A smile is often described as “gummy” when more than about 3–4 mm of gum shows above the upper teeth. It is very common and purely a cosmetic concern.
Why it happens
Causes include excess gum tissue covering the teeth, a very active upper lip, the way the upper jaw developed, or teeth that have not fully erupted.
Treatment options
- Gum contouring: reshapes the gum line to reveal more of each tooth
- Lip-relaxing injections: reduce how high the lip lifts when smiling (temporary)
- Orthodontics: corrects tooth position when that is the cause
The right option depends on the cause, so a careful assessment of your smile comes first.
Have a question about your teeth?
Book a check-up and our dentists will advise you in person.
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