Are you hesitant to show your full smile in photos or social situations? A gummy smile—where excessive gum tissue is visible when you smile—can affect not just your appearance but your confidence, too. While some people embrace this characteristic, others find it impacts their self-esteem and their desire to smile freely. The good news is that modern dentistry offers several effective solutions for this common concern.
At Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum in Charlotte, North Carolina, our dental team offers exceptional care for patients with gummy smiles. Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs brings over 20 years of experience and has received a Charlotte Magazine Top Dentists Award every year from 2016 to 2024. Working alongside her, Dr. Shelli Boucher contributes 15 years of experience and specialized knowledge of TMJ problems and bite-related disorders. Both Dr. Coambs and Dr. Boucher completed advanced dental training at The Dawson Academy. With their combined expertise and state-of-the-art technology, they create personalized treatment plans that transform patients’ confidence and deliver truly beautiful smiles.
More Than 3-4 Millimeters of Gum Tissue Shows When You Smile
When you smile, ideally, only a minimal amount of gum tissue should be visible above your teeth. If you notice significantly more gum tissue showing—more than 3-4 millimeters—this is often considered a gummy smile. Look in the mirror while giving your biggest, most natural smile. If your gums dominate the appearance of your smile (rather than your teeth being the primary focus), this is a clear indicator that you might benefit from treatment.
Many patients don’t realize that what they perceive as “small teeth” may actually be normal-sized teeth partially covered by excess gum tissue. Gum recontouring treatment can create better proportions between your teeth and gums, making your teeth appear larger and more prominent when you smile.
Your Teeth Appear Short or Square
Healthy, esthetically pleasing teeth typically have a rectangular shape with the length being greater than the width. If your teeth appear unusually short, square, or childlike, this could indicate that part of your tooth structure is hidden beneath excess gum tissue.
This disproportionate appearance occurs because your teeth haven’t fully emerged from the gums, a condition called altered passive eruption. In these cases, the proper amount of tooth structure is present, but it remains covered by gum tissue. Through gentle gum contouring, more of your natural tooth structure can be revealed. This creates a more balanced, beautiful smile without requiring extensive restorative dental work.
You’re Self-Conscious About Your Smile
Perhaps the most telling sign you might benefit from gummy smile treatment is your own feelings about your appearance. Do you:
- Find yourself covering your mouth when you laugh?
- Avoid smiling with your teeth in photographs?
- Feel self-conscious during social interactions because of your smile?
- Notice yourself practicing a “closed-lip” smile in the mirror?
Your smile plays a significant role in your social interactions and self-image. If concerns about a gummy smile are holding you back from expressing yourself freely or are affecting your confidence, this emotional impact is a very valid reason to seek treatment.
Your Gums Appear Uneven or Asymmetrical
An esthetically pleasing smile typically features a symmetrical gumline that follows a gentle curve, with the gum tissue slightly higher above the front two teeth than the surrounding teeth. If your gumline appears uneven, with some teeth showing more gum tissue than others, this asymmetry can detract from your smile’s overall harmony.
Asymmetrical gums might result from various factors, including uneven tooth eruption, differences in jaw development, or previous dental work. Regardless of the cause, gum recontouring can create a more balanced, symmetrical gumline that frames your teeth beautifully.
You Experience Challenges with Oral Hygiene
A less obvious but important sign that you might benefit from gummy smile treatment relates to oral health rather than esthetics. Excess gum tissue can create deeper pockets around your teeth where bacteria and plaque can accumulate. This makes thorough cleaning more difficult, potentially leading to gum inflammation, gingivitis, or even periodontal disease over time.
If you find it challenging to maintain good oral hygiene despite diligent brushing and flossing, or if your dentist has noted deeper gum pockets during your regular cleanings, addressing your gummy smile might have health benefits beyond the cosmetic improvement. Treatment can create a more manageable gumline, making it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Love. Your. Smile.
A gummy smile is not a medical concern, but addressing it can significantly impact your confidence and quality of life. At Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum, we can create a plan to help you explore options for your gummy smile, including laser gum recontouring, which precisely reshapes your gumline with minimal discomfort or downtime.
Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs and her team are committed to providing personalized care in a comfortable environment. We take pride in our state-of-the-art technology and our thoughtful approach to cosmetic dentistry. Whether you’re concerned about a gummy smile or any other dental issue, we’re here to help you achieve the confident, beautiful smile you deserve. Contact us today at (704) 540-7600 or request an appointment through our contact form.
