Facial Balancing & Enhancement
A smile that shows more upper gum tissue than a person would prefer.
Physician-led assessment · individualized care · Vancouver clinic
Understanding Gummy Smile
Maybe you've started smiling with your lips closed in photos, or you notice a band of gum every time you laugh. A gummy smile is simply a smile that shows more of the upper gum than you'd like, and it's a normal variation in how faces are built, not a flaw.
A few different things can create it. Sometimes the upper lip lifts higher than average when you smile, which is a muscle pattern. Sometimes the teeth look short next to the gums, the gums sit lower over the teeth, or the upper jaw is positioned a little forward or tall. When the lip muscle is the main driver, gentle treatment can relax its lift so your smile shows less gum and still looks like you. When teeth, gums or jaw are the bigger factor, a dental or orthodontic opinion is the best next step.
Causes and Contributing Factors
A gummy smile usually comes from a mix of factors. A very active upper-lip muscle can lift the lip further than average, showing more gum. Other contributors include teeth that look short next to the gums, how the gums sit over the teeth, the height or forward position of the upper jaw, and a naturally shorter upper lip. Working out which factor leads is what guides the right care.
Signs and Symptoms
Assessment
Injectable treatments at our clinic are performed by our experienced physicians, and our cosmetic consultants may help with your initial assessment and planning. We look at how much gum shows at rest and in a full smile, how your upper lip moves and its length, the proportions and health of your teeth and gums, and your jaw position. Smiling and talking naturally shows what's really driving your smile, and your plan is designed around the smile you'd love, your timing and your budget, with input from your dentist where teeth or jaw play a big part.
Cosmetic consultations are complimentary.
Treatment Options
These are some of the options connected to this concern. The appropriate plan depends on assessment, suitability, and your goals.
The right care depends on what's driving your smile. When an active upper lip is the main factor, our experienced physicians use Wrinkle Softening & Neuromodulators, placing a tiny dose of a neuromodulator to soften the lip's lift so less gum shows. Where soft-tissue balance around the mouth is part of the picture, Dermal Fillers & Facial Contouring may be considered.
When tooth, gum or jaw proportions are the main factor, dental or orthodontic care is the best fit, and we're happy to point you in that direction.
Uses botulinum toxin type A to temporarily relax selected muscles, softening dynamic lines and helping certain muscle- or sweat-related concerns.
Uses injectable fillers to restore or reshape facial volume and contour, selected for the structure and balance each area needs.
For the fuller picture, explore the treatment pages above or discuss the options during a consultation.
Medical Assessment
A gummy smile itself is rarely a medical emergency. Assessment beyond cosmetics is worthwhile if there are signs of gum disease, difficulty with how the teeth meet, pain, or concerns about tooth or jaw development, which are better evaluated by a dental or medical professional before any cosmetic approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases it's a normal variation and a cosmetic preference, not a medical concern. Occasionally there's a dental side, such as gum health or how the teeth meet, which is worth checking with a dental professional.
Often, yes. When lip muscle activity is the main driver, a small, precise injection can soften the lift and show less gum, while tooth, gum or jaw factors are best handled with dental care. Your consultation shows which applies to you, and results vary from person to person.
Both can be relevant. Structural and dental factors are best evaluated by a dental professional, while the muscle side is something our physicians assess and treat. Booking a consultation is an easy first step to find out which route suits your smile.
Physician Assessment
An assessment can help clarify what may be contributing, which options may be appropriate, and what a reasonable next step could look like for you.
Visit Our Clinic
Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic combines medical assessment, individualized planning, physician oversight, and a broad range of treatment options in its Vancouver clinic.
Bring your questions, treatment history, and goals. Your provider can help you understand appropriate options, expected recovery, and realistic outcomes.
Make an Appointment
Use our consultation form below and the clinic can guide you toward the appropriate starting point.
