Gummy Smile

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile refers to the appearance of a greater amount of upper gum tissue when smiling. It is normal for some gum to show when you smile. The amount of gum visible during a smile varies naturally between individuals and is often a normal feature of facial expression.

What causes a gummy smile?

A gummy smile can develop as a result of several factors working together, including:

• Individual facial anatomy and genetics.
• The way the upper lip moves during smiling.
• The shape and position of the upper jaw and teeth.
• The length of the upper lip.
• Tooth eruption and dental development.
• Less commonly, underlying dental or skeletal conditions.

The underlying cause varies from person to person, making an individual assessment an important part of the consultation.

Assessment

During your consultation, we’ll assess your smile, upper lip, teeth, gums and facial anatomy. We’ll also assess how the muscles of the upper lip function during expression and consider whether dental or skeletal factors contribute to your smile. Understanding the underlying cause helps determine whether management is appropriate for you.

Why assessment is important

A gummy smile is not always caused by a single factor. In some people, upper lip movement is the main contributor, while in others the teeth, gums, jaw position or facial anatomy play a more significant role. In some cases, a dental or orthodontic assessment may be appropriate. Without a comprehensive assessment, management may not address the underlying cause of the concern or achieve an outcome that meets your expectations.

Individualised management

During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether management is appropriate for your individual concerns. If so, we’ll explain the available options, together with the expected benefits, limitations and potential risks, so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Prepared by
Dr Simone Doreian
Specialist General Practitioner
AHPRA Registration: MED0001163462