Feel like your smile shows too much gum and not enough teeth? There are more downsides to a “gummy smile” than just aesthetics - so it could be more important than you think to start treatment.

At Toorak Dental Studio, we’re committed to a leading service and results that restore confidence in our clients. A gummy smile can make teeth look longer, gums appear too prominent and can also lead to decay and gum disease. The cosmetic dentists at TDS offer personal, tailored care to our patients across Melbourne.

Finding solutions for more than just teeth, the experts at Toorak Dental Studio also provide leading care and results for clients suffering from gum irregularities. Our extensive training makes us a leading choice in Melbourne for those with a gummy smile, a short upper lip and other aesthetics that affect their appearance. We can create a tailored treatment plan to help you achieve the look you want – which could include anti-wrinkle injections, Invisalign clear aligners, a gum lift or another innovative cosmetic treatment.

There is a range of options to treat a gummy smile, and the best option depends on the severity of your condition. Some possible treatments include:

Gum contouring using a laser to remove excess gum tissue and restore symmetry to the smile
A gum lift with porcelain veneers to increase tooth size and reduce gum size
A gum lift with Invisalign to naturally move the teeth and change the proportions of your smile
Gum surgery

In the past, the only treatment for a gummy smile was jaw surgery. Luckily, dental technology has vastly evolved since then, and most gummy smiles can be corrected with a gum lift/gum contouring, veneers and aligners.

The best treatment depends on the severity of the irregular jaw, and the amount of gum tissue that is exposed. Speak to a dental professional for a consultation and to receive a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Gummy smile surgery is completed with a laser to remove gum tissue, which is non-invasive and causes minimal bleeding. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, and most patients don’t require general anaesthesia.

This out-patient surgery may cause mild pain or swollen gums for up to a week after the procedure. This should not affect everyday activities like eating, drinking and speaking. Your surgeon will provide an aftercare guide to help speed up your recovery, and will do everything they can to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Gummy smile correction (also called a gum lift, gum contouring or gum levelling), is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that improves the look of excess gums or an upper lip that lifts excessively when smiling.

It’s a minor surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic to reshape the gingival (gum) tissue to give it a more desirable appearance. This mostly uses a non-invasive laser, but some more severe cases may require the removal of bone.

The excessive display of gum tissue can be caused by genetics, lifestyle factors, the abnormal growth of the gums or teeth that are worn down. We’ll assess your condition to determine whether you simply need gum contouring, or whether there is an underlying health issue that we need to address. Whatever the case, your friendly dentist will talk you through the process to ensure you’re comfortable, and can answer any questions you have.