column (e.g. in newspaper)
2026.02.27
Bianca Clinic for Gummy Smile Treatment in Ginza, Tokyo｜Bianca's cosmetic dentist Teppei Tsukuyama explains!
He is a specialist in the treatment of gummy smiles, one of the most sensitive areas of esthetic dentistry. He practices, lectures, researches, and writes articles in Japan and abroad. He is the only Japanese dentist who is certified as an implant specialist in both the U.S. and Europe. He uses a multifaceted approach, including surgical treatment, orthodontics, and Botox injections, to address all concerns about the mouth. He is a dentist who can help patients achieve their “desired smile.
I am Teppei Tsukuyama, a part-time cosmetic dentist at Bianca Clinic.
Do you feel that your gums stand out when you smile, making it difficult to smile with all your might or to be photographed? This kind of mouth problem is called a "gummy smile" and is caused by a variety of factors, including skeletal structure, muscles, and the balance of teeth and gums. Although gummy smile is not a health problem, some people have a complex about it because of the way it affects their appearance. At BIANCA CLINIC in Ginza, an esthetic dentist diagnoses the cause of the problem thoroughly and proposes treatments such as "Botox injections," "esthetic crown lengthening," and "lip repositioning" to suit each individual patient. In this issue, we will explain about gummy smile treatment.
What is a Gummy Smile? What are gummies of concern?
Gummy smiles make the gums appear larger when smiling. For some people, this can have a psychological impact, such as a lack of confidence in smiling or an unwillingness to be photographed. First, let's try to understand what it is.
When you smile, your gums stand out... that's a “gummy smile”.”
A gummy smile is a condition in which the upper gums are visible when smiling. When the gums are visible more than 3 mm when smiling, the condition is generally referred to as a gummy smile. Gummy smile itself is not a health problem, but it can affect the appearance of the smile. For example, many people feel complex for the following reasons
- Lack of confidence in smiling
- Concerned about photos and memorials.
- The impression of the mouth is emphasized.
In addition, exposed gums and an incongruent mouth tend to make it difficult to open and close the mouth smoothly, leading to mouth breathing. As a result, the oral cavity tends to become dry, and the self-cleaning and antibacterial effects of saliva are reduced. This can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
For these reasons, some people who feel uncomfortable with their appearance may wish to have "Botox injections," aesthetic crown lengthening, or lip repositioning. Note that gummy smile treatment is not a health issue and is therefore not covered by insurance and must be paid for at one's own expense.
References: Tatakis DN. (2022), "Lip Repositioning Techniques and Modifications"/Dent Clin North Am
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35738733/
There are three causes of a gummy smile! Which type are you?
The causes of gummy smiles vary from person to person. There are three major types, each with different treatment options. Knowing which type you have is the first step toward improvement.
Type caused by skeletal structure and dental alignment
The skeletal structure and alignment of the teeth can cause a gummy smile due to a poor bite. Overgrowth of the upper jaw may also result in a large exposed gumline.
Type caused by muscles around the mouth and upper lip
If you have a thin upper lip or if the muscles that lift the upper lip work strongly, your lips are pulled up excessively when you smile, resulting in a larger visible area of gums.
Type due to size and position of teeth and gums
If the teeth appear small or short, or if the gums cover them excessively, there is an imbalance between the teeth and the gums. As a result, the gums are more noticeable than the teeth.
Choosing by Type! Gummy Smile Treatment
It is important to choose the best method of treatment for gummy smiles, depending on the cause and type of smile.
Type due to skeletal size and tooth alignment
If skeletal or bite problems are involved, orthodontic treatment or surgical approaches may be considered.
Type caused by muscles around the mouth and upper lip
If the muscles that pull up the upper lip are working strongly, "Botox injections" can be used to adjust the muscle movement, or "lip repositioning" can be used to adjust the position of the lips.
Type caused by the size and position of the gums and teeth
If the teeth and gums are unbalanced and the gums are prominent, it may be useful to use "esthetic crown lengthening" to improve the visible extent of the teeth or orthodontic treatment to improve the alignment of the teeth.
Reliable Treatment Steps at Ginza Bianca Clinic
Ginza is conveniently accessible and easy to get to for busy people. Bianca Clinic has cutting-edge equipment and experienced cosmetic dentists. We offer precision treatment and high quality workmanship.
1. Start with a thorough consultation.
First, we check the condition of the patient's smile and gums, and carefully identify the type and cause of the gummy smile. We then suggest the best treatment options based on the patient's desires and lifestyle. After establishing a treatment plan, we will guide you to a plan that will help you achieve a natural and beautiful smile.
2. treatment planning with detailed examination and digital planning
Diagnosis, examination, and planning" are important for successful treatment. First, a three-dimensional understanding of the teeth, gums, skeletal structure, occlusion, and even the movement of the lips is obtained using smile photographs, intraoral scans, and dental CT (CBCT). Based on this data, we simulate a postoperative image. After discussing the final result with the patient, we create a customized treatment plan that clearly outlines the risks, post-operative care, costs, and schedule. We place great importance on making sure that the patient is satisfied with the results before proceeding with the procedure.
3. safe and pain-free treatment
If there are any problems in the oral environment based on the results of the initial consultation and examination, we will prepare them by pre-treatment before the procedure. After sufficient preparation, anesthesia is introduced according to the patient's wishes, and the procedure is performed with safety as the top priority and with consideration for pain.
The Ideal Smile Starts with a Correct Diagnosis
Since the appropriate treatment for a gummy smile differs depending on the cause, it is important to first make a correct diagnosis. At Bianca Clinic in Ginza, experienced cosmetic dentists provide careful services from counseling to treatment and aftercare.
We will suggest methods such as "Botox injections," "aesthetic crown lengthening," and "lip repositioning" to suit your condition. If you want to have confidence in your smile, please contact us for a consultation. We will work with you to find a treatment that is right for you and help you get closer to your ideal smile.
▶Counseling appointments are available atHere
