If you find yourself trying to hide your gums when you smile or talk because you feel self-conscious about how much gum shows, you are not alone.
It is also important to note that a smile is not only made up of teeth — it includes the framing of the teeth, including the gums and lips. In many cases, small adjustments to the gumline can make a big difference to the overall balance of a smile.
What Causes a “Gummy Smile”?
There are multiple reasons a smile can appear gummy. Common causes include:
- Excess gum tissue covering more of the tooth surface
- An upper lip that lifts excessively when smiling
- Teeth that appear short due to tooth size and shape proportions
- Vertical maxillary excess (when the upper jaw grows excessively downwards)
Because the cause can vary from person to person, a proper clinical assessment is important before choosing the right treatment.
What Is Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)?
Gum re-contouring (also known as “gingivectomy” or “gingivoplasty”) is a commonly suggested treatment for gummy smiles.
It involves gently removing excess gum tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth structure and create a more balanced gumline.
The results are typically instantly visible, and for many patients, the difference it makes to their smile can be significant.
Gum Contouring at Alba Dental Clinic: LASER Treatment
At Alba Dental Clinic, gum recontouring is performed using a specialised LASER.
This advanced technology allows the gums to be shaped very gently, and in many cases helps achieve:
- Minimal to no bleeding
- Reduced risk of scarring
- Faster healing compared to older methods
Your dentist will guide you through what to expect based on your specific gum and smile condition.
Is Gum Contouring the Right Treatment for You?
Gum contouring can be an excellent solution in the right cases — but it is not the only option.
A consultation is essential to determine whether gum recontouring is suitable for you, or whether other treatments may be more appropriate, such as:
- Botox above the lip to reduce excessive upper lip movement
- Orthodontic treatment (“Braces”) – sometimes with temporary anchorage devices to help correct certain upper jaw conditions
- Other aesthetic or functional treatments depending on diagnosis
Your best treatment plan depends on the underlying cause of the gummy smile and your overall smile goals.
In Summary
- A smile is framed by the teeth, gums, and lips — not just the teeth alone.
- Gummy smiles can be caused by excess gums, upper lip movement, tooth proportion issues, or upper jaw growth patterns.
- Gum contouring (gingivectomy) gently removes excess gum tissue to reveal more tooth surface and improve smile balance.
- At Alba Dental Clinic, LASER gum contouring is designed to be gentle and often involves minimal bleeding, reduced scarring, and faster healing.
- A professional consultation is needed to confirm the cause of your gummy smile and determine whether gum contouring or another treatment is most suitable.