What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, occurs when more than 3–4 millimetres of gum tissue is visible when smiling. While this is not a medical problem, it can significantly affect confidence and facial aesthetics.
Common causes include:
A short upper lip
Hyperactive upper lip muscles that lift too high when smiling
Overgrowth of gum tissue (gingival hypertrophy)
Small or worn-down teeth that appear disproportionate
Excessive vertical growth of the upper jaw (vertical maxillary excess)
The right solution depends entirely on the underlying cause, which is why an expert diagnosis and personalised plan are crucial.
Understanding the Patient Perspective
Many patients with a gummy smile have lived with the concern for years—smiling with their lips closed in photos, avoiding open laughter in social settings, or covering their mouths with their hands when talking. Some have even been told that there’s nothing that can be done or feel anxious at the thought of a surgical correction.
At our practice, Dr Malik begins with one simple principle: you deserve a smile you feel confident in, and there are more options available today than ever before—most of which are minimally invasive, quick and highly effective.
How We Approach Gummy Smile Correction
The journey begins with a detailed clinical and aesthetic analysis. Dr Malik looks not just at the gums, but at how they relate to the teeth, lips, and facial symmetry. He uses digital photography, facial scans, digital smile design and mock-ups to map the smile in motion and assess proportions.
This multidisciplinary approach ensures that any treatment is not only clinically sound but aligned with each patients’ natural facial features and patients’ desires.
Tailored Treatment Options Include:
1. Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)
If excess gum tissue is the issue, a gentle reshaping of the gumline can create immediate results. Using laser or microsurgical techniques, Dr Malik removes the excess tissue to expose more of the natural tooth, creating a more proportionate smile.
2. Lip Repositioning
When a hyperactive upper lip causes the gums to show, a simple surgical procedure can lower the resting position of the lip, reducing gingival display while preserving full lip movements and expressions.
3. Muscle Relaxants
For patients who are uncomfortable with surgery or only have mild display, carefully administered muscle relaxants can reduce the upward pull of the upper lip, offering a temporary but effective improvement.
4. Orthodontic Treatment
If the cause is related to tooth position or jaw structure, clear aligners or braces can help reposition the teeth and reduce gum exposure. This method can also lengthen the visible part of the teeth over time.
5. Crown Lengthening or Veneers
When teeth are naturally small or worn down, restoring their height with custom veneers or crown lengthening can balance the ratio between gums and teeth, giving a fuller and more aesthetically pleasing smile.
6. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
In more complex cases involving jaw overgrowth, surgical intervention may be required. This is always the last option after exploring all non-surgical possibilities. Dr Malik works with trusted maxillofacial surgeons and oversees every step to ensure continuity of care.
What Results Can You Expect?
Gummy smile correction is about more than appearances. Patients often describe feeling:
More confident and free to express joy
Less self-conscious in social or professional settings
Proud of their smile in photographs
Finally in control of a concern they thought was untreatable
The final result is a smile that feels balanced, symmetrical, and natural to your face. Whether through a simple in-chair procedure or a comprehensive smile rehabilitation, the transformation often feels life-changing.
The Specialist Touch: Dr Junaid Saleem Malik
If you feel your smile shows too much gum and not enough tooth, you're not alone—and you're not stuck with it. Gummy smile correction with Dr. Malik offers a life-changing, confidence-boosting solution tailored specifically to you. Using advanced techniques in smile design, laser technology, and precise restorative or surgical approaches, Dr. Malik can beautifully rebalance your smile for a more natural, harmonious appearance.
Whether the cause is gum overgrowth, tooth positioning, or jaw alignment, you’ll receive a bespoke treatment plan built on the highest standards of aesthetic dentistry. The result? A smile that finally reflects how you feel inside—confident, relaxed, and unmistakably you.
Your Comfort Comes First
Every step is explained. Every question is answered. You will never be pressured into a procedure, and you'll have the opportunity to see previews of your potential results using digital visualisation technologies.
Whether your goal is a subtle refinement or a full transformation, Dr Malik will guide you with honesty, clinical insight, and artistry.
Ready to Reveal a More Confident Smile?
If a gummy smile has held you back from smiling freely, now is the time to take the first step toward a more balanced and confident appearance.
Book a consultation with Dr Junaid Saleem Malik and explore the solutions that can make you feel like yourself again—only happier to smile.
