Understanding a Gummy Smile
A “gummy smile”, also known as excessive gingival display, is when 2mm or more of gum is visible when you smile.
For some people, it is part of their charm. For others, it can cause self-consciousness or make them hesitant to smile fully. Both experiences are completely valid because beauty is wonderfully individual.
A gummy smile can make the teeth appear smaller, cause the smile to look uneven or make the upper lip appear short or high. It often coincides with a high lip line or overactive lip-lifting muscles.
Solutions for a Gummy Smile
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Dermal Filler for
Lip Support
Combination Treatment
Surgical Options
If a gummy smile is caused by an overactive lip-lifting muscle, a very small amount of anti-wrinkle treatment can relax the muscle so the upper lip does not rise as high.
This can soften gum exposure while maintaining your natural expression. Results develop over one to two weeks, and treatment is particularly suitable for mild to moderate gummy smiles.
If the upper lip is thin or naturally sits high, subtle dermal filler can add gentle volume, improve the balance of the lips and reduce the amount of gum displayed.
Treatment is carefully planned to enhance the smile without making the lips look obviously “done”.
For many patients, the most balanced result comes from combining a very small amount of anti-wrinkle treatment with subtle dermal filler.
Anti-wrinkle injections relax the lip-lifting muscle, while filler supports and balances the upper lip. This approach can create a natural, harmonious result without altering the character of your smile.
When a gummy smile is caused by jaw position or significant gum excess, surgical options may include maxillofacial jaw repositioning, gum contouring or lip-lowering surgery.
These options are generally reserved for more pronounced cases or situations where non-surgical treatments are unsuitable.
Why a Gummy Smile Happens
CAUSES & TRIGGERS
A gummy smile can have several possible causes, and more than one factor may be involved.
These can include:
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Overactive lip-lifting muscles
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A naturally high lip line
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A short or thin upper lip
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Significant gum exposure
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The position of the jaw
People often describe feeling self-conscious when smiling, avoiding big or open-mouth smiles in photographs, feeling that their smile looks “childlike” or unbalanced or worrying that their teeth appear too small.
Other people love their gummy smile, and that is equally valid. The goal is not to “fix” you; it is to support you if the appearance of your smile affects your confidence.
Treatment Planned Around Your Skin
Treatment Planned Around You
During your consultation, we assess:
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The movement of your upper lip
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The amount of gum displayed
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Muscle activity
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Lip length and volume
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Jaw position
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Your goals and natural smile dynamics
We then create a personalised plan designed to improve balance while keeping your smile authentically yours.
Depending on the cause, this may involve anti-wrinkle injections, subtle dermal filler, a combination of both or referral for specialist treatment when the concern is structural.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
A gummy smile is often anatomical, but you can support the longevity of your results by maintaining good oral health and avoiding habits that repeatedly overactivate or lift the upper lip.
Where appropriate, anti-wrinkle maintenance treatments may be performed every three to four months. Subtle dermal filler can also be used to maintain the structure and balance of the upper lip when needed.
Your ongoing treatment plan will be based on how your muscles move, how your results develop and the appearance you would like to maintain.
Common Questions
What is considered a gummy smile?
A gummy smile is generally described as showing 2mm or more of gum when smiling. It is also known as excessive gingival display.
What causes a gummy smile?
Possible causes include overactive lip-lifting muscles, a naturally high lip line, a short or thin upper lip, significant gum excess or the position of the jaw.
How do anti-wrinkle injections treat a gummy smile?
A tiny amount of treatment relaxes the overactive muscle that lifts the upper lip. This prevents the lip from rising as high and reduces the amount of gum displayed.
Will treatment change the way I smile?
Treatment is carefully planned to reduce excessive gum exposure while maintaining your natural expression and the individual character of your smile.
Can lip filler help a gummy smile?
Yes. When the upper lip is thin or sits high, subtle filler can improve its volume and support, helping to balance the smile and reduce gum show.
When might surgery be required?
Surgical treatment may be considered when excessive gum display is caused by jaw position or significant gum excess and non-surgical options are not suitable.
Your Path to Radiance
We guide you through every stage of your skin health journey with professional expertise and personalised care.
A NEW AND IMPROVED YOU AWAITS
1
Consultation
A relaxed clinical discussion about your goals.
2
Personalised Plan
A bespoke treatment route tailored to you.
3
Treatment
Expert clinical care delivered with precision.
4
Ongoing Support
Continuous wellness guidance beyond your visit.
