
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Small or Worn Teeth: If the teeth are small or worn down, the ratio of gum to tooth may appear unbalanced.
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Jaw Position: A vertical maxillary excess, or an overgrown upper jaw, can lead to a gummy appearance.
An accurate diagnosis is essential before determining which treatment method is most appropriate.
Treatment Options for Gummy Smile Correction
The right solution depends on the cause and severity of the gummy smile. Luckily, advancements in cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics offer a range of minimally invasive and surgical solutions. Here are the most common gummy smile correction treatments available in Frisco:
1. Laser Gum Contouring
Laser gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping, is a popular and minimally invasive procedure. This treatment involves removing excess gum tissue using a specialized dental laser to reveal more of the natural tooth structure underneath.
Best for: Patients with excessive gum tissue covering the teeth.
Benefits:
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Quick recovery
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Minimal discomfort
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Immediate results
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Can be combined with veneers or teeth whitening for a complete smile makeover
2. Botox Injections
Botox isn’t just for smoothing wrinkles—it can also be used to correct a gummy smile caused by hyperactive upper lip muscles. Small amounts of Botox are injected into the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip, limiting its upward movement when smiling.
Best for: Patients with mild to moderate gummy smiles caused by overactive lip muscles.
Benefits:
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Non-surgical
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Fast treatment (15–30 minutes)
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Temporary but effective (lasts 3–6 months)
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No downtime
3. Lip Repositioning Surgery
This procedure involves repositioning the upper lip to restrict how high it lifts when smiling, effectively covering more of the gums.
Best for: Patients with a short or hypermobile upper lip.
Benefits:
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Permanent results
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Minimally invasive
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Can significantly reduce gingival display
4. Orthodontic Treatment (Braces or Invisalign)
Sometimes a gummy smile is caused by the positioning of the teeth or jaw. Orthodontic treatment can gradually reposition the teeth to create a more balanced smile. In certain cases, braces or Invisalign can also help manage the visibility of gums by improving the bite.
Best for: Patients with a gummy smile caused by dental or jaw misalignment.
Benefits:
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Long-term results
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Improved overall dental alignment
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Non-surgical
5. Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening involves removing gum tissue and sometimes a small amount of bone around the teeth to expose more of the natural crown. This procedure can be done for cosmetic purposes or as part of a restorative treatment.
Best for: Patients with short or worn-down teeth hidden beneath excessive gum tissue.
Benefits:
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Long-lasting results
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Improved gum-to-tooth ratio
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Enhances aesthetics and function
6. Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)
In severe cases where the upper jaw is excessively prominent, orthognathic surgery may be recommended. This surgical procedure repositions the upper jaw to reduce the gum display.
Best for: Severe vertical maxillary excess (skeletal issue).
Benefits:
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Permanent and dramatic improvement
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Corrects both aesthetics and function
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Often combined with orthodontics
Note: This option is typically considered only when other treatments are insufficient or inappropriate.
Choosing the Right Dentist or Specialist in Frisco
Not all gummy smiles are the same, and neither are the treatment options. The first step in correcting a gummy smile is scheduling a consultation with a qualified cosmetic dentist or periodontist in Frisco. A thorough examination, digital imaging, and diagnostic tools can help identify the root cause and guide your personalized treatment plan.
Make sure to choose a dental provider with experience in cosmetic and periodontal procedures, as a precise balance between art and science is essential in smile design.
Say Goodbye to Gummy Smiles
Living with a gummy smile doesn’t have to be a lifelong burden. With today’s advanced cosmetic dental techniques and a variety of treatment options available right here in Frisco, you can achieve the natural-looking smile you’ve always wanted.
Whether you’re looking for a quick fix like Botox or a long-term solution like laser gum contouring or orthodontics, there’s a solution tailored to your needs. Take the first step toward a more confident, radiant smile—because everyone deserves to smile without hesitation.
If you’re ready to explore your options for gummy smile correction, schedule a consultation with a trusted cosmetic dental professional in Frisco today. Your dream smile could be closer than you think.
