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2026.10.25
What Is a "Gummy Smile"? A Dentist Explains the Causes, Characteristics, and Treatment Options
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.
A "gummy smile" is a condition in which the upper gums are visible when you smile with your mouth open. It is influenced by factors such as the movement of the upper lip, the position of the gums, and skeletal structure; depending on the cause, treatments such as Botox injections or surgical procedures may be considered.
"When I take a photo, I end up smiling with my mouth closed."
"I'm self-conscious that my gums show when I smile with my mouth wide open."
Do you have any concerns like that?
If you're concerned about your gums showing when you smile, you may have a "gummy smile." While a gummy smile is one characteristic of a smile, some people may want to improve the balance between their teeth and gums.
Although a "gummy smile" is characterized by the gums appearing prominent, there are various causes for this condition.
In this article, Teppei Tsukiyama, a dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry at BIANCA CLINIC, provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the characteristics, causes, and treatment options for a gummy smile.
What is a "gummy smile"?
A "gummy smile" is a condition in which the upper gums are highly visible when a person smiles.
The term is derived from “gummy,” the adjective form of “gum,” which refers to the gums in English; in dentistry, it is also described as “excessive gingival display.”
However, having visible gums is not necessarily abnormal. There is a certain range of variation in how much gum exposure is considered a “gummy smile.”
One guideline is that your gums should be visible by at least 3 mm when you smile.
When I smile, my upper gums are visible by at least 3 mm.
Generally speaking, this condition is considered one of the indicators of a gummy smile.
That said, the impression your mouth makes isn't determined solely by the number 3 mm.
A report summarizing 34 studies on the appearance of smiles found that smiles in which the gums are barely visible—or where the teeth are only slightly hidden by the upper lip—were rated as the most aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, smiles in which about 3 mm of the gums are visible are also considered within the range of what the general public finds acceptable [1].
In other words, there is a range between what is considered the most attractive smile and what is naturally accepted. Aesthetic preferences vary from person to person, and the need for treatment is not determined solely by the amount of gum tissue exposed.
In fact, the length and shape of the teeth, as well as the position of the lips, also affect the impression a smile makes.
A gummy smile is not a medical condition
A gummy smile is not, by definition, a medical condition.
Some people view showing a lot of gum as a unique feature of their smile.
On the other hand, some people are self-conscious about their exposed gums and find themselves worrying about their smile when having their picture taken or laughing in front of others. In such cases, you may want to consider cosmetic dentistry as a way to improve the balance of your smile.
What matters most is not how many millimeters of gum are visible, but what kind of smile the patient wants.
Why do gummy smiles look different from one person to another?
The appearance of a gummy smile is influenced by factors such as the balance between the teeth and gums and the movement of the upper lip.
Even if the gums are visible in the same way, the characteristics of the mouth differ between people whose teeth appear short and those whose upper lips lift significantly when they smile.
The balance between teeth and gums changes the overall impression
When the gums cover a large portion of the tooth's surface, the tooth appears shorter than it actually is, and the gums tend to stand out more.
In addition, the original size, shape, and position of the teeth are factors that affect how the teeth and gums appear when you smile.
In other words, in some cases, a gummy smile is influenced not only by the amount of gum tissue exposed but also by the characteristics and positioning of the teeth themselves.
The way a smile looks changes depending on the movement of the upper lip.
Even if your gums aren’t usually noticeable, there are people whose gums appear larger the moment they smile. In such cases, it may be related to the function of the muscles that lift the upper lip.
When the upper lip lifts significantly, it reveals the gums that are normally hidden by the lips.
Of course, there are also cases where the position of the gums and the movement of the upper lip both play a role.
As such, a gummy smile can result from multiple factors, and it is important to identify the cause when considering treatment.
For specific causes, such as the condition of the skeleton, muscles, and gums, see “Why Does a "Gummy Smile" Happen? Achieve a Natural Smile with Cosmetic DentistryThis is explained in detail there.
What are the treatment options for a gummy smile?
Treatment options for a gummy smile include aesthetic crown lengthening, lip repositioning, and Botox injections.
While both aim to reduce gum exposure, they differ in the areas they target and how they work.
Aesthetic Crown Lengthening | Balancing the Visible Proportion of Teeth and Gums
If the gums cover the surface of the teeth, making them appear short, we will consider aesthetic crown lengthening.
This is a surgical procedure that adjusts the position and shape of the gums and, if necessary, involves working on the surrounding bone. By adjusting the amount of tooth that is visible, the procedure aims to improve the balance between the teeth and gums.
However, gum tissue cannot simply be removed at will. To preserve healthy periodontal tissue, the extent of the resection must be determined based on the condition of the teeth and bone.
▶ Review the details of aesthetic crown lengthening procedures
Lip Repositioning | Adjusting the Range of Upper Lip Elevation
If there is significant movement of the upper lip, lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection) may be considered.
This is a surgical procedure in which a strip of tissue is excised from the inner mucosa of the upper lip and sutured, thereby physically limiting the extent to which the upper lip lifts when the patient smiles.
If factors such as bone structure have a significant impact, you may not achieve the desired results.
▶ View details about lip repositioning (upper lip mucosal resection)
Botox Injections | Inhibits the activity of the muscles that lift the upper lip
Botox injections are a method that temporarily weakens the muscles that lift the upper lip.
It prevents the upper lip from lifting too much when you smile, thereby reducing the amount of gum tissue that is exposed.
While this procedure is characterized by the fact that it does not involve incisions, the results are not permanent. At Bianca Clinic, we generally estimate that the results last about 3 to 6 months.
This is an option when the primary cause is related to the function of the upper lip muscles, but it is not a procedure that alters the skeletal structure or the position of the gums themselves.
As for what kind of results you can expect from Botox injections and how long the effects last,An article explaining the effects and duration of Botox injections for a gummy smileWe provide more details here.
Orthodontics | Correcting Tooth Alignment and Bite
If the position of your front teeth or your bite is contributing to a gummy smile, orthodontic treatment may be able to correct the problem.
However, in some cases, orthodontic treatment alone may not be sufficient to address issues with the upper lip muscles or bone structure.
If misaligned teeth or a poor bite are thought to be the primary cause, an evaluation by an orthodontist is necessary.
What aspects of a gummy smile does Bianca Clinic examine?
During an examination for a gummy smile, we don’t just check the amount of gum tissue exposed. We also pay attention to the shape of the teeth, the position of the gums, and the movement of the upper lip when you smile.
For example, if your front teeth appear short. The appropriate approach depends on whether your gums are covering your teeth or if your teeth are naturally small.
Furthermore, if the movement of the upper lip is also a factor, a single treatment may not produce the desired results.
At Bianca Clinic, we take these causes into account when determining whether Botox injections or surgical procedures are appropriate.
What I value most is not simply reducing the amount of gum tissue visible, but rather aiming to create a smile that reflects each person’s unique character while taking into account the balance between the teeth and lips.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Gummy Smile
We’ll answer common questions about gummy smiles, including self-care, orthodontic treatment, and what your smile will look like after treatment.
Q1. Can I fix a gummy smile on my own?
Being mindful of how you move your upper lip can sometimes temporarily change how your gums appear.
However, there is insufficient medical evidence to support the claim that massage or facial muscle exercises can alter the position of the jawbone or gums to correct a gummy smile.
If you're concerned, it's important to first identify the cause.
Q2. Can a gummy smile be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone?
If the main cause is the position of the teeth or the bite, orthodontic treatment may be able to correct the problem.
On the other hand, if the issue is related to the movement of the upper lip, the position of the gums, or the bone structure, orthodontic treatment alone may not be sufficient to correct it.
Q3. Can Botox injections alone correct a gummy smile?
If the main cause is the activity of the upper lip muscles, Botox injections alone may be enough to reduce gum exposure.
A key feature of this procedure is that it can be adjusted without the need for incisions. While you can consider undergoing the procedure again if the effects wear off, if the position of the gums or the bone structure is the primary cause, a different treatment method may be more appropriate.
Q4. Could treatment for a gummy smile make my smile look unnatural?
Depending on the treatment method and the extent of the changes, your smile may look a little off.
For example, if Botox injections suppress muscle activity too much, it can cause changes in facial expressions or create asymmetry between the left and right sides of the face.
To achieve a natural-looking smile, it is important to take into account the natural movement of your lips and how your teeth appear.
Q5. Can a gummy smile be corrected using just one treatment method?
In some cases, improvement can be expected after a single treatment, while in others, because multiple factors are involved, we may consider a combination of treatments.
However, undergoing multiple procedures does not necessarily guarantee good results. We will determine whether each procedure is necessary based on its purpose and associated risks.
Understanding the "Gummy Smile" and Cherishing Your Own Unique Smile
A "gummy smile" is a condition in which the gums are highly visible when you smile, but it does not necessarily require treatment.
On the other hand, if you wish to improve the balance of your mouth area, you can consider options such as aesthetic crown lengthening, lip repositioning, or Botox injections, depending on the cause.
What I value most is understanding the relationship between the teeth, gums, and lip movements, and working with patients to determine the changes they hope to achieve.
At BIANCA CLINIC, we assess the condition of your mouth and determine the necessary treatments.
If you're concerned about a gummy smile, please feel free to contact us.
▶ View Details on Gummy Smile Treatment
▶ Try a consultation at BIANCA CLINIC
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