Overview
What Is a
Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile refers to the excessive display of gum tissue when smiling. The causes are multifactorial — there may be an excess of gum tissue itself, the lip line may sit too high at rest or when smiling, or a combination of both.
Gum sculpting for gummy smile treatment can provide a more symmetrical, balanced smile by revealing more of the natural tooth surface and minimising the amount of gum display. For many patients, even a small reduction in gum tissue has a significant impact on the overall appearance of the smile.
Each case is unique, and the right approach depends on the underlying cause. A consultation with one of our practitioners will help determine which option is right for you.
For illustration purposes only. Individual treatment planning and outcomes may vary.
Treatment Options
Restoring
Balance & Symmetry.
For those with a gummy smile, we consider a range of options depending on severity. Some cases are resolved with a simple in-chair procedure, while others may benefit from a combination of approaches.
Excessive display of gum tissue is a source of concern for many patients — and there are genuine solutions available. Our team will assess your smile carefully and recommend the most appropriate pathway for your individual situation.
Gum Sculpting
A precise in-chair procedure that removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth crown. Results are immediate, symmetrical, and long-lasting — often the most effective first-line treatment for mild to moderate cases.
Learn more →Botulinum Toxin
Where a hyperactive upper lip is the primary cause, a small amount of botulinum toxin can gently limit how high the lip rises when smiling. A non-surgical option with a natural, refreshed result that lasts several months.
Ask us about this option →Orthodontic Intrusion (TADs)
For cases where the teeth sit lower than ideal in the jaw, orthodontic intrusion using temporary anchorage devices (TADs) can reposition the teeth upward within the bone — reducing gum display from the inside out.
Explore orthodontic options →Maxillofacial Surgery
For severe cases where the position of the jaw is the underlying cause, a Le Forte procedure may be considered. This surgical option repositions the upper jaw and is typically managed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
Ask us at your consultation →Our Approach
Why Choose
Element Dental?
Cause-Led Assessment
Gummy smiles have multiple causes and not every case is the same. We identify exactly what is driving yours before recommending anything — so the treatment is targeted, not generic.
Multiple Treatment Pathways
From in-chair gum sculpting to non-surgical botulinum toxin and orthodontic options, we offer the full range of treatments so your care is always matched to the right level of intervention.
Natural, Balanced Results
Our goal is a smile that looks beautifully natural — more tooth, less gum, with proportions that suit your face. We never over-treat, and we always aim for a result that looks like you at your best.
Reveal More
of Your Smile.
Book a consultation and we will assess your gum display, identify the cause, and guide you toward the most suitable treatment option.
Call Us →General & Cosmetic Dentistry & Implant Centre
– Erina Dentist