Gummy Smile: Creating a Harmonious Smile with Gum Contouring

Hello, this is Lucid Dental Clinic.

The gums that show when you smile are an important factor in determining

the impression of your smile.

A bright, cheerful smile can increase likability and

convey a positive image, but

if more gum than teeth is visible when smiling, it can give an awkward or

unbalanced impression.

This is commonly called a “gummy smile.”

A gummy smile is not usually a major health problem,

but because it can be a cosmetic concern,

many people consider treatment.

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile refers to a condition in which the gums are excessively

exposed when smiling.

Normally, if 2 mm or less of the gums show when smiling,

it is considered natural, but when 3–4 mm or more are exposed,

the gums tend to draw attention first.

In many cases, the balance between the teeth, gums, and lips appears disturbed,

and for this reason some people feel difficulty smiling naturally.

Causes of a gummy smile

Treatment approaches for a gummy smile vary depending on the cause.

The main causes are as follows.

1. When the gums cover too much of the teeth

This is a case where the tooth length is normal, but the gums cover the tooth surface,

making the teeth appear short. It can occur due to a congenital gum shape or

differences in development.

2. Upper jaw development

This is when the upper jaw has developed forward structurally,

causing more gum to be visible when smiling.

3. Movement of the muscles that raise the upper lip

When smiling, the upper lip rises excessively and the gums

become exposed. The strength and movement of the muscles are the main

causes.

4. Reduced tooth length

Teeth may be worn down or naturally short,

making gum exposure appear more noticeable.

Having a gummy smile does not necessarily mean treatment is

required, but it can affect cosmetic satisfaction.

Many people seek improvement for the following reasons.

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring is a procedure that adjusts the shape and height of the gums

to balance the proportion between the teeth and gums.

In cases of a gummy smile, the gums covering the teeth are

gently removed to reveal the natural tooth length

and restore harmony.

It is performed using a laser or a minimally invasive incision,

and crown lengthening may be combined if needed.

Procedure process

1. Precise diagnosis

The cause of the gummy smile is identified through an oral examination,

imaging, and other evaluations.

2. Planning the tooth-to-gum ratio

The ideal ratio when smiling is calculated to determine the extent of gum removal.

3. Procedure

The gums are adjusted using a laser or incision method.

If necessary, it can be combined with prosthetic treatment or laminate veneers.

4. Recovery care

After the procedure, soft foods and oral hygiene management are necessary until the gums stabilize.

Expected changes from gum contouring

▪️Restoration of a harmonious tooth-and-gum ratio when smiling

▪️Teeth appear longer and the smile gains more dimension

▪️A more natural and confident smile becomes possible

▪️Improved satisfaction in photographs

Gum contouring: Post-procedure precautions

▪️Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for a certain period after the procedure

▪️Avoid foods that stain easily

▪️Avoid hot and irritating foods before full recovery

▪️Use cold compresses if there is pain or swelling

If you hesitate to smile because of a gummy smile,

it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis of the cause through Lucid Dental Clinic and choose the method that suits you.

At Lucid Dental Clinic, in addition to gum contouring,

we also consider various treatments such as Lucinate, orthodontics, and prosthetics

together, and provide care with the goal of a natural and harmonious smile.

Lucid Dental Clinic

3rd–4th Floors, Coway Building, 606 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul