Many people with gummy smiles feel conscious smiling in photos or while speaking. Most cases come from a hyperactive upper lip or excessive gingival display, where the gums sit higher or show more than you’d like. But here’s the good news: there are effective options for how to fix a gummy smile, so you can feel more confident in your appearance.
At EauClaireBodyCare, we specialize in non-surgical gummy smile correction. Our licensed medical injectors use Botox, dermal fillers, and laser tightening—working together so your teeth, not your gums, become the focus of your smile.
Below, we’ll walk you through both non-invasive and surgical treatments to reduce gum visibility, how much they cost, and how quickly you may see results. We also answered some common questions our clients ask!
👉 Ready to explore non-surgical options for a gummy smile? Ask our specialists – click here to book a consultation!
What is a gummy smile?
A gummy smile—also called excessive gingival display—is when more than 2 to 4 mm of gum tissue shows when you smile. This extra gingival exposure happens when the upper lip lifts higher than usual or when the gums sit lower on the teeth, making the gumline more visible.
Clinically, gummy smiles show up in a few ways. An anterior gummy smile affects the front teeth, while a posterior gummy smile shows more gum over the back teeth when you smile widely. Some people also have an asymmetrical gummy smile, where one side lifts higher than the other.
Most cases come from a combination of upper lip elevation, gum tissue position, and incisor display (how tall the front teeth look when you smile). In some patients, the upper jaw grows slightly longer vertically—a condition called vertical maxillary excess—which naturally exposes more gum.
You’ll notice a gummy smile most when the upper lip rises above the teeth, showing a band of pink gum instead of just tooth structure. The degree of gum show varies, but once it exceeds 2–4 mm, it’s typically considered aesthetically disproportionate.
What causes a gummy smile?
A gummy smile happens when the upper lip lifts too high or when the gums sit lower or appear larger than usual. Most patients have a mix of muscle activity, gum position, and jaw structure contributing to the extra gum exposure.
Below are the main gummy smile reasons observed in most patients:
Hyperactive upper lip muscles (most common cosmetic cause)
The most common reason for a gummy smile is strong activity in your upper-lip elevator muscles—the LLSAN, levator labii superioris, and zygomaticus minor.
When these muscles contract more than average, they lift the lip higher and reveal more gum tissue. This over-elevation changes the gum-to-tooth ratio and creates the appearance of excessive gingival display during smiling.
Short upper lip
Some people naturally have a shorter upper lip, which offers less vertical coverage over the teeth and gums. When smiling, the lip lifts quickly and exposes more gum than it does for someone with a longer lip.
This trait can occur on its own or alongside mild muscle hyperactivity, making the extra gum more noticeable in photos and everyday expressions.
Excessive maxillary bone growth (Vertical Maxillary Excess)
Vertical maxillary excess (VME) is a skeletal condition where the upper jaw grows longer vertically. This adds height to the midface and lowers the gumline, increasing the visible gum tissue even with normal lip movement.
Patients with VME often show more of their upper teeth at rest and have a longer midface profile, which contributes to a consistent gummy appearance.
Altered passive eruption
After teeth erupt, the gums should naturally recede to reveal the full length of each tooth. In altered passive eruption, the gums stay positioned too far down the tooth, creating a “short tooth, long gum” look. This extra gum coverage increases gingival exposure during smiling and is often mistaken for a lip or muscle issue.
Dentoalveolar extrusion
Dentoalveolar extrusion occurs when the upper front teeth and the bone supporting them shift slightly downward over time. As the teeth descend, the gumline follows, adding extra gum height in the smile zone.
This change can develop naturally with growth or bite patterns, increasing the vertical dimension of your gums when smiling or speaking.
Gingival hypertrophy
Gingival hypertrophy is gum overgrowth caused by inflammation, medication use, or genetic tendencies. When gum tissue becomes thicker or higher, it increases the visible area during smiling.
Even mild hypertrophy can create the appearance of a gummy smile by adding vertical height to the gumline, independent of lip length or muscle activity.
Genetics
Many gummy smile traits—lip length, muscle activity, jaw growth, and gum height—are strongly influenced by your genetics. If one or both of your parents show extra gum when smiling, you could inherit similar patterns.
Genetics can also determine whether the cause is skeletal, muscular, or gum-related, and it often explains why gummy smiles appear across multiple family members.
How severe is your gummy smile?
Gummy smile severity is based on how much gum shows when you smile: Mild (2–4 mm), Moderate (4–6 mm), or Severe (more than 6 mm). This grading helps you understand the underlying cause and which treatments are most likely to work for your case.
Check this gummy smile grading comparison table and see how severe yours could be:
| Severity Level | Gum Show (mm) | What It Looks Like | Common Causes |
| Mild | 2–4 mm | Slight gum visible when smiling | Hyperactive lip, thin upper lip |
| Moderate | 4–6 mm | Noticeable gum show across front teeth | Lip hyperactivity, altered passive eruption |
| Severe | 6 mm+ | Large band of gum visible; extends across smile | Vertical maxillary excess, dentoalveolar extrusion |
During assessment, providers look at both dynamic and static gummy smiles. A dynamic gummy smile appears only when you’re smiling because the upper lip lifts too high. A static gummy smile is visible even at rest, often linked to gum position or jaw structure.
At EauClaireBodyCare, our licensed injectors evaluate lip mobility, incisal show (how much of the upper teeth appear at rest), and your natural smile line. In some cases, you may undergo cephalometric analysis to measure jaw height and confirm whether vertical maxillary excess is contributing to your extra gum show.
Through this examination, medical specialists can determine whether Botox, fillers, laser tightening, orthodontics, or surgical correction will provide you with the best result.
Non-surgical treatments to fix a gummy smile
If you want to fix a gummy smile without surgery, the most effective options target the muscles, lip support, or skin tension that lift the upper lip too high. These treatments work individually or in combination, depending on how much gum shows when you smile.
Below are the 3 leading approaches for non-surgical gummy smile correction you can get from us at EauClaireBodyCare:
| Treatment | Best For | Downtime | Cost |
| Botox | Muscle-driven gummy smile (upper lip lifts too high) | None to minimal | $12/unit |
| Dermal Fillers | Thin upper lip or weak lip support | Mild swelling 1–3 days | $849/syringe |
| Laser Tightening | Mild gummy smiles with upper-lip skin laxity | None to mild redness | $500 to $5,000 (depending on severity) |
Botox for a hyperactive upper lip
Botox is a purified neuromodulator used to gently relax overactive facial muscles. For gummy smile treatment, tiny doses are injected into the upper-lip elevator muscles—especially the LLSAN (levator labii superioris alaeque nasi)—to reduce the upward pull during smiling.
This softens the lip elevation so less gum shows while keeping your expression natural. Full results appear in about 2 weeks and last 3 to 4 months. You may need 4 to 10 Botox units to see substantial improvement in your gummy smile.
Pros
- Predictable improvement for muscle-driven gummy smiles
- Maintains your natural lip shape
- Minimal downtime and subtle results
- Excellent first-line option for most patients
Cons
- Temporary; requires repeat treatments
- Not effective for skeletal causes such as VME
- Requires precise injector skill
- Smile may feel slightly different during the first week
👉 Ready to try Botox for your gummy smile? Click here to book a consultation in Eau Claire, WI!
Dermal fillers for upper lip support
Dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid gel to add structure and projection to the upper lip. This improves lip support, helping your lip cover more of the gumline when you smile.
Fillers are especially helpful for patients with thin lips, flat lip profiles, or age-related volume loss. For an average gummy smile, you may need at least half a syringe of fillers.
You can use it as a standalone treatment or combined with Botox when both lip volume and muscle activity contribute to your gummy smile.
Pros
- Increases lip support and coverage
- Natural, reversible results with HA filler
- Pairs well with Botox for combined improvement
- Enhances lip shape without surgery
Cons
- Less effective if muscle hyperactivity is the primary cause
- Mild swelling or bruising may occur
- Needs maintenance every 9 to 12 months
- Outcome depends on natural lip anatomy
👉 Interested in lip fillers? Let’s talk – click here to book a consultation in our Eau Claire, WI medical spa.
Laser or skin tightening to reduce lip lift
Laser tightening uses controlled thermal energy to firm up the skin around your upper lip. By improving skin tension, your lip lifts less aggressively during smiling, reducing gum visibility.
This treatment works best for mild gummy smiles related to skin laxity and enhances long-term results when paired with Botox.
Pros
- Non-invasive tightening for upper-lip support
- Improves results when combined with Botox
- Great for patients avoiding fillers
- Helps smooth fine lines around the mouth
Cons
- Best for mild cases where skin laxity plays a role
- Gradual results that build over multiple sessions
- Not sufficient for strong muscle overactivity alone
- Temporary redness or sensitivity may occur
Not all gummy smiles can be fixed with non-surgical treatments.Dental & surgical options for severe gummy smiles
Severe gummy smiles—especially those caused by excess gum tissue, altered tooth eruption, or jaw structure—often need dental or surgical correction. As much as Botox, fillers, and laser can help, structural issues require procedures that directly address the anatomy that causes them.
Below are the most common corrective procedures, including who they’re best for and what you can expect:
| Procedure | Best For | Downtime | Cost (USA Approx.) |
| Gingivectomy | Gum overgrowth (gingival hypertrophy) | 1–2 weeks | $200–$400 per tooth |
| Crown Lengthening | Altered passive eruption; short-looking teeth | 2–4 weeks | $800–$2,000+ per tooth |
| Orthodontics | Teeth positioned too low (dentoalveolar extrusion) | Months to years | $3,000–$7,000+ |
| Lip Repositioning Surgery | Hyperactive upper lip with normal gums/jaw | Several weeks | $3,000–$8,000+ |
| Orthognathic Jaw Surgery | Vertical maxillary excess (jaw height issue) | Weeks to months | $20,000–$45,000+ |
Sources: Price data in this table are based on market averages from Healthline, Humana, the American Association of Orthodontists, and dental practices in the USA.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy removes excess gum tissue to expose more tooth structure. It’s ideal if your gummy smile results from gingival hypertrophy, or gum overgrowth, which makes the gumline look bulky.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and you’ll see a noticeable change right away. Recovery is usually quick, with minimal downtime.
Crown lengthening
Crown lengthening reshapes the gum and underlying bone to reveal more of each tooth. It’s most effective when your gums sit too low due to altered passive eruption. The result is a more proportionate tooth-to-gum ratio and a less “gummy” appearance when you smile.
Cost depends on how many teeth need treatment and whether bone contouring is required.
Orthodontics
If your gummy smile is linked to dentoalveolar extrusion, orthodontics may help. Braces or aligners gradually move the teeth upward, reducing gum show and improving your smile line. You may also combine orthodontics with a periodontal procedure if you need both movement and gum reshaping.
Lip repositioning surgery
Lip repositioning surgery adjusts the height of your upper lip by shortening the space between your lip and gums. It works well if your gummy smile comes from lip hyperactivity and you want a longer-lasting alternative to repeat Botox. Healing takes several weeks, but results can be stable for years.
Orthognathic jaw surgery
Orthognathic surgery is the definitive treatment for vertical maxillary excess (VME)—a skeletal condition in which the upper jaw is too long vertically.
If your gummy smile is severe and related to jaw height, this surgery permanently repositions the upper jaw to reduce gum show and balance your facial proportions. It requires orthodontic planning and recovery time, but it offers long-term correction.
Can you fix a gummy smile naturally?
Yes, you can improve a mild gummy smile with certain habits and exercises, but natural methods only go so far. These approaches mainly help you control how high your upper lip lifts, not the height of your gums or the structure of your jaw.
Here are some gummy smile exercises you can consider:
- Smile-training and lip mobility exercises. If your upper lip lifts higher than you’d like, practicing a softer smile pattern may help. Over time, you can train your upper lip to lift less dramatically. These improvements are subtle, but you may notice a small reduction in gum show if your case is mild.
- Myofunctional exercises. You can also try myofunctional exercises that strengthen the muscles around your mouth. Light resistance work—such as pressing the lips together or holding the upper lip down—may help balance your lip movement.
- Oral posture habits. Improving oral posture—keeping your tongue on the palate and resting with your lips closed—can support overall facial balance. Still, this won’t fix structural causes like vertical maxillary excess or tooth eruption patterns.
Important warning: avoid dangerous DIY hacksHow long do gummy smile treatments last?
Your gummy smile treatment timeline depends on whether you choose injectables, skin-tightening procedures, or structural correction. Most injectable treatments offer temporary improvement lasting around 3–12 months, while surgical options can give long-lasting or permanent results.
Here’s a comparison table of gummy smile treatments, treatment duration, and results longevity:
| Treatment | Time on Chair (duration) | Results Longevity |
| Botox | 10–30 minutes | 3–4 months |
| Dermal Fillers | 15–45 minutes | 6–12 months |
| Laser Tightening | 20–30 minutes/session | Cumulative; maintained with periodic sessions |
| Gingivectomy | 30–60 minutes | Permanent |
| Crown Lengthening | 60–90 minutes | Permanent |
| Orthodontics | 12–24+ months | Long-lasting |
| Lip Repositioning Surgery | 45–60+ minutes | Long-lasting |
| Orthognathic Surgery | 1–3 hours | Permanent |
Botox (3–4 months)
Gummy smile Botox usually lasts 3–4 months. As the effect wears off, your upper-lip elevator muscles gradually regain movement. If you like your results, you can maintain them with touch-ups every few months.
Dermal fillers (6–12 months)
Fillers are used to support a thin or flat upper lip, with most lip fillers lasting 6–12 months. Your longevity depends on how fast your body breaks down hyaluronic acid. Many patients choose fillers when they prefer a bit more lip coverage or want longer-lasting support alongside Botox. Similar to Botox, your lip filler frequency depends on how fast your body breaks down the substance.
Laser tightening (cumulative results)
Laser tightening works slowly and builds over multiple sessions. When you stick with maintenance treatments, you can keep your results longer—especially if your goal is to reduce the height of your upper lip lift without adding volume.
Surgical options (permanent)
If you’re dealing with structural issues like gum overgrowth, tooth eruption problems, or jaw height differences, dental or surgical options give you long-term or permanent results. These procedures directly change gum height, lip position, or underlying bone, so they don’t wear off the way injectables do.
Risks, side effects & who should avoid certain treatments
Every gummy smile treatment has its own safety profile. Most side effects are mild and short-lived, but it’s important for you to understand what may happen and who should avoid certain options.
Below, our licensed specialists discuss potential risks and what you should know before getting these treatments:
Potential Botox risks: asymmetrical smile, slight drooping, injection-site bruising
Botox has a risk of migration, or when the substance spreads out outside of the injection area. This may cause a slightly uneven or “heavy” look when you smile. Mild bruising or tenderness can also happen at the injection site. Nevertheless, all these effects are temporary and improve as the neuromodulator wears off.
Potential filler risks: swelling, bruising, pressure, or tightness
Dermal fillers around the upper lip often cause short-lived swelling or bruising. You may also feel pressure or tightness as the hyaluronic acid settles. Rare complications—such as a vessel blockage—require immediate professional care, which is why fillers must be administered by licensed injectors like those at EauClaireBodyCare.
Potential laser risks: redness, heat sensation, temporary sensitivity
Laser tightening can leave the skin slightly red, warm, or sensitive for several hours. When settings are properly adjusted for your skin type, complications like burns or pigmentation changes are uncommon.
Who should avoid certain treatments
You may need to avoid or delay gummy smile treatments if you are:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder (Botox-specific contraindication)
- Experiencing active skin infections, cold sores, or rashes
- Taking medications that increase bleeding or bruising
Take note that surgical options require additional screening, including medical clearance, imaging, and orthodontic evaluation when jaw structure is involved. We recommend consulting a specialist first.
Step-by-step plan: how to fix a gummy smile
Fixing a gummy smile starts with understanding why your gums show and choosing the right approach for your anatomy. This simple roadmap helps you see what to do next and how each step builds toward a balanced, confident smile.
Step 1. Identify the cause
Your first step is figuring out whether your gummy smile comes from lip movement, gum height, tooth position, or jaw structure. An injector or dental specialist can evaluate your smile line and lip mobility so you know exactly what you’re working with.
Step 2. Choose non-surgical or surgical options
Mild to moderate cases usually respond well to non-surgical options. Structural causes—like altered tooth eruption or vertical maxillary excess—may need dental or surgical treatment.
Step 3. Start with Botox (first option for most people)
Botox can be the most reliable starting point if your upper lip lifts too high. It softens the elevator muscles so your gums show less when you smile.
Step 4. Add dermal fillers if your upper lip is thin
If your lip lacks projection or support, fillers help the lip cover more of the gumline. This is especially helpful when Botox alone doesn’t give you enough coverage.
Step 5. Add laser tightening for long-term improvement
Laser tightening firms the skin around your upper lip, reducing lift over time. It works well as a supportive treatment alongside Botox.
Step 6. Maintain your results
You’ll keep your outcome by refreshing injectable treatments every few months. If you’re opting for laser, make sure you finish the recommended treatment plan of your provider.
Why choose Eau Claire Body Care?
Looking for gummy smile treatment near me? If you’re in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Eau Claire Body Care is the trusted choice. We offer effective gummy smile treatments, such as Botox, fillers, and laser, personalized for your specific needs.
Here’s why hundreds of locals trust us for their gummy smile fix:
10+ years of aesthetic experience
We’ve been providing quality and effective treatments for more than a decade. With hundreds of happy clients, you’re guaranteed to be in safe hands when you choose us.
Licensed medical professionals
The EauClaireBodyCare team is composed of RNs, laser technicians, and cosmetologists who are fully licensed and regularly trained to give the best results.
Trusted by Eau Claire locals
We’re the trusted medical spa in Eau Claire, WI – but don’t take our word for it. Just listen to our fellow locals who chose us as Chippewa Valley’s #1 best med spa clinic!
Only FDA-approved injectables
At EauClaireBodyCare, we only use FDA-cleared or approved injectables, such as Botox and fillers. We carry trusted brands such as Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and more
FAQs about gummy smile
Can Botox fix a gummy smile?
Yes. Botox can fix a gummy smile when the cause is a hyperactive upper lip. Small injections relax the lip-elevator muscles so your upper lip doesn’t lift as high when you smile. This reduces gum show without changing your lip shape. Results appear in about two weeks and last around 3 to 4 months.
How many units of Botox do you need for a gummy smile?
Most gummy smile treatments use 2–4 Botox units per side, depending on how strong your upper-lip elevator muscles are. Some patients need slightly more for balanced results. A licensed injector maps your muscle activity first, then adjusts the dose to keep your smile natural while reducing gum show.
Is a gummy smile genetic?
Yes, gummy smiles can be genetic. You may inherit traits like a short upper lip, strong lip-elevator muscles, excess gum tissue, or a taller upper jaw from your parents. These structural and muscular patterns often run in families, which is why multiple relatives may show similar gum visibility when smiling.
Do lip fillers help a gummy smile?
Lip fillers can help a gummy smile if your upper lip is thin or lacks support. Adding hyaluronic acid filler gives the lip more projection, so it covers more of the gumline when you smile. This works best for mild cases or when paired with Botox for combined muscle and volume improvement.
Does laser work for a gummy smile?
Laser tightening can help mild gummy smiles by firming the skin around the upper lip. This reduces the sharpness of lip lift and can improve control during smiling. It works best when paired with Botox, since laser addresses skin laxity while Botox treats muscle overactivity.
How much does gummy smile treatment cost?
Non-surgical gummy smile treatment ranges from $800 to $45,000, while injectables start at $200 to $500 per session. Overall, the cost to fix a gummy smile depends on its severity, your unique facial profile, and other factors your provider will determine.
Can a dentist fix a gummy smile?
Yes. Dentists and periodontists can fix gummy smiles caused by excess gum tissue, altered tooth eruption, or dentoalveolar extrusion. Procedures like gingivectomy, crown lengthening, and orthodontics directly address gum height and tooth position. For muscle-related gummy smiles, you’ll need a medical injector for Botox instead.
Does insurance cover gummy smile Botox?
No. Insurance does not cover Botox for a gummy smile because it’s considered a cosmetic or elective treatment. Botox for hyperactive lip muscles is elective and not medically necessary. Dental or surgical procedures may receive partial coverage only when performed for functional, periodontal, or orthodontic reasons—not cosmetic correction.
Gummy smile is treatable – consult Eau Claire Body Care to learn your options
Gummy smiles are serious confidence busters, but most cases are treatable! You even have a variety of options to suit the downtime, budget, and results you prefer.
If you want to start with the least invasive gummy smile treatments, feel free to reach out to EauClaireBodyCare. You can book a consultation, and our licensed specialist will discuss the best treatment for your specific case.
If you’re interested, click here to contact us – you can call us directly or fill out our form to request a callback.
