GUMMY SMILE

Gummy Smile: Why Do My Gums Show So Much When I Smile?

Name: Gummy smile: why do my gums show so much when I smile?
Creator: Ilseop Ahn

Treated by Dr. Ilseop Ahn (board-certified periodontist and board-certified specialist in advanced general dentistry) · Dr. Sunmin Kim (board-certified orthodontist, when the cause is tooth position) · Reviewed by Dr. Ilseop AhnAbout the doctor →

Last reviewed October 29, 2026 · Dr. Ilseop Ahn (board-certified periodontist and board-certified specialist in advanced general dentistry)

At a glance

Good for: More than 3–4 mm of upper gums showing in a relaxed smile
Treatment flow: Find the cause (gums, front-tooth height, lips) → gum contouring, or orthodontics or lip repositioning
Duration and limits: Two or more causes are often mixed. If only the gums are reshaped, most people can go about daily life the same day

Details

When more than about 3–4 mm of the upper gums shows in a relaxed smile, it is called a gummy smile. There are three causes: the gums cover the teeth so the teeth look short; the front teeth have come down too far or the upper jaw has grown long vertically; or the upper lip rises a lot when you smile. Two or more causes are often mixed. If the gums are the cause, gum contouring (crown lengthening) can reduce it. If the height of the front teeth is the cause, orthodontics with mini-screws can move the front teeth up. To avoid gums that still show after only trimming them, a board-certified periodontist measures down to the bone under the gums, and a board-certified orthodontist checks the height of the front teeth.

01^°

Different causes, different treatments

When the height of the front teeth is the cause, treatment is completely different from when the gums are the cause. Here are real cases.

CASE01

Front teeth that stuck out with a deep bite and a lot of gum display

Orthodontics without surgery · upper mini-screws moved the front teeth up, and premolar extraction let them move back

Front view inside the mouth before treatment: the upper front teeth come down deeply and almost cover the lower front teeth — Front view inside the mouth before treatment. The upper front teeth stuck out and came down deeply, almost covering the lower front teeth.

Smiling face from the front after orthodontic treatment (below the nose only) — Smiling face after treatment. Mini-screws moved the upper front teeth up and back, so less gum shows when smiling.

Condition: Severe deep bite with the upper front teeth almost covering the lower front teeth, protruding front teeth, crowding, narrow upper dental arch (woman in her 20s)
Cause: Front-tooth height (tooth position)
Chosen: Upper and lower orthodontics, upper mini-screws to move the front teeth up, upper premolar extraction, upper wisdom tooth extraction
Not done: Jaw surgery, gum removal
Duration: Planned 20–24 months, finished in about 2 years (visits about every 4 weeks)
Treated by: Dr. Sunmin Kim (board-certified orthodontist)

CASE02

Uneven gum heights

Gum contouring on 4 upper front teeth first, then 8 CERANATE veneers matched to the gum line

Front view inside the mouth before treatment: each front tooth has a different gum height and tooth length — Before. Each front tooth had a different gum height, so the teeth also looked different in length.

Front view inside the mouth right after gum contouring on the upper front teeth — Right after gum contouring. We evened out the gum heights of 4 upper front teeth and prepared the teeth the same day.

Front view inside the mouth after CERANATE bonding — After CERANATE bonding. We set the length of the CERANATE veneers to match the evened gum line.

Condition: Different gum heights and tooth lengths on each front tooth, small lateral incisors (woman in her 20s)
Cause: Gum height
Chosen: Gum contouring on 4 upper front teeth (#12–22), then 8 CERANATE veneers (#14–24)
Duration: 2 weeks from the first consultation to the first bonding (gum contouring and tooth preparation on the same day). The patient wanted a design that filled the spaces between the teeth more tightly, so the central incisors were remade and treatment finished in about 7 weeks
Treated by: Dr. Ilseop Ahn

CASE03

Gums covering the teeth, making the front teeth look short and square

Wide gum contouring over the front teeth, then porcelain veneers

Front view inside the mouth before treatment: the gums widely cover the front teeth, making them look short and square — Front view inside the mouth before treatment. The gums cover the upper part of the teeth, so the front teeth look short and square.

Front view inside the mouth after gum contouring and CERANATE — Front view inside the mouth after treatment. We reshaped the covering gums to restore tooth length, then bonded CERANATE veneers to match that line.

Condition: Gums widely covering the front teeth, making them look short and square (woman in her 30s)
Cause: Gums and teeth (gums covering the teeth)
Chosen: Gum contouring on the upper front teeth (gums only), then 6 CERANATE veneers (#13–23)
Not done: Orthodontics
Duration: 7 days from gum contouring and tooth preparation to bonding
Note: Some gum shows in a big smile. But cutting away too much gum for a gummy smile makes the teeth look long, so both the smile and the tooth proportions need to be checked.

* Photos were taken under the same conditions and published with the patients' consent. Treatment results and side effects may vary from person to person.

02^°

A gummy smile has three causes

Two or more causes are common. If gum still shows after trimming only the gums, another cause remains.

01Gums and teeth

The gums cover the upper part of the teeth, so the teeth look short and square. After checking where the bone sits under the gums, we consider gum contouring (crown lengthening: reshaping the gums and, if needed, the bone).

02Tooth position and jaw

The front teeth have come down too far (deep bite) or the upper jaw has grown long vertically. Orthodontics moves the front teeth up. We consider surgery as well only when, given your facial proportions, shortening the lower face is truly necessary.

03Lips

The upper lip rises a lot when you smile, the philtrum (the groove above the upper lip) is short, or the muscle that lifts the upper lip moves too strongly. If the lips are the cause, we tell you so and explain lip repositioning or botulinum toxin (Botox) injection for a gummy smile.

Photo marking the space between the upper lip line and the gum line in a relaxed smile — Measuring how much gum shows when smiling. We measure how many millimeters show from the upper lip line to the gum line, in both a relaxed smile and a big smile. The numbers in the photo are estimates converted from the width of the front teeth.

Close-up photo marking the width and length of the central incisors — Width-to-length ratio of the front teeth. A central incisor is usually about 75–80% as wide as it is long. If it is squarer than this, we consider that the gums may be covering the tooth. The front tooth in the photo is about 93%.

03^°

How gummy smile treatment is done

We sort out the causes, set the order and treat. For each step, we explain what we measure and why.

Photo comparing the lips closed and a relaxed smile, with gum display marked — Smile records. We compare the lips closed and smiling to measure how far the upper lip rises and how much gum shows from the upper lip line to the gum line. The numbers are estimates converted from the width of the front teeth.

STEP 01

We record your smile in photos and video and measure gum display

We take a relaxed smile and a big smile separately to see how many millimeters of upper gum show, how far the upper lip rises, and whether the gum heights differ between left and right.

Why we do thisA single photo cannot show whether lip movement is the cause. If the amount of gum showing changes a lot with how widely you smile, the lips often play a large role.

Periodontal chart recording the gum depth of each tooth — Gum exam and panoramic X-ray. We measure and record the gum depth of each tooth and look at the tooth roots and bone height on a panoramic X-ray. If a closer look is needed, we check the border between tooth and bone with a 3D CT. The two photos are from different patients.

Panoramic X-ray showing the tooth roots and the bone around the teeth — Gum exam and panoramic X-ray. We measure and record the gum depth of each tooth and look at the tooth roots and bone height on a panoramic X-ray. If a closer look is needed, we check the border between tooth and bone with a 3D CT. The two photos are from different patients.

STEP 02

We measure gum depth and check where the bone sits under the gums

Before reshaping the gums, I measure the gum depth and first check where the border between tooth and bone is. There usually needs to be about 3 mm between the gum line and the bone, so if the bone is too close, the bone needs reshaping as well as the gums.

Why we do thisIf the gums are trimmed without checking the bone position, they can grow back to their original height within a few months. Whether gum contouring results last depends on this check.

Side-view X-ray of the face (cephalogram) — Front-tooth height check by a board-certified orthodontist. A side-view X-ray shows how far the upper front teeth have come down and whether the upper jaw is long vertically.

STEP 03

A board-certified orthodontist checks the height of the front teeth and the length of the upper jaw

Dr. Sunmin Kim (board-certified orthodontist) uses a side-view X-ray to see how far the upper front teeth have come down and whether the upper jaw has grown long vertically. If front-tooth height is the cause, we consider orthodontics that moves the front teeth up with mini-screws.

Why we do thisIf the front teeth have come down but only the gums are reshaped, the tooth roots can be exposed or the teeth can look too long. If tooth position is the cause, moving the teeth up is the right approach.

Upper front teeth from the front before gum contouring — Gum contouring and recovery. Before gum contouring, right after the gums were reshaped, and right after one more touch-up 7 days later. Only the gums were reshaped, so no stitches were placed and none had to be removed.

Upper front teeth from the front right after the first gum contouring — Gum contouring and recovery. Before gum contouring, right after the gums were reshaped, and right after one more touch-up 7 days later. Only the gums were reshaped, so no stitches were placed and none had to be removed.

STEP 04

We treat according to the cause and wait for the gums to settle

If the gums are the cause, we reshape them to the planned gum line. Reshaping the bone is rarely needed. It is done under local anesthesia. When only the gums are reshaped, no stitches are needed, so there are none to remove. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, and you can go about daily life the same day. In the rare cases where the bone is also reshaped, the gums are stitched, the stitches are removed 1–2 weeks later, and you wait a little longer before the next treatment.

Why we do thisThe gum line sets the length of the veneers. If veneers are bonded while the gums are still moving, the edge may later show, or the gums may cover the tooth and throw off the length.

Front view inside the mouth during orthodontics: clear power chains hooked to mini-screws on both sides of the front teeth lift the upper front teeth — Moving the front teeth up with orthodontics. Mini-screws are placed in the gums on both sides of the front teeth, and clear elastic chains (power chains) hooked on the wire pull the upper front teeth up.

STEP 05

If there are several causes, we set the order and treat them one at a time

If orthodontics is needed, we first set the front-tooth height with orthodontics, then reshape the gum line, and design the veneers last. Looking at the exam screens together, we explain the order and the change you can expect at each step.

Why we do thisWhen orthodontics moves the front teeth up, the gum line moves too. If gum contouring is done first, the gum line may become uneven again after orthodontics, so the order matters.

* Clinical photos were published with the patients' consent. Side effects such as temporary pain or discomfort may occur depending on the person.

04^°

Treatments by cause

	Gum contouring (crown lengthening)	Orthodontics (moving the front teeth up)	Lip treatment	Jaw surgery (referral)
Suitable causes	Gums covering the teeth	Front teeth that have come down	Upper lip rising a lot	Upper jaw much longer vertically
What it does	Reshapes the covering gums to restore tooth length, and the bone if needed	Moves the front teeth up with mini-screws	Ties the lip and gums together more firmly so the lip rises only a set amount (lip repositioning)	Surgery to reduce the height of the upper jaw
Time and recovery	Same-day procedure. No stitches if only the gums are reshaped. If the bone is also reshaped, stitches are placed and removed 1–2 weeks later	Several months for front-tooth height only; usually 1.5 years or more for full orthodontics	About 1 week	Includes orthodontics before and after surgery
Doctor	Dr. Ilseop Ahn	Dr. Sunmin Kim	Dr. Ilseop Ahn	Oral and maxillofacial surgery (we can recommend a partner hospital, but you may choose another)
Limits	Without checking the bone, the gums can grow back	Cannot change the length of the jaw itself	The effect may be temporary or may wear off	Surgery requires general anesthesia and a hospital stay
Cost	See the fee schedule →	See the fee schedule →	See the fee schedule →	Varies by hospital

05^°

In these cases, other treatment comes first, or you may not need treatment

Good for you if

Your gums cover your front teeth, making them look short and square
Your left and right gum heights differ, so your teeth look different in length
Your front teeth have come down with a deep bite and a lot of gum shows

Other treatment comes first

Gum inflammation: gum treatment first
If orthodontics is planned: the gum line is finalized after orthodontics
If you are getting porcelain veneers: the gum line is set first, then the veneers are designed

You may not need it now

1–3 mm of gum showing in a relaxed smile can be within the range of a natural smile. What looks natural is judged differently depending on age.

06^°

Self-check

A lot of gum shows when I smileMy front teeth look short and squareMy left and right gum heights differFrom the side, my mouth looks like it sticks out, or it is hard to close my lipsMy upper lip is on the short sideMy bite is so deep my lower teeth almost disappear

We look at the items that apply to you when we sort out the causes in the consultation.

07^°

Side effects and limits

Please read

· You may have swelling and pain for a few days after gum contouring.

· The root side of the teeth exposed by reshaping the gums may feel sensitive.

· Some of the gum may grow back. That is why we check the bone position first before planning.

· If there are several causes, one treatment will not be enough.

· Moving the front teeth up with orthodontics can shorten the roots, and a mini-screw can loosen and need to be placed again.

FAQ

Can a gummy smile be fixed just by trimming the gums?

Gum contouring solves a gummy smile only when the cause is gums covering the teeth. If the front teeth have come down or the upper lip rises a lot, trimming the gums alone will still leave your gums showing when you smile.

Can orthodontics reduce a gummy smile?

If the cause is upper front teeth that have come down too far, orthodontics that moves the front teeth up with mini-screws can reduce it. We have a case where a patient with a deep bite and a lot of gum display was treated with about 2 years of orthodontics, without surgery.

Do the gums grow back down after gum contouring?

If the gums are trimmed without enough distance between the gum line and the bone below, the gums can grow back and cover the teeth again. So we first measure gum depth and bone position, and reshape the bone too if needed.

Does gum contouring hurt? How long do I need to rest?

Gum contouring is done under local anesthesia, so there is usually little pain during the procedure. You may have swelling and pain for a few days. If needed, prescribed painkillers can help, and when only the gums are reshaped, most people can go about daily life the same day.

Do I need porcelain veneers along with gummy smile treatment?

We add porcelain veneers when you also want to change the shape or color of your teeth after the gum line is reshaped. The gums come first. Once the gums are stable, we set the veneer length to match that line.

Can a gummy smile be treated with Botox?

Yes. Botulinum toxin (Botox) injection weakens the muscle that pulls the upper lip up when you smile, so less gum shows. The effect fades over time, so injections need to be repeated. If the cause is in the gums or jawbone, we look at other treatments as well.

Visiting from abroad

Questions from patients who travel to Seoul for treatment.

How much does CERANATE cost?

CERANATE is KRW 550,000–770,000 per tooth including VAT, depending on the material and fabrication method. International and Korean patients pay the same fees. During promotional events, the same discounted price applies to everyone; ask us on WhatsApp about current events. The tax refund for foreign medical tourists has ended in Korea, so no refund applies. The number of teeth is decided at diagnosis, so we tell you the total after the examination. See our fee schedule.

How many visits do I need, and how long should I stay in Korea?

CERANATE One-Day takes 2 visits over 1–2 days. The Art and The Petit take 2 visits over about 1 week. If orthodontics, whitening or gum treatment comes first, that time is added. If gum contouring is done first, the gums need time to heal, so the schedule depends on how they heal. We suggest leaving 1–2 spare days after the final bonding before your flight. The check-up about 2 weeks after bonding can be done by photo on WhatsApp, and we see you in person on your next visit to Korea.

Can I have my consultation in English?

Yes. The doctor in charge of your treatment consults with you directly in English. Before you travel, you can send photos of your teeth on WhatsApp or by email. An accurate diagnosis is made after we examine you in person.

What if a veneer chips or comes off after I go home?

Send us a photo on WhatsApp first. If a veneer comes off, keep it. We check it and tell you what to do. Repairing or remaking a veneer needs a visit. How breakage is handled, and what it costs, depends on the CERANATE option, and we explain this before treatment.

Results, the number of visits and schedules vary from person to person. More questions: Visiting from abroad.

Porcelain veneers and front teethPorcelain veneers (CERANATE): are they right for me?→Porcelain veneers and front teethOrthodontics or veneers: which should come first?→OrthodonticsMy mouth looks like it sticks out→OrthodonticsMy bite is so deep my lower teeth disappear→Porcelain veneers and front teethBlack triangles: why do dark gaps form between teeth, and how are they filled?→Implants and gumsMy gums have receded. Can they be restored?→

Treatment results and side effects may vary from person to person.

You can ask first by sending a photo of your smile

WhatsApp LINE Call +82-2-517-0002 First visit