(603) 225-5242
155 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301
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Patient Portal
(603) 225-5242
155 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301

Gummy Smile Correction

Transform your smile with advanced orthodontic
solutions using TADs and Clear aligners/Braces
for beautiful, balanced results.

Understanding Gummy Smile

A gummy smile occurs when excess gum tissue is visible above your teeth when you smile. While some gum show is normal and even attractive, excessive gum display can make people feel self-conscious. A gummy smile can have several causes, and many of them are rooted in genetics.

The good news? Modern orthodontic techniques using TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices) and clear aligners or braces can often correct gummy smiles without surgery, giving you the confident smile you deserve.

Here are some of the most common reasons:

A short upper lip

If the upper lip doesn’t extend far enough downward, it may reveal too much gum tissue when you smile.

Small or short teeth

Teeth may appear short because they didn’t fully erupt and remain partially covered by gum tissue. In other cases, teeth may simply be smaller in proportion to the gums due to genetics or wear over time.

Gingival hypertrophy

This condition involves an overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth, which can make the smile appear extra “gummy.”

A hyperactive upper lip

Sometimes the lip is a normal length, but the muscles controlling it contract too much when smiling, causing the lip to lift higher than usual and expose more gum.

Skeletal factors

If the upper jaw is larger or positioned too far forward, it can make the gums appear more prominent or even bulging when you smile.

Reason for Gummy Smile Example Treatment Options

A short upper lip
If the upper lip doesn’t extend far enough downward, it may reveal too much gum tissue when you smile.

 Nearly invisible

Lip Filler
- By placing small amounts of filler in targeted areas, the upper lip can appear fuller, more defined, and slightly lifted to help reduce the gummy smile.

Small or short teeth
Teeth may appear short because they didn’t fully erupt and remain partially covered by gum tissue. In other cases, teeth may simply be smaller in proportion to the gums due to genetics or wear over time.

Gingival hypertrophy
This condition involves an overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth, which can make the smile appear extra “gummy.”

 None

Crown Lengthening/Gingivectomy
- A treatment where a specialist surgically removes the excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth and raises the gumline.

A hyperactive upper lip
Sometimes the lip is a normal length, but the muscles controlling it contract too much when smiling, causing the lip to lift higher than usual and expose more gum.

 Fewer

Botox Injection:
Botox Injections (Botulinum Toxin) are not just for frown lines and foreheads. While this is a temporary solution, Botox injections can limit the overcontraction of the lip muscles for anywhere from three to six months.

Lip Repositioning Surgery:
a surgery that removes part of the connective tissue from the underside of the lip to prevent the muscles nearby from lifting the lip too far.

Skeletal factors
If the upper jaw is larger or positioned too far forward, it can make the gums appear more prominent or even bulging when you smile.

 Smooth plastic

Orthognathic Surgery:
a surgery, where the dental professional surgically balances the length of the upper jaw.

Non-Surgical Option:
This is where we come in. Learn more below

TAD Technology

Precise tooth intrusion using tiny screws gently placed into the bone in your mouth to help guide tooth movement.

Braces/Clear Aligners

Either traditional or ceramic braces or even clear aligners to help intrude the upper teeth.

Non-Surgical Options

Many cases can be corrected with orthodontics alone, avoiding surgery.

Your Treatment Options

We offer multiple approaches to gummy smile correction, customized to your specific needs and preferences.

TADs with Braces/Aligners

The most common and effective approach for gummy smile correction

Benefits:

  • Precise vertical tooth movement
  • Non-surgical solution for many cases
  • Predictable, stable results
  • Can be combined with other treatments

Ideal for:

  • Moderate to significant gummy smile
  • Vertical maxillary excess
  • Patients wanting non-surgical option
  • Cases requiring precise control

Angel Aligners (with or without TADs)

Clear aligner treatment for aesthetic gummy smile correction 

Benefits:

  • Virtually invisible treatment
  • Comfortable and removable
  • Advanced intrusion mechanics
  • Digital treatment planning

Ideal for:

  • Mild to moderate gummy smile
  • Adults preferring discreet treatment
  • Good oral hygiene habits
  • Compliance with wear schedule

Clear Aligners for Gummy Smile

Advanced clear aligner system designed to address complex cases including gummy smile correction

Virtually Invisible

Clear aligners that are barely noticeable during treatment

Precise Movements

Advanced technology for accurate tooth positioning.

Comfortable Wear

Smooth, custom-fit aligners for all-day comfort

Convenience

Take them out for eating, brushing, and special occasions

When Clear Aligners Are Used

 

  • Mild to moderate gummy smile cases
  • Patients preferring clear aligners over braces
  • Cases requiring vertical tooth intrusion
  • Combined with TADs for enhanced results
  • Patients seeking aesthetic treatment option

Treatment Process

 

  • 3D digital scanning and smile simulation
  • Custom treatment plan with Angel Aligner technology
  • Series of aligners designed for gradual intrusion
  • Optional TAD placement for additional anchorage
  • Regular monitoring and progress tracking