Can You Fix My Gummy Smile?

Tired of the “gummy” smile you see every time someone shows you a picture of yourself?

We’ve treated many people in your shoes through the years, so our team at Smile Design Manhattan in New York City knows how to fix the problem.

We offer a short procedure, known as a gum lift, that can help restore your smile — and confidence. Here’s what you need to know:

Why you should fix a gummy smile

If you feel like people see too much of your gums when you smile — maybe they’re too far down your teeth or are uneven — you might wonder why. Several things can cause a gummy smile.

After your permanent teeth came in, your gums may not have receded completely. They may also be uneven as a result of gum disease, because you might have smaller teeth than is typical, or because your upper lip may be shorter than average, exposing more of your gums.

It’s also possible that you naturally have more gum tissue than other people or that your gums didn’t form in a way as aesthetically pleasing as you’d like.

All of these issues can cause your gums to look bigger than they should and your teeth to look smaller, misshapen, or even crooked.

Every case is different, but the result is often the same. If you’re troubled by any of these issues, you might lack confidence in your smile.

We can do something about that.

What’s a gum lift procedure like?

A gum lift (also called gum contouring) is a procedure we can complete in one office visit to Smile Design Manhattan. 

Before we start, we discuss what you want your smile to look like, using a dental pen to draw a projection of your new gum line right on your mouth. We then administer a local anesthetic and use a laser to trim excess gum tissue until it matches the projection.

You won’t need stitches — the laser cauterizes your gum tissue along the way, minimizing bleeding by sealing off blood vessels. You can expect swollen gums for a few days, but you can eat and drink within a day, and you should be back to normal within a week. 

You can handle any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers.

If you’re ready to transform your smile, our team is here to help. To schedule an appointment, call our Midtown office at 646-278-4579 or book your visit online today.