Gummy Smile Reduction
Gummy smile reduction is an aesthetic procedure performed by Dr Shabri to reduce excessive gum exposure during smiling. By relaxing the overactive muscles that cause excessive lip elevation, the treatment creates a more balanced, confident, and aesthetically pleasing smile.
This quick, minimally invasive treatment is tailored to your individual anatomy to achieve a natural and harmonious result without affecting your natural expression.
How It Works
Gummy smile can have different underlying causes, and Dr Shabri’s dual expertise in both aesthetics and dentistry allows her to provide comprehensive treatment options tailored to your specific anatomy.
Neurotoxin treatment is ideal when excessive gum display is caused by hyperactive lip muscles that lift too high when smiling. A small amount of neurotoxin is injected with precision into the lip-elevating muscles, reducing their activity. This prevents the upper lip from lifting too high when you smile, allowing it to rest more comfortably over your teeth and gums. The treatment targets the muscles responsible for excessive gum display whilst preserving your natural smile and facial expressions.
Dental treatment may be more appropriate when gum display is caused by excessive gum tissue covering the teeth or short clinical crowns. Dr Shabri can perform:
- Laser crown lengthening – A minimally invasive procedure using laser technology to reshape excess gum tissue and reveal more of the tooth structure.
- Surgical crown lengthening – A more comprehensive approach for cases requiring recontouring of both gum tissue and underlying bone.
In some cases, a combination approach using both neurotoxin and dental treatment may provide the most optimal result. The treatment is carefully calibrated to create a subtle refinement that enhances your smile without appearing overdone or artificial.
Benefits You Can Expect
Reduces excessive gum display when smiling
Natural-looking results and preserves genuine facial expressions
Creates a more balanced, proportionate smile
Improved facial aesthetics and confidence
Treatment Overview
Expected Results
Reduced gum visibility and enhanced smile aesthetic
Treatment Time
15–60 minutes (depending on approach)
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic available for dental procedures, not required for neurotoxin treatments
Downtime
None
Results Visible
Visible in 0 - 14 days
Longevity
3–4 months (neurotoxin) or permanent (dental)
FAQs
Am I suitable for this treatment?
This treatment is ideal for individuals with excessive gum display when smiling. Dr Shabri will thoroughly assess your unique smile dynamics, the underlying cause of your gummy smile and your aesthetic goals during a personalised consultation to determine the best treatment approach for you.
What causes a gummy smile?
A gummy smile can be caused by several factors:
- Hyperactive lip muscles that lift the upper lip too high when smiling
- Excessive gum tissue covering the teeth (gingival hyperplasia)
- Short clinical crowns where the teeth appear small relative to the gums
- Vertical maxillary excess where the upper jaw is longer than ideal
Dr Shabri will carry out a comprehensive assessment to identify which factors are causing your gummy smile to recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
Will the results look natural?
Yes. Dr Shabri uses a conservative, precise approach so your smile looks balanced but never “frozen.”
Which treatment option is best for me?
During your consultation, Dr Shabri will carry out a comprehensive assessment including the amount of gum display, your lip mobility and muscle activity when smiling, the length of your teeth and gum tissue coverage, and your overall facial proportions. This thorough evaluation identifies which factors are causing your gummy smile and determines the most appropriate treatment approach.
Neurotoxin treatment is recommended when hyperactive lip muscles are the primary cause. This is the quickest, least invasive option with no downtime, ideal for those seeking a reversible solution.
Dental treatment (laser or surgical crown lengthening) is recommended when excessive gum tissue or short clinical crowns are the cause. This provides permanent results by reshaping the gum line to reveal more tooth structure.
Combination treatment may be recommended when multiple factors are contributing to your gummy smile, providing the most comprehensive and optimal result.
Can this be combined with other treatments?
Yes. When both hyperactive lip muscles and excessive gum tissue contribute to your gummy smile, combining neurotoxin treatment with crown lengthening often provides the most comprehensive result. Dr Shabri will advise if a combination approach is appropriate for your individual case.
Once gum display is corrected, many patients choose to enhance their smile further with treatments such as composite bonding, teeth whitening, or veneers for a complete smile transformation.