Table of Contents

1. What Is a Gummy Smile?
   
   
2. Why Do Some People Have a Gummy Smile?
   
   
3. Does a Gummy Smile Affect Oral Health?
   
   
4. What Is Gum Contouring?
   
   
5. Is Gum Contouring Right for Me?
   
   
6. Other Gummy Smile Treatments
   
   

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile is a smile that shows an excessive amount of gum tissue above the upper teeth. While this is purely a cosmetic issue and not harmful in most cases, many people feel self-conscious about how their smile looks in photos or everyday interactions.

If you’ve ever felt like your gums are “taking over” your smile, you’re not alone—and there are effective options to reshape and enhance your natural expression.

Why Do Some People Have a Gummy Smile?

There are a few reasons why your smile might appear “gummy”:

• Excess gum tissue that covers a larger portion of your teeth
  
  
• Short upper lip that lifts high when smiling
  
  
• Small or worn-down teeth that look smaller in proportion
  
  
• High lip mobility or genetic factors that expose more of the gums
  
  

Understanding the cause is important, because it helps determine the best treatment option—whether it’s gum contouring or another approach.

Does a Gummy Smile Affect Oral Health?

In most cases, a gummy smile is primarily a cosmetic concern, but in some situations, excessive gum coverage can make it harder to clean your teeth effectively, leading to plaque buildup and increased risk for gum disease.

That’s why many patients seek treatment—not just to improve appearance, but also to maintain long-term gum and tooth health.

What Is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring, also called gingival sculpting or laser gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to correct a gummy smile by carefully removing excess gum tissue and reshaping the gum line for a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile.

At Prudental, we use state-of-the-art laser technology to perform gum contouring with precision, comfort, and minimal recovery time.

Benefits of Gum Contouring:

• Improves balance between teeth and gums
  
  
• Creates a fuller, more natural-looking smile
  
  
• Enhances symmetry
  
  
• Boosts confidence in both professional and social settings
  
  

Is Gum Contouring Right for Me?

You may be a good candidate for gum contouring if:

• You’re bothered by the appearance of your gums
  
  
• You feel your teeth look too small or uneven
  
  
• You want to enhance your smile without major dental work
  
  
• You’re in generally good oral health
  
  

The procedure is typically completed in one visit, with visible results that last for years. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and are able to return to regular activities within 24 hours.

Other Gummy Smile Treatments

While gum contouring is one of the most effective and lasting treatments, it’s not the only option.

Depending on the cause of your gummy smile, other solutions might include:

• Botox for gummy smile: A non-surgical option that relaxes the upper lip, reducing how high it lifts when smiling.
  
  
• Orthodontics or veneers: May help in cases where teeth are small or improperly positioned.
  
  
• Crown lengthening: Involves removing gum tissue and possibly bone to expose more of the tooth.
  
  

Each treatment has its own benefits and ideal use cases. Our team at Prudental can help you explore the right solution during a personalized consultation.

Final Thought: Elevate Your Smile with Cosmetic Gum Treatment in Missouri City and Beyond

You deserve to feel confident every time you smile. If you’re struggling with a gummy smile and want a lasting, transformative solution, gum contouring may be the answer. At Prudental, we’re proud to offer cosmetic gum treatments that combine advanced technology with artistic precision to create balanced, beautiful smiles.

We serve patients throughout Missouri City, Sugarland, and the Houston metro area, and we’d love to help you explore your options. Whether you’re interested in laser gum contouring, Botox for gummy smile, or a custom combination of treatments, we’ll help you find the right fit.

Schedule a consultation today—and let your smile shine with confidence.