A confident smile is often defined by harmony—between the lips, teeth, and gums. But when the upper gums become too visible during a smile, it can disrupt that balance. This condition, known as a gummy smile, doesn’t just affect appearance—it can also impact how confident you feel when smiling. For many people, seeking gummy smile correction is about feeling more comfortable in their own skin.
While often considered cosmetic, a gummy smile can also be a sign of underlying dental or anatomical concerns. The good news? There are multiple options for gummy smile treatment in TX, depending on what’s causing the issue.
What Makes a Smile Look Gummy?
A smile is considered “gummy” when more than three millimeters of upper gum tissue is visible above the top teeth. That may sound like a small amount, but it’s enough to affect the perceived length of the teeth and shift the focus of your smile away from where it belongs—your teeth.
Gum exposure can vary. Some people show excess gum across all their upper teeth, while others only see it in a certain area. Either way, the visual effect is similar: the teeth may appear short, and the overall smile can feel off-balance.
Genetics and Growth Play a Major Role
There isn’t one single cause of a gummy smile. In many cases, it’s a combination of factors—most of which are tied to genetics. For example, some people have teeth that erupted correctly but remain partially covered by gum tissue. This is called altered passive eruption and is fairly common.
Others may have what’s known as vertical maxillary excess, where the upper jaw has grown more vertically than usual. This structural difference makes the gums more prominent, even when the teeth themselves are a normal size. Genetics can also determine how active your lip muscles are, which affects how much your upper lip lifts when you smile.
These inherited traits can create the need for gummy smile correction, even if there are no major dental health problems present.
Lip Movement and Tooth Size Matter Too
Lip movement is an often-overlooked factor in gummy smiles. Some people have hyperactive upper lips that rise higher than average when they smile. Even if the teeth and gums are structurally fine, too much lift can reveal more gum than expected.
Tooth size and position also influence how gums appear. Small or worn-down teeth may make gums look more prominent in comparison. Orthodontic issues like a deep bite can contribute by making the upper teeth sit lower in the mouth, pushing more gum into view.
Each of these elements plays a part in how your smile looks—and understanding them is essential when considering gummy smile treatment in TX.
Treatment Options Based on the Root Cause
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for a gummy smile. The right approach depends entirely on what’s causing the issue. In some cases, the problem is simply excess gum tissue. In those situations, laser gum contouring offers a quick, minimally invasive fix. It reshapes the gum line to show more of the natural tooth, improving proportions instantly.
If a more dramatic reshaping is needed, surgical crown lengthening may be the better option. This procedure exposes more tooth surface and creates a cleaner, more even gum line. When bone structure is the underlying issue—as with vertical maxillary excess—orthognathic surgery may be recommended to reposition the jaw.
For hyperactive lips, injectable treatments like Botox can reduce the upward movement of the lip. This option is less invasive and can provide noticeable improvement in how much gum is exposed. Orthodontic care may also be suggested to reposition teeth and reduce gum visibility.
Whatever the method, successful gummy smile correction starts with a careful evaluation. The most effective plans are tailored to your facial structure, gum line, and dental health.
A Personalized Path to a More Balanced Smile
A smile that shows too much gum doesn’t have to be something you live with. Modern dentistry offers more solutions than ever, and the key is finding the one that fits your needs best. That’s why working with an experienced dental team matters.
At Houston Dental Implants, we specialize in comprehensive evaluations and customized gummy smile treatment in TX. Our approach is built around understanding the cause of the problem first—so we can offer solutions that are precise, effective, and natural-looking. Whether you need simple contouring or a more advanced procedure, we’ll guide you through each step with care.
Are you ready to explore your options for gummy smile correction? Contact Houston Dental Implants today to schedule your consultation. We’ll help you achieve a smile that feels balanced, confident, and uniquely yours.