What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is a cosmetic concern, not a medical condition, but it can affect confidence and facial harmony. It occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. In most cases, more than 3–4mm of visible gum is considered a gummy smile.
Gummy smiles are relatively common and can affect:
- Women more than men
- Younger patients
- Individuals with strong upper lip movement
Why Do You Get a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can develop for one or more reasons. Identifying the cause is essential for choosing the correct treatment.
- Hyperactive Upper Lip: The upper lip lifts too high when smiling, exposing more gum tissue than normal. This can be due to strong facial muscles or genetic factors.
- Excess Gum Tissue (Gingival Overgrowth): The gums cover too much of the tooth surface, making teeth appear short, usually due to genetics, certain medications, or incomplete passive tooth eruption.
- Short or Small Teeth: Teeth may be naturally short or appear short due to gum coverage.
- Vertical Maxillary Excess (Jaw Structure): The upper jaw is longer than average, making the gums more visible when smiling.
- Tooth Position or Bite Issues: Protruding teeth or malocclusion can exaggerate gum display.
How Is a Gummy Smile Diagnosed?
A professional assessment evaluates:
- Lip movement at rest and when smiling
- Tooth length and proportions
- Gum position
- Jaw structure
- Facial balance
This ensures the root cause is treated, not just the symptom.
Gummy Smile Treatment Options at Skin Renewal
Treatment depends entirely on the cause of the gummy smile. In many cases, a combination approach delivers the best result.
Botulinum Toxin: Small, precisely placed doses of Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) relax the muscles that lift the upper lip too high when smiling. It is minimally invasive with no downtime for a natural-looking result.
Dermal Fillers (Lip Support): Dermal fillers can subtly support the upper lip, reducing excessive upward movement while maintaining natural expression.
Which Gummy Smile Treatment Is Best?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The most effective treatment plan depends on:
- The underlying cause
- Facial anatomy
- Smile dynamics
- Patient expectations
At Skin Renewal, your smile is treated with the precision of medicine and the artistry of aesthetics. Our highly trained medical practitioners take the time to assess your unique anatomy, smile dynamics and aesthetic goals, ensuring that every treatment is tailored specifically to you, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Using only premium, medical-grade injectables and evidence-based techniques, we prioritise safety, subtlety and long-term facial balance, so you leave feeling confident, supported and beautifully yourself.
