Southtown Dental Care Highlights Modern Solutions for “Gummy Smiles”

Scottsdale cosmetic dentist explains today’s most effective treatment options for excessive gum display

Many people feel self-conscious about showing too much gum tissue when they smile — a concern commonly referred to as a “gummy smile.” According to Matthew E. Nelson of Southtown Dental Care, advancements in cosmetic dentistry now allow patients to achieve more balanced, natural-looking smiles with several minimally invasive treatment options.

“A gummy smile is one of the most common cosmetic concerns we hear from patients,” says Dr. Nelson. “What many people don’t realize is that there are multiple causes — and therefore multiple solutions.”

Understanding the Causes of a Gummy Smile

Excessive gum display can occur for several reasons, including:

• Excess gum tissue covering the teeth
• Short-appearing teeth
• Hyperactive upper lip movement
• Jaw or tooth positioning

Because every patient’s anatomy is different, treatment recommendations are highly individualized.

Laser Gingivectomy: A Conservative Cosmetic Option

For patients whose teeth appear short due to excess gum tissue, laser gum contouring — also known as a laser gingivectomy — can often provide dramatic cosmetic improvement.

Using advanced dental lasers, the gumline is carefully reshaped to reveal more natural tooth structure and improve overall smile proportions.

Benefits may include:

• Minimal discomfort
• Little to no downtime
• Immediate cosmetic enhancement
• Fast treatment time

“Many patients are surprised how much more balanced their smile looks after a relatively simple gum reshaping procedure,” Dr. Nelson explains.

Crown Lengthening for Structural Correction

In more advanced cases, crown lengthening may be recommended. This surgical procedure reshapes both gum tissue and underlying bone to create more ideal tooth proportions.

Crown lengthening is often appropriate when:

• Teeth appear significantly short
• Gum levels are uneven
• Long-term structural correction is needed

Although recovery is longer than laser treatment, the procedure can provide highly predictable and lasting aesthetic improvements.

Botox as a Non-Surgical Alternative

Some gummy smiles are caused primarily by upper lip movement rather than gum tissue or tooth anatomy. In these cases, Botox may help reduce how high the upper lip lifts while smiling.

Botox treatment for gummy smiles:

• Is quick and minimally invasive
• Typically lasts 3–4 months
• Works best in carefully selected patients

“For some patients, Botox can be an excellent conservative option before considering permanent treatment,” says Dr. Nelson.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis

Dr. Nelson emphasizes that successful cosmetic treatment begins with identifying the true underlying cause of the gummy smile.

“Two patients may appear similar at first glance but require completely different approaches,” he says. “The goal is never to create an artificial smile — it’s to create balance that looks natural and fits the patient’s face.”

Patients considering gummy smile treatment are encouraged to seek a comprehensive cosmetic evaluation focused on both aesthetics and long-term oral health.