Most people who come to us about a gummy smile have one thing in common: they’ve spent years avoiding open, unguarded smiles—in photos, in conversation, in moments that should feel easy. What surprises many of them is how treatable the concern truly is and how much the right diagnosis changes everything.
A gummy smile isn’t a single condition with a single fix.
It has several distinct causes (excess gum tissue, an overactive upper lip, jaw structure, or teeth that appear shorter than they are) and each one points to a different treatment path. Getting that part wrong is the most common reason results disappoint.
This guide walks through what actually causes a gummy smile, how a cosmetic dentist diagnoses it properly, and what the full range of treatment options looks like in 2026, from a twenty-minute injectable appointment to more involved surgical correction.
If you’re weighing up your options, or just trying to understand what’s going on with your smile, this is the right place to start. And if you’d like a personalised assessment, Aesthetik’s smile design consultations are built exactly for that.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is rarely just one thing. Most patients who come to us self-conscious about their gum display are surprised to learn there are four distinct causes, and that many people have a combination of more than one. This is exactly why a professional diagnosis matters so much; choosing the wrong treatment for the wrong cause is one of the most common reasons gummy smile corrections fall short of expectations.
- Excess gum tissue (altered passive eruption)
This is the most frequently misunderstood cause. When teeth erupt during adolescence, the gum tissue is supposed to gradually recede to reveal the full clinical crown. In some patients, this process doesn’t complete as expected; the gum remains too high on the tooth, making the teeth appear short and the gum line appear excessive. Importantly, the teeth are often a completely normal length underneath—it’s the soft tissue coverage that creates the imbalance.
- Hyperactive upper lip
Some patients have gum and tooth proportions that are perfectly normal at rest. The issue appears only when they smile. The levator labii superioris muscles (the muscles that elevate the upper lip) pull the lip higher than average during a full smile, exposing more gum tissue than is considered typical. This cause is entirely muscular, which is what makes it so well-suited to treatment with muscle relaxant injectables.
- Vertical maxillary excess (VME)
This is a skeletal cause—the upper jaw bone itself has grown longer vertically than typical, creating excess space between the nose and upper teeth. The result is a longer lower face, often accompanied by more gum exposure when smiling and, in significant cases, difficulty closing the lips at rest. VME is the most complex cause to address and may require referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for definitive treatment.
- Short or worn teeth
Teeth that are naturally small, have been worn down by grinding (bruxism), or have not fully erupted can make the gum-to-tooth ratio appear imbalanced even when the gum tissue itself is completely normal. Here, the cosmetic concern is less about removing gum tissue and more about restoring proper tooth length, often with porcelain veneers or crowns.
Because causes frequently overlap (a patient might have both a slightly hyperactive lip and mild altered passive eruption) a thorough clinical assessment is the only reliable starting point.
Is a Gummy Smile Genetic?
Yes, genetics play a significant role in gummy smile development. Jaw structure, lip length and mobility, gum tissue volume, and tooth size are all largely inherited traits. A family history of gummy smiles is common, and patients often point to a parent or sibling with a similar smile profile. Environmental factors can also contribute; teeth grinding over time wears down tooth length, gradually worsening the gum-to-tooth ratio even in patients who weren’t significantly affected earlier in life.
At What Point Is a Smile Considered a Gummy Smile?
The clinical threshold most cosmetic dentists and periodontists use is 3 to 4mm of visible gum tissue above the upper front teeth during a natural, full smile. Below 2mm is generally considered within the normal aesthetic range.
That said, perception matters as much as measurement. Some patients feel self-conscious with just 2mm of visible gum; others are entirely comfortable at 4mm or more. Whether to treat a gummy smile is always a personal decision, not a medical requirement in the vast majority of cases. There is no obligation to change something simply because it sits outside an arbitrary clinical average.
Clinical Guideline: A gummy smile is generally defined as 3 to 4mm or more of visible gum tissue above the upper teeth during a full smile. Anything under 2mm sits within the normal aesthetic range for most cosmetic dentists. The patient’s own perception of their smile is the most important factor in deciding whether treatment is appropriate.
How Does a Cosmetic Dentist Diagnose a Gummy Smile?
A proper gummy smile diagnosis involves more than looking at how much gum shows when you smile. A trained cosmetic dentist assesses several interconnected elements to understand which cause (or combination of causes) is driving the excessive gingival display.
Lip analysis
The dentist measures upper lip length at rest (a short upper lip is generally defined as under 20mm) and evaluates lip elevation during a full, natural smile. A lip that elevates more than 8mm from its resting position is considered hyperactive. This measurement directly determines whether muscle relaxant injectables are a viable option.
Gingival assessment
The volume, symmetry, and position of the gum tissue are evaluated. The dentist uses a periodontal probe to determine where the actual tooth crown margin sits beneath the gum, which reveals whether excess soft tissue is present (altered passive eruption) and how much tooth is being hidden.
Tooth proportion analysis
Ideal central incisor dimensions are approximately 10 to 12mm in length, with a width-to-length ratio of 75 to 80%. When teeth fall short of these proportions, it contributes to the perception of a gummy smile even when gum tissue levels are normal. Digital photography and smile simulation tools help visualise what the corrected proportions would look like.
Skeletal evaluation
Clinical observation of facial thirds helps identify whether vertical maxillary excess may be contributing. If VME is suspected, a lateral cephalometric X-ray allows precise measurement of jaw position and vertical height. Significant VME typically requires referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for further assessment.
Smile line assessment
The dentist observes the overall smile arc, the symmetry of the gum line across the teeth, and whether gum display changes between a relaxed smile and a full, animated smile. Asymmetry in the gum line (where one side sits higher than the other) is a separate consideration that affects the treatment approach.
A thorough diagnosis is the essential first step toward the right treatment. Book your gummy smile assessment with Aesthetik here.
Is a Gummy Smile a Medical or Cosmetic Issue?
In the vast majority of cases, a gummy smile is a purely cosmetic concern. It does not affect oral health, bite function, or cause discomfort. Treatment is almost always elective, driven entirely by the patient’s own desire for aesthetic improvement.
The exception is severe vertical maxillary excess, where the jaw overgrowth is significant enough to affect bite alignment and lip closure at rest. In these cases, there may be a functional component that a dental professional will identify during assessment. Even so, the decision to pursue treatment remains the patient’s own.
What Treatment Options Are Available to Fix a Gummy Smile and Which Should You Ask a Specialist About?
This is where gummy smile treatment gets genuinely interesting, because the range of options is wider than most patients realise. Treatments span from a quick injectable appointment with no downtime to major jaw surgery — and which one is appropriate comes down entirely to the diagnosed cause.
| Treatment | What It Addresses | Procedure Type | Approx. Cost (AUD) | Results Duration | Recovery Time |
| Anti-wrinkle injectables | Hyperactive upper lip | Non-surgical, in-clinic | $200–$600 per session | 3 to 6 months | None to minimal |
| Laser gum contouring | Excess gum tissue / altered passive eruption | Minimally invasive | $500–$3,000 (depends on teeth treated) | Permanent (with proper care) | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Crown lengthening surgery | Excess gum and bone tissue | Surgical (periodontal) | $1,500–$5,000 | Permanent | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Lip repositioning surgery | Hyperactive upper lip (surgical correction) | Surgical | $2,000–$6,000 | Long-lasting to permanent | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Orthognathic (jaw) surgery | Vertical maxillary excess | Major surgical | $15,000–$50,000+ | Permanent | 6 to 12 weeks |
| Orthodontics (braces or aligners) | Tooth position contributing to gum display | Non-surgical | $5,000–$9,000 | Permanent (with retainers) | 12 to 24 months |
| Porcelain veneers or crowns | Short or worn teeth | Dental restoration | $1,200–$2,500 per tooth | 10 to 20 years | Minimal |
Individual results vary. A cosmetic dentist’s assessment of your specific anatomy is the only reliable way to determine which option is appropriate for your situation.
Can a Gummy Smile Be Fixed Without Surgery?
Yes, depending on the cause, and many patients are surprised to find that surgery isn’t necessary. The two most common causes of a gummy smile (a hyperactive upper lip and mild to moderate excess gum tissue) both have effective non-surgical or minimally invasive solutions.
Anti-wrinkle injectables address a hyperactive lip with no downtime whatsoever. Laser gum contouring treats altered passive eruption with local anaesthesia only, no scalpel, and a healing period of one to two weeks. Orthodontics can reposition teeth that are sitting too low and contributing to gum display.
Surgery is only necessary when bone is involved (crown lengthening or jaw surgery) or when a hyperactive lip requires permanent structural repositioning. A proper diagnosis is the only way to know which category you fall into.
Does Botox Work for a Gummy Smile and How Can You Find a Specialist Who Uses Injectables?
Yes, anti-wrinkle injectables are a well-established and effective option for gummy smiles caused by a hyperactive upper lip. Small, precise doses of muscle relaxant are injected into the levator labii superioris muscles, reducing how high the upper lip elevates during a smile. The result is a more balanced proportion of teeth and gum tissue when smiling, without any change to the underlying anatomy.
Results typically appear within three to seven days and last three to six months before the treatment needs to be repeated. For patients whose gum and tooth proportions are normal but whose lip simply travels too far upward, this option delivers a natural-looking improvement with zero recovery time. It is not a permanent solution; patients who want a lasting result may eventually explore lip repositioning surgery.
The most important factor in getting a good outcome is choosing the right practitioner. Gummy smile injectables require precise knowledge of facial anatomy and smile dynamics, not just general injectable technique. A cosmetic dentist or medical professional who specifically understands how lip muscles interact with smile aesthetics will consistently deliver more natural, balanced results than a generalist injector.
Aesthetik’s cosmetic injectable treatments are administered by trained dental professionals who understand facial anatomy and smile aesthetics from the ground up. Learn more about our injectable services here.
Where Can You Book a Consultation to See If Laser Gum Contouring Can Improve Your Gummy Smile?
Laser gum contouring (also called laser gingivectomy) uses a dental laser to precisely remove and reshape excess gum tissue, revealing more of the tooth’s natural crown. It is one of the most straightforward gummy smile treatments available: performed under local anaesthesia, completed in a single appointment, and healing significantly faster than traditional scalpel-based gum surgery.
The procedure is best suited to patients whose gummy smile is caused by altered passive eruption, where excess soft tissue is covering a tooth that is actually a normal length underneath. Once the tissue is removed and the gum line is reshaped, the result is permanent; the gum does not grow back.
Wondering whether laser gum contouring is the right fit for your smile? Book a consultation with Aesthetik to find out.
What Is the Difference Between Crown Lengthening and Gum Contouring?
The distinction is clinically important. Laser gum contouring (gingivectomy) removes only soft gum tissue and is appropriate when the excess tissue can be safely removed without disturbing the underlying bone. Crown lengthening is a periodontal surgical procedure that removes both gum tissue and a small amount of supporting bone to expose more tooth structure.
Crown lengthening is necessary when the bone level is sitting too high, preventing adequate gum removal with laser alone. A dentist or periodontist determines which procedure is appropriate through a process called bone sounding—gently probing beneath the gum to measure where the bone sits relative to the gum margin.
Key Distinction: Laser gum contouring reshapes soft tissue only and is minimally invasive, with a healing time of one to two weeks. Crown lengthening also adjusts the bone level and is a more involved surgical procedure with a recovery of two to four weeks. Your dentist will determine which is needed based on where the bone sits relative to your gum line—this cannot be assessed from photos or surface examination alone.
What Should You Know About Recovery Time and Aftercare for Laser Gum Contouring?
Recovery from laser gum contouring is genuinely manageable for most patients. Mild tenderness and swelling around the treated area settles within two to five days. A soft diet is recommended for the first week to avoid irritating the healing tissue. Full gum healing typically takes one to two weeks.
Practical aftercare for the first week:
- Brush gently around the treated area with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Rinse with warm saltwater two to three times daily
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods
- Attend your scheduled follow-up appointment so the dentist can confirm healing is progressing well
Most patients are comfortable returning to work and normal activities within one to two days.
How Do You Choose Between Surgical and Non-Surgical Gummy Smile Correction Before Paying for Treatment?
The honest answer: the choice is not primarily yours to make based on preference alone. The appropriate treatment is determined by the underlying cause. This is precisely why starting with a proper diagnosis (rather than a treatment) is so important.
| Your Situation | Likely Best Option | Invasiveness |
| Upper lip rises too high when smiling; gums and teeth look normal | Anti-wrinkle injectables | Non-surgical |
| Excess gum tissue covering teeth; teeth appear short | Laser gum contouring | Minimally invasive |
| Excess gum and bone covering teeth | Crown lengthening surgery | Surgical |
| Upper lip structurally short; gums/teeth normal | Lip repositioning surgery | Surgical |
| Upper jaw bone overgrowth (vertical maxillary excess) | Orthognathic (jaw) surgery | Major surgical |
| Teeth positioned too low or erupted incompletely | Orthodontics (braces or aligners) | Non-surgical |
| Teeth worn down or naturally small | Veneers or crowns | Dental restoration |
A consultation with a cosmetic dentist who can diagnose the root cause is the only reliable way to work out where you sit in this framework. Choosing treatment before diagnosis is one of the most common ways patients end up disappointed with their results.
How Much Does Gummy Smile Treatment Typically Cost and What Affects the Price?
Gummy smile treatment costs in Australia vary considerably depending on which option is appropriate for your case. Here’s a realistic price guide:
- Anti-wrinkle injectables: $200 to $600 per session (repeated every three to six months)
- Laser gum contouring: $500 to $3,000 depending on the number of teeth treated
- Crown lengthening: $1,500 to $5,000
- Lip repositioning surgery: $2,000 to $6,000
- Orthodontics: $5,000 to $9,000
- Orthognathic jaw surgery: $15,000 to $50,000+
- Porcelain veneers: $1,200 to $2,500 per tooth
Several factors influence the final cost beyond the base treatment fee: the number of teeth being treated, the complexity of the case, whether bone recontouring is required, the practitioner’s level of experience and specialisation, and whether multiple treatments are combined for a comprehensive result.
Most gummy smile treatments are classified as cosmetic and are not covered by Medicare or standard private health extras cover. Some periodontal procedures (crown lengthening in particular) may attract a partial rebate if there is a clinical justification beyond aesthetics, depending on your health fund and policy level. It’s worth contacting your fund directly to ask.
For transparent pricing on gummy smile treatments at Aesthetik, visit our pricing page here.
Which Cosmetic Clinics Offer Before and After Photos for Gummy Smile Correction So You Can Compare Results?
Before-and-after photos are one of the most useful tools available when evaluating a clinic for gummy smile treatment. They demonstrate the dentist’s aesthetic eye and technical skill in a way that credentials alone cannot. A reputable clinic will show a genuine range of results, not just their most dramatic transformations, because setting realistic expectations is part of responsible cosmetic practice.
When reviewing a gallery, look for:
- Cases with a similar cause and severity to your own situation
- Confirmation that the photos are of the clinic’s own patients (not stock imagery or supplier case studies)
- Consistent natural-looking outcomes across multiple cases (not just one or two outliers)
- Evidence of gum line symmetry and proportion in the after images, not just gum reduction
Aesthetik provides personalised smile design consultations where patients can view relevant case studies. Explore our smile makeover options and patient results here.
What Questions Should You Ask During a First Appointment About Correcting a Gummy Smile?
Going into your first consultation prepared makes a significant difference to how useful that appointment is. Here’s what’s worth asking:
- What is causing my gummy smile specifically? (Is it the lip, the gum tissue, the bone, or the teeth?)
- Which treatment options are appropriate for my diagnosed cause, and which would you recommend?
- What results can I realistically expect, and how will my smile look compared to now?
- How long will the results last, and what maintenance will be required?
- What is the total cost including all follow-up visits and, if relevant, repeat treatments?
- What are the risks or potential complications for the option you’re recommending?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of similar cases you have treated personally?
- Do I need referral to a periodontist or oral surgeon, or can this be managed within the clinic?
A cosmetic dentist who welcomes these questions and answers them clearly is one you can trust with your smile.
Ready with the right questions? Book your gummy smile consultation with Aesthetik here.
How Do You Find a Cosmetic Dentist Who Treats a Gummy Smile with Minimally Invasive Options?
Not every cosmetic dentist offers the full spectrum of gummy smile treatments, and that limitation can inadvertently influence the recommendations you receive. The ideal clinic is one that offers both non-surgical and surgical options, because the recommendation is then based purely on your diagnosis rather than what the clinic happens to provide.
When evaluating a dentist or clinic for gummy smile treatment:
- Confirm AHPRA registration as a baseline requirement
- Ask specifically about their training in laser dentistry and cosmetic injectables (these are additional qualifications, not standard dental training)
- Check that they perform a proper clinical diagnosis before recommending any treatment
- Look for verified patient reviews that mention gummy smile treatment specifically, not just general cosmetic dental work
- Ask whether they can refer you to a specialist (periodontist or oral surgeon) if your case warrants it; a good cosmetic dentist knows the limits of their scope
Aesthetik’s cosmetic dental team offers both non-surgical and surgical gummy smile solutions under one roof. Discover why patients choose us here.
How Do You Find a Cosmetic Dentist Who Offers Personalised Treatment Plans for Gummy Smiles?
A personalised treatment plan is not optional when it comes to gummy smile correction—it’s the only approach that makes clinical sense. Because the causes vary so widely, a one-size-fits-all recommendation is a red flag. The right clinic will diagnose first and present treatment options second.
Look for clinics that offer a dedicated smile design consultation process, where digital imaging or in-consultation mock-ups help you visualise the proposed outcome before any commitment is made. Being able to see (even approximately) what your smile could look like after treatment transforms the decision from abstract to concrete. It also allows you to give meaningful feedback to the dentist before treatment begins, which leads to better outcomes for everyone.
Aesthetik’s smile design process starts with a detailed diagnosis and builds a treatment plan around your unique anatomy and goals. Learn more about our smile design approach here.
Can Braces or Aligners Fix a Gummy Smile?
In some cases, yes. If the gummy smile is caused by teeth that have over-erupted (descended too far toward the opposing teeth), orthodontic treatment can intrude (move upward) those teeth to reduce gum display. This approach is most effective when the gummy smile is primarily a tooth-position issue rather than a gum tissue or lip mobility issue.
Aligners alone may not generate enough force for significant tooth intrusion in some cases; traditional fixed braces with temporary anchorage devices (TADs—small mini-screws placed temporarily in the jawbone to provide a fixed point for tooth movement) are sometimes more effective for this purpose. Orthodontic treatment for gummy smile correction typically forms part of a broader treatment plan rather than a standalone solution.
When Is Jaw Surgery Needed for a Gummy Smile?
Jaw surgery is reserved for cases where vertical maxillary excess is the primary cause and other treatments cannot adequately address the skeletal imbalance. The specific procedure is a Le Fort I osteotomy with impaction, in which the upper jaw is surgically repositioned upward to reduce vertical height and gum display.
This is a major procedure undertaken by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, typically in a hospital setting. Recovery involves six to twelve weeks before full activity is resumed, though most patients return to light activity within two to three weeks. The results are permanent. Jaw surgery is only recommended when clinical assessment (supported by cephalometric imaging) confirms that the gum display cannot be adequately managed by less invasive means.
Is Gummy Smile Surgery Painful and What Is the Recovery Like?
Pain levels and recovery vary considerably by procedure. Here is an honest, practical summary:
Laser gum contouring: Performed under local anaesthesia; most patients describe the experience as comfortable. Post-operative discomfort is mild and managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Tender for two to five days; fully healed within one to two weeks.
Crown lengthening: Moderate discomfort post-procedure; prescription pain relief may be recommended. Swelling and tenderness settle over one to two weeks. Full healing takes two to four weeks.
Lip repositioning surgery: Moderate discomfort and noticeable swelling for the first one to two weeks. Most patients manage well with prescribed pain relief and find the experience more comfortable than anticipated. Recovery period of two to three weeks.
Orthognathic jaw surgery: The most significant recovery of any gummy smile treatment. Initial recovery (liquid/soft diet, limited activity) lasts two to four weeks. Full recovery takes six to twelve weeks. The discomfort is well managed with hospital-grade pain protocols.
Recovery Snapshot:
- Anti-wrinkle injectables: No downtime
- Laser gum contouring: 1 to 2 weeks
- Crown lengthening: 2 to 4 weeks
- Lip repositioning: 2 to 3 weeks
- Jaw surgery: 6 to 12 weeks
All procedures are performed under appropriate anaesthesia. Discuss your pain management expectations with your dentist or surgeon before treatment.
What Is the Best Treatment for a Gummy Smile?
There is no single best treatment for a gummy smile—there is only the best treatment for your specific cause. A patient with a hyperactive lip and normal gum tissue would see little benefit from laser gum contouring. A patient with altered passive eruption is unlikely to get the result they’re after from injectables. Mismatching treatment to cause is the most consistent reason outcomes disappoint.
The cause-to-treatment pathway is clear once a proper diagnosis has been made:
- Hyperactive upper lip, mild cases: anti-wrinkle injectables
- Hyperactive upper lip, permanent solution: lip repositioning surgery
- Excess gum tissue only: laser gum contouring
- Excess gum tissue with elevated bone: crown lengthening
- Vertical maxillary excess: orthognathic jaw surgery
- Tooth position issues: orthodontics (possibly with TADs)
- Short or worn teeth: porcelain veneers or crowns
A cosmetic dentist who offers a range of options is best positioned to make an unbiased recommendation based solely on your anatomy. Explore Aesthetik’s smile makeover services to see the full range of what’s possible, and browse our dental care products to support your results at home.
A Gummy Smile Is Treatable Once You Know the Cause
From the Aesthetik cosmetic dental team
Many of the patients who come to us about their gummy smile tell us the same thing: they’ve been self-conscious about it for years, have avoided smiling in photos, and assumed treatment would be complex, expensive, or involve surgery. The reality, more often than not, is that their situation is entirely manageable—sometimes with an injectable treatment that takes twenty minutes and requires no recovery time at all.
A gummy smile is a common aesthetic concern with well-understood causes and a genuine range of treatment options. The key variable is diagnosis. Every treatment decision we make at Aesthetik starts with a thorough clinical assessment because the cause drives everything that follows. Two patients with a gummy smile that looks identical in a photo can have completely different underlying causes and need completely different treatments.
For most patients, the journey is simpler than they fear. Altered passive eruption and hyperactive upper lip (the two most common causes) both respond well to minimally invasive options. More complex skeletal causes exist, but they’re significantly less common and always identified through proper assessment before any treatment is recommended.
If your gummy smile has held you back from smiling the way you’d like to, the most useful thing you can do is find out what’s actually causing it. Everything else follows from that.
Book your personalised gummy smile consultation with Aesthetik today. View our pricing page for full transparency before your visit—no surprises, no obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are gummy smiles in adults?
Gummy smiles affect roughly 10 to 25% of the adult population, with a higher prevalence in women, and are one of the most frequently raised concerns in cosmetic dental consultations. Most patients are entirely healthy; it is a variation in anatomy rather than a sign of any dental problem.
Can a gummy smile get worse with age?
Most gummy smiles remain stable throughout adulthood, though gum tissue can change over time due to certain medications (such as calcium channel blockers or immunosuppressants), hormonal shifts, or gum disease—all of which can cause gum overgrowth. Teeth grinding can gradually worsen the gum-to-tooth ratio as tooth length reduces over time.
Is gummy smile correction covered by private health insurance in Australia?
Most gummy smile treatments are classified as cosmetic and are not covered by Medicare or standard private health extras. Some periodontal procedures like crown lengthening may attract a partial rebate if there is a documented clinical (rather than purely cosmetic) justification; contact your specific health fund to confirm your entitlements.
How long do anti-wrinkle injectable results last for a gummy smile?
Results from anti-wrinkle injectables typically last 3 to 6 months before repeat treatment is needed, as the muscle gradually regains its mobility. Many patients schedule two appointments per year to maintain their results.
Can laser gum contouring be done on just one or two teeth?
Yes, laser gum contouring can be precisely targeted to individual teeth to correct asymmetry or improve proportion on a single tooth without treating the entire gum line. This targeted approach is one of the procedure’s most practical advantages.
Will gummy smile treatment change the way your face looks?
Treatment improves the balance between your teeth, gums, and lips when smiling but does not alter your overall facial structure. The goal is proportion and harmony within your natural facial anatomy—a more balanced smile, not a different face.
How long does a laser gum contouring appointment take?
A laser gum contouring session typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of teeth being treated, and is usually completed in a single appointment with no need for a return visit for the procedure itself.
Can a gummy smile come back after treatment?
Laser gum contouring and crown lengthening produce permanent results, as the removed gum tissue does not regenerate. Anti-wrinkle injectable results are temporary and require ongoing maintenance sessions every three to six months to sustain the improvement.
Do you need a referral to see a cosmetic dentist about a gummy smile?
No referral is needed to book a cosmetic dental consultation for a gummy smile in Australia. You can contact a cosmetic dental clinic directly to arrange an assessment; your GP or general dentist can refer you if you prefer, but it’s not a requirement.
Is there an age limit for gummy smile correction?
There is no strict upper age limit, but most cosmetic dentists prefer to treat patients after jaw growth is complete (typically from around age 18 onwards), as treating earlier risks the correction being affected by ongoing skeletal development.
