A radiant smile can light up a room—but for those with a “gummy smile,” that joy can sometimes be overshadowed by self-consciousness. When too much gum shows above the teeth, it can throw off the balance of your facial features and affect your confidence. Thankfully, there’s a modern and minimally invasive solution: lip repositioning.
This simple yet transformative procedure helps create a more proportional, attractive smile by reducing excessive gum display. If you’ve been holding back your smile, lip repositioning may be the key to unlocking your confidence.
A gummy smile occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when you smile. While there’s nothing medically wrong with this, many people feel that it detracts from their appearance. Gummy smiles can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
A hyperactive upper lip that lifts too high
Excess gum tissue covering the teeth
Short upper lip anatomy
Small or worn-down teeth
Lip repositioning is a surgical procedure that involves adjusting the soft tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. By limiting how much the upper lip rises when you smile, the procedure reduces gum exposure and reveals more of your teeth. The result? A well-balanced, more natural-looking smile.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour. Recovery is quick, and most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return to normal activities within a few days.
The most immediate benefit of lip repositioning is an improved smile aesthetic. By reducing the amount of visible gum tissue, your smile appears more harmonious and proportionate. Teeth look longer, lips appear fuller, and your overall facial balance is enhanced.
In addition, many patients report a significant boost in self-esteem after the procedure. No longer feeling the need to hide their smile or avoid photos, they enjoy a renewed sense of confidence in both personal and professional settings.
If you feel your smile shows too much gum and it makes you feel self-conscious, lip repositioning could be the ideal solution. A consultation with a cosmetic dentist will help determine the cause of your gummy smile and whether this treatment is right for your specific case.
In conclusion, lip repositioning offers more than just cosmetic improvement—it creates balance, enhances natural beauty, and restores the confidence that comes with a smile you love to share.