Too Much Gum, Not Enough Tooth? Here’s How to Bring Balance Back to Your Smile!
The Secret to a More Balanced, Confident Smile
When you think of a beautiful smile, chances are your mind goes to straight, white teeth—but the gums play just as important a role. For some, the proportions between teeth and gums feel slightly off. Maybe you notice too much gum showing when you smile. Maybe your teeth seem short, even if they’re perfectly healthy. This common aesthetic concern is often referred to as a gummy smile—and the good news is, it can be gently and artfully corrected.
At Luminous Smiles in Newport Beach, Dr. Desai blends science, precision, and an artistic eye to help patients bring harmony back to their smiles. With advanced cosmetic treatments like gum contouring and crown lengthening, she helps you achieve natural-looking symmetry—so your smile feels just as confident as you do.
Minor changes can make a surprisingly big visual difference. Let’s explore what causes a gummy smile and how modern cosmetic dentistry can help you reveal the smile you were meant to share.
What causes a gummy smile?
A gummy smile simply refers to when more gum tissue than usual is visible when you smile. There’s no one-size-fits-all reason—it often comes down to a few key factors, and sometimes a combination of them.
Genetics
Some people naturally have shorter teeth or more prominent gum tissue. It’s just how they were born—and while it’s perfectly normal, it may not align with their aesthetic preferences.
Hyperactive Upper Lip
For some, the lip rises higher than average when smiling, exposing more gum than intended. This muscular movement is harmless but can make the smile appear unbalanced.
Tooth Wear or Delayed Eruption
If teeth have worn down over time or didn’t fully emerge from the gums during development, they can appear smaller or more hidden, leading to the appearance of too much gum.
No matter the cause, a gummy smile can make you feel self-conscious, even if your teeth are otherwise healthy. The good news? It’s entirely treatable—and you don’t need to overhaul your entire smile to see meaningful change.
How Cosmetic Dentistry Restores Smile Balance
Modern cosmetic dentistry offers several minimally invasive treatments that can reshape your gum-to-tooth ratio and dramatically enhance your smile’s overall appearance.
Gum Contouring
Also known as laser gum reshaping, this treatment involves removing small amounts of excess gum tissue to reveal more of your natural teeth. It’s an ideal solution for people with too much gum coverage due to genetics or tooth eruption patterns.
Dr. Desai uses advanced laser technology for precise, gentle contouring with little discomfort or downtime. The result? A more proportional, even smile—without changing the teeth themselves.
Crown Lengthening
For patients needing more extensive reshaping, crown lengthening may be recommended. This involves adjusting both the gum tissue and underlying bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. It’s often used when there’s a combination of a gummy smile and short-looking teeth because of wear or anatomical factors.
Crown lengthening is also commonly paired with other cosmetic procedures—like veneers or professional whitening—as part of a complete smile makeover. When done correctly, it creates a seamless transition between teeth and gums, enhancing both form and function.
These treatments are not about drastic changes—they’re about enhancing what you already have in a way that feels beautifully, naturally you.
Dr. Desai’s Signature Approach to Smile Symmetry
Correcting a gummy smile isn’t just about trimming tissue—it’s about creating harmony between your teeth, gums, lips, and facial features. That’s where Dr. Desai’s expertise in smile design dentistry comes in.
At Luminous Smiles, every treatment begins with a thoughtful evaluation that includes:
Digital Smile Design
Using advanced imaging and facial analysis, Dr. Desai maps out the ideal proportions of your smile and shows you a preview before treatment even begins. This ensures that any changes made—whether subtle or more transformative—support your facial balance and reflect your personal style.
Gentle, Precise Techniques
Dr. Desai is known for her refined, conservative approach to dental cosmetics. Every contour is carefully planned, and every decision is made with your comfort and aesthetic goals in mind. Nothing feels rushed. Everything feels personalized.
Concierge-Level Care
From your first consultation to your final follow-up, Dr. Desai is with you every step of the way. You’ll receive a clear, customized treatment plan, efficient scheduling, and a luxurious experience that prioritizes your comfort and confidence.
Whether you’re addressing too much gum or combining treatments for a full smile makeover, Dr. Desai’s meticulous eye for balance ensures your results feel effortless and authentic.
Let Luminous Smiles Reveal the Smile You Were Meant to Share
A perfectly balanced smile doesn’t mean perfect in the traditional sense—it means a smile that looks right for you. One that feels comfortable, confident, and beautifully aligned with your natural features.
If you’ve been hiding your smile because you see too much gum or feel frustrated with its overall appearance, know that you have options. With her expertise in cosmetic dentistry and smile design dentistry, Dr. Desai can help you create a smile that feels more in proportion—and more like the one you were always meant to have.
Ready to explore your options for reshaping your gum-to-tooth ratio? Schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Desai at Luminous Smiles today. Together, you’ll discover the subtle adjustments that can make a lasting impact!
