What Is a Gummy Smile?
A “gummy smile” is a smile where an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth. While there’s no strict clinical definition of how much gum is “too much,” many providers consider more than 3–4 millimeters of visible gum to be excessive.
For some people, a gummy smile is simply a cosmetic concern. For others, it can affect confidence and how comfortable they feel smiling or laughing. The good news is that orthodontic treatment may help — depending on what’s causing the excess gum display.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Gummy smiles can develop for several reasons, some related to tooth position and others tied to jaw structure or gum tissue itself. Common causes include:
- Excessive gum tissue — When gums cover more of the tooth than average.
- Short-looking teeth — Teeth may appear small due to wear or incomplete eruption.
- Hyperactive upper lip — The lip lifts higher than normal when smiling.
- Vertical maxillary excess — The upper jaw has grown more vertically than average.
- Tooth positioning issues — Over-erupted teeth or a deep bite can increase gum visibility.
Identifying the root cause is critical, as it determines whether orthodontic treatment alone can correct the issue.
Can Braces or Invisalign Fix a Gummy Smile?
In many cases, yes — but it depends on the underlying cause.
Orthodontic treatment can be effective when a gummy smile is related to how the teeth are positioned rather than jaw structure or gum volume.
When Orthodontics Can Help
- Over-erupted upper front teeth that show excess gum
- Deep bites that push teeth too far downward
- Teeth that need vertical repositioning for better balance
Both braces and Invisalign can apply precise forces to move teeth upward or adjust their angle, helping reduce gum exposure and improve smile proportions.
What Orthodontics Cannot Correct Alone
- Excess gum tissue volume
- Hyperactive lip movement
- Significant vertical jaw overgrowth
In these cases, orthodontics may still play a role — but additional treatments may be recommended.
How Orthodontic Treatment Improves Gummy Smiles
Treatment begins with a detailed evaluation, often including digital scans or 3D imaging. This allows your orthodontist to assess tooth position, bite alignment, and jaw relationships.
Depending on your needs, treatment may involve:
- Tooth intrusion — Gently moving teeth upward into the jawbone
- Bite correction — Adjusting overbites or deep bites
- Precise tooth repositioning — Improving proportions and symmetry
These movements can significantly reduce the appearance of a gummy smile when dental alignment is the primary cause.
When Additional Treatment May Be Needed
Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
If your gummy smile is caused by vertical maxillary excess, jaw surgery may be required. This procedure repositions the upper jaw to create better facial balance and reduce gum exposure. Orthodontic treatment is typically completed before and after surgery.
Gum Contouring
When excess gum tissue is the main issue, gum contouring may be recommended. This minimally invasive procedure reshapes the gumline to reveal more of the natural tooth and is often done after orthodontic treatment.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Timelines vary based on the severity and treatment approach:
- Mild to moderate cases — Approximately 12–18 months with braces or Invisalign
- Cases requiring gum contouring — Orthodontic treatment plus a brief follow-up procedure
- Surgical cases — Often 18–24 months or longer, including recovery time
Your orthodontist will provide a personalized timeline after reviewing your case.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Gummy Smile Treatment?
You may be a good candidate if:
- Your gummy smile is mild to moderate
- Tooth position or bite alignment contributes to excess gum display
- You’re looking for a non-surgical or minimally invasive solution
- You’re open to a combined treatment approach if needed
Benefits of Treating a Gummy Smile
Correcting a gummy smile can offer both cosmetic and functional benefits, including:
- Improved confidence when smiling
- More balanced facial proportions
- Easier oral hygiene due to better alignment
- Long-term bite stability
The Bottom Line
A gummy smile doesn’t have to be permanent. Orthodontic treatment can be an effective solution when tooth position or bite alignment is the cause. For more complex cases, combining orthodontics with gum contouring or jaw surgery may provide the best results.
The key is a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your unique smile.
Ready to Find Out What’s Causing Your Gummy Smile?
Schedule a consultation with Beverly Hills Orthodontics today — and let’s create a personalized plan to help you smile with confidence.