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Cosmetic Dentistry

Gummy Smile Treatment

Restore balance between your teeth, gums, and lips with personalised gummy smile correction — from laser gum contouring and Botox to surgical lip repositioning, tailored to the root cause of your smile.

Gummy Smile Treatment
01 — Overview

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile is a condition where an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible when smiling, often making the teeth appear shorter than they actually are. It's not a medical concern — but it can significantly affect a person's self-esteem and willingness to smile freely.

People with this condition often feel that their smile looks imbalanced or "too gummy." Fortunately, gummy smile correction procedures are available to restore harmony between the teeth, gums, and lips.

Treatments are tailored to the root cause — whether muscular, dental, or skeletal — and can greatly enhance facial aesthetics and confidence. Most procedures are minimally invasive and deliver lasting results.

02 — Causes

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

Also known as excessive gingival display, a gummy smile can result from various dental, skeletal, and muscular factors. Understanding the root cause is essential for choosing the most effective treatment — and in many cases, more than one factor contributes.

Excessive Gum Tissue

Overgrowth of the gums can make the teeth appear shorter than they actually are.

Short or Worn Teeth

Natural wear, genetics, or teeth grinding can reduce tooth height — exposing more gum proportionally.

Overactive Upper Lip

Hyperactive lip muscles cause the lip to rise higher than normal when smiling, exposing more gum.

Vertical Maxillary Excess

An overdeveloped upper jaw (VME) that results in excessive gum showing when smiling.

Abnormal Tooth Eruption

Teeth may not fully emerge from the gums, leading to a partially-covered, gummy appearance.

High Lip Line

A naturally high upper lip position when at rest or smiling reveals more gum tissue than average.

03 — Candidacy

Who Is It Suitable For?

Gummy smile treatment is suitable for individuals who are unhappy with the amount of gum tissue visible when they smile. Ideal candidates include those who:

  • Show more than 3–4 mm of gum when smiling
  • Have healthy teeth and gums
  • Are in good general health
  • Have realistic expectations about the outcome
  • Experience self-consciousness or dissatisfaction with their smile

The cause of the gummy smile — whether muscular, dental, or skeletal — determines the appropriate treatment. A detailed clinical and aesthetic evaluation, including photographs and possibly X-rays, is necessary to identify the most effective corrective method.

04 — Treatment Options

Correction Techniques in Antalya

Several techniques are used to correct a gummy smile, depending on the underlying cause. In many cases, a combination of procedures yields the best result. Each option is minimally invasive and aims to provide natural, balanced smile lines.

Surgical

Laser Gum Contouring

Removes excess gum tissue with precision laser to expose more of the tooth surface. Fast recovery, minimal discomfort.

Non-Surgical

Botox Injections

Temporarily relaxes the upper lip muscles to reduce excessive lifting. Quick, virtually painless, results last 4–6 months.

Non-Surgical

Orthodontic Treatment

Adjusts the position of the teeth and gums when misalignment is the underlying cause of the gummy display.

Surgical

Crown Lengthening

Reshapes both gum and bone levels for aesthetic and functional improvement. Permanent, comprehensive solution.

Surgical

Lip Repositioning

Modifies the height of the upper lip to limit gum exposure during smiling. Targeted for hyperactive lip cases.

Planning

Digital Smile Design

3D preview of your potential new smile before treatment begins — helps you choose the right combination of techniques.

05 — The Process

How It's Done in Antalya

The gummy smile treatment process typically follows a few structured steps, adjusted to match your specific diagnosis. Most procedures are completed within 30–90 minutes, with patients usually able to return to normal activities within a day.

  1. Consultation & Smile Analysis Aesthetic photos and scans evaluate your smile line, gum-to-tooth ratio, and identify the underlying cause.
  2. Treatment Planning The appropriate correction technique (or combination) is chosen based on clinical findings and your goals.
  3. Procedure Day Gum contouring, Botox injections, or minor oral surgery is performed under local anaesthesia in our clinic.
  4. Final Adjustments Follow-up visits may include minor touch-ups or final polishings of the gum line for a perfect finish.
06 — Aftercare

Recovery & Post-Procedure Care

Most gummy smile correction procedures are minimally invasive, but proper post-treatment care plays a crucial role in healing and achieving optimal results. Mild tenderness or swelling is normal and typically resolves within a few days.

First Few Days

  • Brush gently around the treated area
  • Stick to soft, lukewarm foods if surgery was involved
  • Use cold compresses to reduce minor swelling
  • Take prescribed pain relievers or mouthwash

Long-Term Care

  • Avoid smoking and alcohol during healing
  • Attend all follow-up visits for evaluation
  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene daily
  • Schedule Botox touch-ups if non-surgical option chosen
07 — Pricing

Cost of Gummy Smile Treatment

The cost varies depending on the procedure type, severity of the condition, and whether multiple treatments are combined. Turkey offers significantly cost-effective treatment compared to many European countries — without compromising on results, safety, or comfort.

Pricing by treatment type:

  • Laser gum contouring — the most affordable option
  • Botox-based correction — moderate cost, requires reapplication every 4–6 months
  • Surgical treatments — crown lengthening or lip repositioning, higher upfront cost but permanent

Other pricing factors:

  • Number of teeth or areas treated
  • Use of digital smile design and pre-procedure imaging
  • Whether the treatment is part of a full smile makeover
  • All-inclusive package options (with veneers or whitening)

Despite the variety in pricing, Turkey offers cost-effective treatment compared to many European countries — your personalised quote is provided after a detailed consultation.

08 — FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

In some cases, orthodontic treatment like braces can make a gummy smile more noticeable — especially if the teeth move upward or the upper lip shortens over time. However, this effect is often temporary and can be corrected with gum contouring or other treatments if needed.

Yes, a gummy smile can be corrected through various treatments such as laser gum contouring, Botox injections, or minor oral surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause of the excessive gum display.

The best treatment depends on the specific cause — Botox works well for hyperactive lips, while gum contouring or crown lengthening is ideal for excess gum tissue. A comprehensive evaluation helps determine the most effective and personalised solution.

Results from surgical treatments like gum contouring or crown lengthening are usually permanent. Non-surgical options such as Botox typically last 4 to 6 months and may require repeat sessions for maintenance.

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