What Is A Gummy Smile?
Causes And Common Signs

A gummy smile occurs when more than 3 mm(*) of gum tissue above the upper teeth is visible when smiling. While it generally does not affect oral health or chewing, it may affect facial harmony and make some people feel self-conscious when smiling or speaking in public.

(*) By aesthetic standards, ideal gum exposure when smiling ranges between 1 and 2mm.

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Causes of gummy smile

A gummy smile may result from one or more of these factors:

  • Dental factors: Short or uneven teeth partially covered by surrounding tissue.
  • Skeletal factors: Overdeveloped upper jaw pushing teeth and gums downward.
  • Gum factors: Exceptionally thick soft tissue covering much of the natural crown.
  • Lip factors: Short upper lip or hyperactive lip muscles pulling upward too high.
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Gummy smile severity and signs

Based on gum visibility, cases are divided into three groups:

  • Mild: 2 – 3mm visible, only noticeable upon close inspection.
  • Moderate: 3 – 5mm visible, clearly apparent and affecting aesthetics.
  • Severe: Over 5mm visible, tissue dominates the smile, causing major imbalance.

How to Reduce Gummy Smiles?
4 Popular Methods

Common gummy smile treatment options include orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, laser gingivectomy, and Botox injections.

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Orthodontics (braces) – Long-lasting results, tackling root causes

A non-surgical option that adjusts tooth position and bite alignment for stable, long-term improvement.

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Jaw surgery – Solution for severe structural cases

Recommended when jawbone structure is the cause, helping restore balance between the jaw, gums, and teeth.

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Laser minor surgery – Minimally invasive, quick recovery, high aesthetics

Suitable for excess gum tissue or short teeth that create an imbalance between teeth and gums.

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Botox injections – Gentle approach with fast results

Botox relaxes hyperactive upper lip muscles, preventing the lip from pulling up too high when laughing.

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Who Should Consider Gummy Smile Treatment?

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Candidates recommended for smile rebalancing

  • Individuals with excess gum showing when smiling, causing unequal tooth-to-tissue proportions.
  • Individuals with short teeth or crowns covered by overgrown tissue, making smiles less harmonious.
  • Individuals whose excessive exposure is linked to hyperactive upper lip muscle movement.
  • Individuals with structural excessive exposure caused by an overdeveloped or protruding upper jaw.
  • Individuals wanting to enhance smile aesthetics and overall facial balance.
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Disadvantages of excessive gum visibility when speaking and laughing

Loss of confidence in communication

An unbalanced, unnatural smile can cause self-consciousness, hesitance during conversations, and restraint when expressing emotions.

Impact on overall facial proportions

In severe cases, overly prominent tissue disrupts the harmony of overall facial features.

Book a Consultation with Platinum Dental – Our team of experts will help you restore your confident, lasting smile

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Free Consultation – Call back within 15 minute

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How Much Does Gummy Smile Treatment Cost?

Gummy smile correction costs at Platinum Dental Group are transparent and tailored to the underlying cause, severity, and treatment method.

GUMMY SMILE CORRECTION PRICE LIST

Service
Service Cost
Gummy Smile Correction with Osseous Resection
3.000.000 (VND) (tooth site) 167 (AUD) (tooth site) 115 (USD) (tooth site)
Gummy Smile Correction without Osseous Resection
1.000.000 (VND) (tooth site) 56 (AUD) (tooth site) 38 (USD) (tooth site)
Full-Arch Crown Lengthening Surgery with Osseous Reduction
15.000.000 - 20.000.000 (VND) (tooth site) 833 - 1.111 (AUD) (tooth site) 577 - 769 (USD) (tooth site)

Please note:

  • The price list above is converted based on fixed exchange rates of 1 USD = 26.000 VND and 1 AUD = 18.000 VND for reference purposes.
  • Platinum Dental Group provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
  • The cost of gummy smile treatment may vary depending on each patient’s underlying cause, severity, and oral health condition.
  • If multi-method procedures are required, overall pricing will adjust accordingly. Please contact Platinum Dental Group directly for personalized consultation and an exact price estimate.

Platinum Dental Group – Effective Gummy Smile Correction Without Swelling or Pain

At Platinum Dental Group, aesthetic smile rebalancing is performed by highly skilled dentists with over 10 – 15 years of clinical experience, combining modern techniques and medical-grade precision to minimize invasiveness and deliver natural, harmonious results.

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Experienced cosmetic surgeons offering accurate diagnoses

Our specialized medical team boasts extensive expertise in orthodontics, minor cosmetic procedures, and comprehensive smile design, ensuring precise root-cause assessment and targeted treatment selection for every individual case.

Personalized treatment plans ensuring balanced smile aesthetics

Tailored protocols are customized according to tissue exposure depth, tooth-to-gum ratios, and facial structures, striving for ideal harmony with overall facial aesthetics.

Advanced technology and strict sterilization protocols

Platinum Dental uses supporting technologies such as diode lasers and ultrasonic bone surgery devices, alongside strict sterilization protocols, to improve precision, minimize tissue trauma, and support recovery.

Detailed aftercare guidance for faster recovery and lasting results

Following your procedure, our doctors provide dedicated instructions regarding oral hygiene and dietary care, scheduling follow-up visits to monitor healing progress and preserve long-term aesthetic stability.

Commitments From Platinum Dental Group

Accompanying thousands of patients over more than a decade, Platinum Dental Group is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful, and naturally harmonious smiles.

Specialized, highly experienced dentists directly consult and perform all procedures.

Effectively correct excessive tissue exposure to deliver a natural, balanced smile line.

Utilize advanced technology for minimal invasiveness, scar-free results, and swift healing.

Adhere strictly to medical-grade, fully sterile protocols for a safe, comfortable experience.

Gummy Smile Treatment Specialists at Platinum Dental Group

Platinum Dental's dentists are rigorously trained, continuously advancing their expertise and techniques to provide suitable gummy smile correction for each patient.

Dr. Bui Quoc Duy

Dental Implants, Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry

Medical Practice Certificate: 001749/HCM-GPHN

Dr. Tran Lan Anh

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers, Porcelain Crowns

Medical Practice Certificate: 0023889/HCM-CCHN

Cutting-edge Technology Supporting Gummy Smile Treatment

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Accelerates treatment procedures with high precision and speed

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Minimizes invasiveness, offering patients a gentle, comfortable experience

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Promotes rapid healing while minimizing potential complications

Safe, Medical-grade Procedure to Reduce Gummy Smile

At Platinum Dental Group, the clinical workflow is strictly monitored to ensure complete sterilization and maximum patient safety.

01

Comprehensive examination and X-rays

The dentist examines teeth, gums, and lips using digital X-rays to pinpoint underlying causes and exposure levels to devise an appropriate care plan.

02

Personalized treatment plan development

Data is analyzed via specialized software to build a custom protocol. The plan is clearly explained for full patient understanding and consent prior to care.

03

Pre-treatment oral health check

The clinician performs general health checks and necessary screenings, alongside oral hygiene and periodontal treatment if needed. Jaw impressions may be taken to support restoration.

04

Procedure execution according to plan

Depending on root causes, suitable methods are chosen, such as jawbone adjustment, lip muscle intervention, or gum recontouring and crown lengthening for tooth-gum imbalance.

How long does gummy smile surgery take?

A gummy smile procedure typically takes around 60 minutes. If deeper alveolar bone intervention is required, execution takes longer, and full healing may range from a few weeks to several months.

Patient Stories After Gummy Smile Treatment at Platinum Dental Group

Beyond resolving excess gum display, patients at Platinum Dental express high satisfaction with their balanced, natural smiles and renewed confidence following treatment.

Ms. Bich Phuong

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BEFORE TREATMENT
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AFTER TREATMENT
Pilates & Yoga Instructor Bich Phuong once struggled with an overbite, difficulty closing her lips, and a gummy smile. Thanks to a personalized Invisalign treatment plan from Platinum Dental's doctors, her entire arch was precisely retracted and intruded after 2 years. This transformation delivered an ideal bite and an elegant “muse-like profile”. Bich Phuong excitedly shared: “From now on, I feel confident from every camera angle. I can proudly record and share my Pilates and Yoga instructional videos on social media.”
View details →

Ms. K.H

Mild gummy smile treatment with laser

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BEFORE TREATMENT
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AFTER TREATMENT
Ms. K.H used to feel self-conscious about smiling because excessive gum visibility affected her smile's balance. After an examination to identify the cause, the dentist performed laser gum contouring to precisely reshape the gumline, improve tooth-to-gum proportions, and enhance smile aesthetics.

What Does the Media Say About Platinum Dental Group?

Platinum Dental Group is proud to be featured across various media outlets, including:

Key Considerations For A Successful Gummy Smile Surgery Procedure

To ensure safety and achieve your desired aesthetic results, please keep the following important guidelines in mind:

01

Before treatment

  • Consult thoroughly with your doctor: Pinpoint exact root causes to select the most suitable treatment approach.
  • Complete necessary medical tests: Get digital X-rays and blood tests to verify physical readiness before intervention.
  • Provide full medical history: Inform your doctor of any prior medical conditions or drug allergies for safe planning.
  • Maintain oral hygiene: Dental scaling and polishing beforehand cleans the oral cavity and minimizes infection risks.
02

After treatment

  • Manage bleeding in the first 48 hours: Keep gauze pads firmly in place and avoid disturbing the surgical area initially.
  • Do not dislodge blood clots or touch wounds: Avoid touching the treated zone to prevent re-bleeding or infection.
  • Follow hygiene instructions: Rinse gently with Chlorhexidine solution and clean gums using sterile saline gauze.
  • Maintain a soft diet: Choose soft, easy-to-swallow foods, avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy items, and take vitamins for healing.
  • Attend follow-up appointments: Allow your clinician to track healing, remove sutures if needed, and address any concerns.

Get FREE Consultation
From Platinum Dental Group

Send us your dental condition or concerns today. Our team of dentists with over 20 years of experience at Platinum Dental Group will directly assist you and create a suitable treatment plan.

  • Free consultation, 100% confidential records guaranteed.
  • English and French-speaking dentists, supporting overseas Vietnamese and international clients.

Which service are you interested in?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is gummy smile treatment painful?

Most procedures are performed under sterile conditions using local anesthesia, ensuring you feel no pain during care. Afterward, mild soreness or swelling may occur, but subsides quickly within 1 - 2 days with proper post-op care.

2. How long does recovery take after gummy smile treatment?

With simple laser procedures, normal daily activities resume in 1 - 2 days. For jaw surgery cases, full recovery takes about 2 to 4 weeks depending on individual healing speed and intervention depth.

3. Do gummy smile treatment results last long-term?

Yes. When the underlying cause is properly addressed by a qualified dentist, results can be long-lasting and, in some cases, permanent, particularly with orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery.

4. Which gummy smile orthodontic treatment should I choose?

The best option depends on the cause and severity. At Platinum Dental, orthodontics or jaw surgery may be recommended for cases involving protruding teeth, deep bites, or excessive jaw growth to address the underlying cause. Laser gum contouring or Botox may be more suitable for mild cases or those seeking quicker aesthetic improvements.

5. Will my smile look unnatural after gummy smile treatment?

No. Treatment aims to create balanced proportions between the teeth, gums, and lips, helping you smile more naturally and confidently. Options such as orthodontics and gum contouring are carefully planned to support comfortable, natural facial expressions.

6. Can a gummy smile be treated at home?

Some people try smiling exercises, holding chopsticks between their teeth, or lip muscle training. However, there is insufficient evidence that these methods can correct a gummy smile, especially when the cause involves the teeth, jawbone, or gum tissue. Consult a reputable dental clinic for an assessment and safe, effective treatment options.

Proper gummy smile treatment can significantly improve tooth-to-gum proportions, creating a balanced smile and boosting confidence in daily interactions. Depending on underlying causes and severity levels, dentists will recommend suitable care options. Therefore, visiting a reputable clinic is essential to accurately identify root causes and establish a tailored plan. At Platinum Dental, patients are examined and evaluated by doctors with over 10 to 15 years of experience, ensuring optimal personalized solutions for natural, aesthetic outcomes.

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