Gummy
Smile

A gummy smile — also called excessive gingival display — is when more than three to four millimetres of gum tissue shows above the upper teeth when smiling. It can make the teeth appear short or out of proportion. A gummy smile is not a health concern, but it is one of the most common cosmetic reasons patients visit our Gold Coast clinic.

Yes, in many cases. When the primary cause of a gummy smile is short teeth, whether naturally short or shortened through wear, veneers can lengthen the visible tooth surface, improving the ratio of tooth to gum display. This is a non-surgical approach that does not alter the gum or bone level. The appropriateness of this approach depends on how much lengthening is needed and the cause identified during assessment.

The number of teeth treated depends on how wide the smile is and how many teeth are visible when smiling. In most cases, the upper front six to ten teeth are assessed to achieve a balanced and symmetrical result. Treating only one or two teeth in isolation can create visible inconsistencies, so we plan treatment across the full visible smile zone to ensure the result looks natural and proportionate.

Properly planned treatment should improve smile proportions in a way that looks natural and balanced, not dramatically altered. The goal is to create a ratio between teeth and gums that appears harmonious when smiling. Because veneers lengthen the visible tooth surface, the smile tends to appear more defined and the teeth more prominent. Facial proportions are considered throughout the planning process to ensure the result complements rather than changes the overall appearance.

The cost depends on the type of treatment required. Gum contouring alone typically ranges from $200 to $450 per tooth. When combined with veneers, the total investment increases depending on how many teeth are treated and the material chosen. At ArtSmiles on the Gold Coast, we provide a detailed treatment plan and cost breakdown after your initial assessment so there are no surprises.

Botox can temporarily reduce a gummy smile caused by an overactive upper lip muscle. The effect typically lasts three to six months and needs to be repeated to maintain the result. At ArtSmiles, we focus on longer-lasting structural solutions such as gum contouring and veneers that address the underlying cause rather than masking the symptoms.

Common causes include naturally short teeth where the gum covers a greater portion of the tooth surface, tooth wear from grinding (bruxism) that shortens teeth over time, a higher lip line that reveals more gum when smiling, and a proportion imbalance between the teeth, gums and lips. In some cases, more than one factor contributes, which is why a clinical assessment is important before planning treatment.

Composite veneers can add length and improve contour in a single visit. They are conservative, reversible, and suited to mild proportion corrections. Porcelain veneers are laboratory-fabricated and offer greater precision in controlling length, width, and surface texture, as well as superior long-term durability. When multiple teeth need reshaping or when a more refined and stable result is desired, porcelain is typically the preferred option.

Veneers are not permanent in the sense that they can chip, wear, or require replacement over time, but the corrections they create are stable and long-lasting. Composite veneers typically last 3–7 years. Porcelain veneers generally last 10–15 years or more. The proportion improvement is maintained for the life of the restoration. If the underlying cause is tooth wear from grinding, a night guard is also recommended to protect the restorations.

For composite veneers, there is typically no recovery period. The treatment is completed in a single appointment and the result is immediate. For porcelain veneers, temporary restorations are placed during the fabrication period, which patients wear comfortably for two to three weeks before the final veneers are bonded. Some sensitivity in the first few days is normal. There are no restrictions on eating or activity beyond the standard care advice for new restorations.

Modern gum contouring is performed under local anaesthesia and is well tolerated by most patients. Mild tenderness in the treated area is common for a few days afterward, but it resolves quickly. When gum contouring is combined with veneers, we plan the timing so the tissue has healed before the final restorations are placed.