Connolly Dental is a dental clinic in the Connolly suburb of Perth that offers gummy smile treatment for patients seeking to reduce gum visibility when smiling.
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, medically known as excessive gingival display, occurs when a significant amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. This is a normal anatomical variation that affects approximately 10-25% of the population.
The amount of gum tissue visible when smiling varies naturally between individuals based on factors including:
- Lip mobility and muscle activity
- Tooth position and eruption patterns
- Gum tissue thickness and contour
- Facial bone structure and proportions
What Contributes to a Gummy Smile?
Gummy smile appearance results from various anatomical and developmental factors. Common contributing factors include:
- Tooth eruption patterns – Teeth may remain partially covered by gum tissue, affecting their visible length
- Tooth and gum proportions – Individual variations in tooth size relative to gum tissue based on genetics or natural development
- Lip anatomy and mobility – Variations in lip length, muscle activity, or movement patterns that affect gum visibility when smiling
- Gum tissue characteristics – Natural differences in gum tissue thickness, contour, or coverage patterns
- Jaw and facial bone structure – Individual skeletal development patterns that influence the relationship between teeth, gums, and lips.
treatment options for a gummy Smile
Treatment approaches depend on individual anatomical factors and the underlying characteristics contributing to gum visibility. Dr Lily Taheri offers several treatment options at The Applecross Dentist:Â
1- Laser Gum Lift or Laser Gum Reshaping: Our Laser gum contouring procedures use a special dual-wavelength soft tissue laser that can remove excess gum tissue without the need for traditional surgery. This minimally invasive procedure allows the tissue to rest and cool down simultaneously, providing immediate recovery and minimal discomfort.Â
2- Porcelain Veneers or Dental Crowns: If your teeth appear short due to genetics or wear, porcelain veneers or crowns can be used to make them look longer and improve the tooth-to-gum ratio.Â
3- Gum Lift with Invisalign: Mild cases of excessive gingival display caused by jaws or teeth can be corrected with orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign to shift the bite into the proper position and make the gums appear less prominent.Â
4- Anti-Wrinkle Injections: For those with upper lip-related gummy smiles, we also offer anti-wrinkle injections that can temporarily paralyze the muscle responsible for lifting the lip too high when smiling.Â
5- Lip Augmentation with Dermal Fillers: A combination of muscle-relaxing injections and dermal fillers can help improve the appearance of a gummy smile. Dermal fillers can be injected into the upper lip to increase its thickness and better cover the upper gums.
Laser Gum Contouring
Laser technology can be used to reshape gum tissue and modify the gum line. This procedure involves using soft tissue laser equipment to adjust gum contours. As with any surgical procedure, discomfort, swelling, and healing time should be expected.
Porcelain Veneers or Dental Crowns
Custom-made restorations can modify tooth proportions and change the relationship between teeth and gum tissue. These treatments involve preparing the existing teeth and placing permanent restorations.
Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign
When gum visibility relates to tooth or jaw positioning, orthodontic treatment may help modify the bite relationship and tooth positions. This approach addresses underlying structural factors through gradual tooth movement.
Treatment selection considerations:
- Individual anatomical assessment required
- Multiple approaches may be combined
- Not all patients are suitable for all treatments
- Comprehensive consultation needed to determine appropriate options
Individual treatment suitability, outcomes, healing experiences, and results vary significantly based on anatomical factors, healing response, and individual circumstances. All treatments carry risks including discomfort, complications, and the possibility of unsatisfactory results.
WHAT TO EXPECT
All cosmetic procedures begin with a comprehensive consultation. Dr Lily Taheri will assess your facial anatomy and smile characteristics using digital smile design technology to evaluate your individual situation.
During consultation, we will:
- Examine your oral health and facial structure
- Discuss your concerns and treatment goals
- Explain suitable treatment options for your circumstances
- Review potential risks, benefits, and realistic expectations
- Provide information about costs and timelines
If you are suitable for treatment and choose to proceed, some procedures may be performed on the same day, while others require additional appointments for optimal planning and preparation.
Treatment planning considerations:
- Not all patients are suitable for all treatment approaches
- Some cases require multiple appointments or preliminary treatments
- Healing time and treatment complexity vary between individuals
Individual consultation outcomes, treatment recommendations, suitability, and results vary significantly based on oral health, facial anatomy, treatment complexity, and individual circumstances.
How much does a gummy smile treatment cost?
The cost of gummy smile treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment needed, the severity of the case, and other factors such as the location and experience of the dental provider. At Connolly Dental, we offer a range of gummy smile treatment options to fit different budgets. During your consultation, our team will provide you with a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate.
( before and afters )
Gummy Smile Treatment FAQs
Considering treatment for excessive gum display when smiling? Various treatment options are available to address this cosmetic concern depending on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. Below are answers to commonly asked questions about treatment approaches, timelines, and expectations.
Individual treatment experiences, outcomes, and suitability vary significantly based on gum tissue characteristics, facial anatomy, underlying causes, and healing response. A comprehensive consultation is required to assess your specific situation and discuss realistic expectations.
Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and may include:
- Gum contouring (gingivectomy) to reshape gum tissue
- Orthodontic treatment for tooth positioning issues
- Crown lengthening procedures
- Lip repositioning surgery in some cases
Most procedures are performed under local anaesthesia. Post-treatment experiences may include:
- Swelling and tenderness in the treatment area
- Sensitivity during healing
- Temporary changes in sensation
- Bruising with some procedures
Pain management options and detailed aftercare instructions will be provided. Individual pain tolerance, healing experiences, and recovery times vary significantly between patients.
Treatment costs vary depending on:
- Specific procedures required
- Treatment complexity and extent
- Number of appointments needed
- Individual case requirements
At The Applecross Dentist, we provide detailed cost estimates during consultation. Individual treatment costs vary based on specific needs and chosen treatment approaches.
Invisalign may help address excessive gum display when the underlying cause is related to tooth positioning, such as:
- Teeth positioned too high in the gum line
- Bite issues affecting lip position
- Orthodontic problems contributing to gum visibility
Not all cases of excessive gum display are suitable for orthodontic treatment alone. A comprehensive assessment determines if Invisalign is appropriate for your specific situation. Individual treatment suitability and outcomes vary significantly.
Treatment timelines vary by approach:
- Gum contouring:Â Immediate visual changes, full healing 2-4 weeks
- Orthodontic treatment:Â Several months to years depending on complexity
- Crown lengthening:Â 6-8 weeks healing before final results
Individual healing times, treatment duration, and final results vary significantly based on treatment complexity, healing response, and individual factors.
Potential risks may include:
- Infection or poor healing
- Asymmetry or uneven results
- Temporary or permanent changes in sensation
- Need for additional procedures
- Unsatisfactory aesthetic outcome
- Gum recession or tooth sensitivity
Not all patients achieve their desired outcomes, and some may require additional treatments or experience complications. Individual risk levels and treatment success vary significantly based on anatomy, healing capacity, and treatment complexity.
COMPLIANCE, AUTHORSHIP & REVIEW
Authorship/Review: Content reviewed by Dr Lily (DEN0001820641), registered dentist – Last reviewed: 31 August 2025. Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not a diagnosis. You will receive personalised advice after an examination. You may wish to seek a second opinion. Images: Clinical images are of our own patients with consent for advertising use. Outcomes vary. Advertising notes: No testimonials, inducements or guarantees are used. Therapeutic devices are described neutrally and factually. Comments/reviews are disabled on this page.