A gummy smile is a condition where an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible when smiling. The causes can vary — from the growth pattern of the upper jaw to the shape and position of the teeth, gum level, or even facial muscle tone.
The treatment approach depends on the anatomy and underlying cause of the gummy smile:
- Surgical intervention — Le Fort I osteotomy with upward repositioning of the upper jaw. A radical yet effective option for pronounced skeletal causes.
- Crown lengthening — possibly involving gingival and/or bone correction. This helps visually balance proportions.
- Orthodontic treatment — in many cases, jaw expansion and control of tooth eruption height can achieve excellent aesthetic results.
- Cosmetic methods — botulinum toxin (Botox) and lip enhancement can temporarily reduce gum visibility when smiling.
Our clinical case is an example of highly effective orthodontic treatment without surgery.
For a patient with a gummy smile, we applied complex biomechanics: four mini-screws (TADs) were placed, allowing us to control the movement of the teeth and upper jaw in a way that achieved results comparable to surgery — but without any surgical intervention.
We also corrected the crossbite and distal bite, expanded both the upper and lower jaws, and achieved facial harmony and an aesthetically pleasing smile.
We are still in the treatment process, but the improvement is already clear — the smile has become softer, more balanced, and more natural.
This is what we call truly effective orthodontics — when biomechanics achieve what once seemed possible only through surgery.
