If you feel like your gums take center stage every time you smile, you are not alone. A "gummy smile" simply means that more gum tissue shows above your top teeth than you would like, often making the teeth look short or out of proportion. It is a common cosmetic concern, and the good news is that it is highly treatable. At Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, CA, Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan help patients understand exactly what is driving their gum display and which conservative, mercury-free treatments can create a more balanced, confident smile.
What Counts as a Gummy Smile?
There is no single magic measurement, because beauty is partly personal. In general, dentists describe a smile as gummy when roughly three to four millimeters or more of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when you smile fully. What matters most is how you feel about it. Some people are perfectly happy with a little extra gum, while others feel self-conscious enough to hide their smile in photos. If your gums distract from your teeth, you are a candidate for a cosmetic evaluation.
It is also worth knowing that a gummy smile is purely cosmetic in most cases and does not mean anything is wrong with your dental health. Still, because the gumline plays such a central role in how your smile looks, even a small adjustment can make a big difference in your confidence. Understanding what is driving the gum display is the first step toward the right fix.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Fixing a gummy smile starts with identifying the cause, because the right treatment depends on why the gums show in the first place. During a consultation, our dentists look at the relationship between your lips, gums, and teeth to pinpoint the source. Often more than one factor is involved, which is why a personalized evaluation matters so much.
- Excess or uneven gum tissue that covers part of the tooth, making teeth look short
- Teeth that are worn down or naturally small in proportion to the gums
- A hyperactive upper lip that lifts higher than average when you smile
- The way teeth erupted during development, leaving extra gum coverage
- Genetics, which often play a role in how lips, gums, and teeth relate
Treatment Options at Our Glendale Office
Gum Contouring and Reshaping
When excess gum tissue is the main issue, gum contouring and reshaping is often the most direct solution. Using gentle laser dentistry, your dentist carefully removes and sculpts the extra tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth and create an even, symmetrical gumline. Laser treatment is precise, tends to involve minimal bleeding, and often allows a quicker, more comfortable recovery than traditional methods. Many patients see a dramatic difference from this single procedure.
Veneers, Lumineers, and Bonding
If your teeth look short or small relative to your gums, restoring better tooth proportions can balance the smile. Dental veneers and dental laminates, ultra-thin Lumineers, or conservative dental bonding can lengthen the appearance of teeth and even out their shape. These cosmetic options are frequently combined with gum reshaping so the gums and teeth work together in harmony.
A Combined Smile Makeover
Sometimes the most natural result comes from addressing more than one factor at once. A smile makeover lets our cosmetic dentists blend gum contouring with veneers or bonding into a single coordinated plan, designed around your facial features and the look you want.
Because we offer multiple cosmetic services under one roof, our dentists can tailor the approach to your exact needs rather than forcing a single solution. For one patient, a quick laser gum reshaping is all it takes. For another, pairing gum contouring with a few veneers creates the balanced look they have always wanted. The right plan depends entirely on your smile.
What to Expect From Treatment
Your first visit is all about understanding your goals and your anatomy. We take time to listen to what bothers you and what you would love your smile to look like, then examine the relationship between your lips, gums, and teeth. From there, we build a plan you can feel good about. Here is what the experience typically includes.
- A thorough exam and photos so we can map your gumline and tooth proportions
- A clear explanation of which cause is driving your gummy smile
- A personalized plan, often completed in one or a few visits
- Comfortable, conservative care with no mercury-based materials
- Guidance on keeping your gums healthy so results last
Most gummy smile treatments are minimally invasive and fit easily into a busy schedule. Laser gum contouring, in particular, is known for its precision and comfortable recovery. Whatever combination of treatments you choose, our goal is a result that looks natural and proportionate, not overdone.
Caring for Your Smile Afterward
Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful, long-lasting result. After treatment, keeping up with daily brushing and flossing, plus routine dental cleanings and checkups, protects your investment. Inflamed or unhealthy gums can swell and change your gumline, so good gum care helps your new smile stay crisp and even for years to come.
A few simple habits go a long way toward protecting your new gumline and overall oral health.
- Brush gently along the gumline twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily to remove plaque the brush cannot reach
- Visit us regularly for professional cleanings and exams
- Tell us right away if you notice redness, swelling, or bleeding gums
If your gums tend toward inflammation, treating that first sets the stage for a stable, attractive result. Our team can help you build a simple routine that keeps both your gums and your new smile in great shape.
Ready to stop hiding your smile? The team at Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale would love to show you what is possible. Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan are USC-trained and proud of their 4.9-star rating across more than 300 reviews. Call us today at (818) 541-1110 to schedule your cosmetic consultation and take the first step toward a balanced, confident smile.