Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery for a Gummy Smile
If your teeth look shorter than you’d like, excess gum tissue covering them, known as a “gummy smile,” may be the reason. Crown lengthening for aesthetics can correct this and reveal more of your natural tooth structure.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile happens when teeth appear too small because they’re covered by too much gum tissue, not because the teeth themselves are actually short. This is a common cosmetic concern, and it’s correctable with the periodontal plastic surgery procedure known as crown lengthening.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
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- An overbite
- Overgrowth of the upper jaw (maxilla)
- Extra lip movement when smiling
- A naturally short upper lip
- Teeth that haven’t fully erupted above the bone
- Gums that don’t recede naturally with age
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How the Procedure Is Performed
Crown lengthening corrects the ratio of gum to tooth by reshaping the soft gum and underlying bone tissue to create a more balanced smile. During the procedure, the gum and bone are sculpted to reveal previously hidden tooth structure. Anesthesia keeps the procedure pain-free, and most patients manage post-op discomfort well with over-the-counter pain medication at home. Learn more about what recovery involves on our Post-Operative Instructions page.
Why Consider This Procedure?
Beyond aesthetics, feeling confident in your smile matters — a great smile plays a real role in professional and social confidence. Self-confidence and overall wellbeing are closely linked, and smiling itself triggers the release of endorphins that support good mental health.
Related Cosmetic Options
For patients dealing with gum recession alongside cosmetic concerns, a soft tissue graft can cover exposed, unattractive tooth roots, reduce further recession, and protect the roots from decay and eventual tooth loss. Gingivectomy is another related procedure sometimes used alongside gummy smile correction, depending on your specific case.
Browse Dr. Zakaria’s before-and-after book to see the results achievable, or check our Facebook and Instagram pages for more photos.
Call (734) 542-9904 for help with your gummy smile — we’ll walk you through all of your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gummy smile a dental problem or just cosmetic?
It’s primarily cosmetic, though some underlying causes, like teeth not fully erupting, can be evaluated alongside overall gum health.
Is crown lengthening painful?
The procedure is performed under anesthesia to keep it pain-free, and post-op discomfort is typically manageable with over-the-counter medication.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients recover within a couple of weeks, with initial healing and reduced sensitivity noticeable within the first several days.
Will my results look natural?
Yes, the procedure is designed to create a balanced, natural-looking ratio of gum to tooth that complements your smile.
Can a gummy smile come back after treatment?
Results from crown lengthening are generally long-lasting, since the reshaped bone and tissue don’t typically regrow to their previous position.
Is this the same as gum grafting?
No, crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue to reveal more tooth, while gum grafting adds tissue to cover exposed roots — they address opposite concerns.
How do I find out if I’m a candidate?
Call (734) 542-9904 to schedule a consultation so Dr. Zakaria can evaluate your smile and recommend the right approach.
