Transform Your Gummy Smile with Expert Care
Say goodbye to excess gum tissue and hello to a beautifully balanced smile with treatment options from Walnut Creek Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Julia Lee!
The Science and Artistry Behind Gummy Smile Correction
We offer personalized treatments including laser gum contouring with aesthetic considerations for gum symmetry and tooth proportion. Our minimally invasive procedures can be completed in one or two visits with minimal downtime.
Beyond Aesthetics: The Health Benefits
Excess gum tissue creates bacterial pockets leading to gum disease, affecting bite and chewing efficiency. Treatment improves both appearance and oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a gummy smile?
A gummy smile — where excess gum tissue is visible when smiling — can result from several factors: teeth that erupted partially leaving excess gum, a short upper lip that rises too high when smiling, an overdeveloped upper jaw (vertical maxillary excess), or a combination of these. An evaluation by Dr. Lee will identify the underlying cause and guide treatment.
What treatments are available for a gummy smile?
Treatment depends on the cause. Laser gum contouring (gingivectomy) reshapes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth crown — a quick, minimally invasive procedure. Crown lengthening removes both gum and bone tissue for more dramatic cases. For smile-line issues related to lip movement, Botox can relax the upper lip muscles. Dr. Lee will recommend the best approach after your evaluation.
Is laser gum contouring painful?
The procedure is performed with local anesthesia so you remain comfortable throughout. Laser treatment is significantly less invasive than traditional surgical methods — there is minimal bleeding, swelling, and a faster healing time. Most patients experience only mild soreness for a day or two after treatment and can return to normal activities quickly.
How long does recovery take after gummy smile treatment?
Recovery depends on the extent of the procedure. Laser gum reshaping typically heals within 1–2 weeks. More involved crown lengthening may require 2–4 weeks of healing before final results are visible. Initial results are visible immediately, with the full aesthetic outcome apparent once swelling resolves completely.
Will a gummy smile treatment affect my teeth?
No. Gum contouring reshapes only the gum tissue (and sometimes a small amount of bone in crown lengthening cases) to expose more of your existing tooth structure. It does not damage or alter your teeth. In fact, many patients find that after gum contouring their teeth look proportionally longer, better-shaped, and more symmetrical.
Visit Our Friendly Office!
We look forward to welcoming you and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.