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.