Skip to main content
Front teeth with dotted lines and arrows indicating the extent of gum exposure when smiling

GUM CLINIC

Gummy SmileGummy Smile

Gummy Smile does not have a single cause. Whether the gums are covering the teeth, the muscles that elevate the upper lip are overdeveloped, or the alveolar bone is overdeveloped — each condition calls for a different treatment approach.

If your gums show a lot when you smile

Even with the same Gummy Smile, the appropriate treatment differs depending on the cause. Gum Contouring

One-line summary

Gummy Smile refers to a condition in which the upper gums are excessively exposed when smiling. At New York Yonsei Dental, we first identify the cause using X-rays and clinical findings, then recommend Gum Contouring if the gums are covering the teeth, or Lip Repositioning if the levator labii superioris muscle is overdeveloped. Depending on the case, alveolar bone recontouring may also be considered together if the alveolar bone is overdeveloped.

Key points

  • The causes are divided into three categories: gums, lip muscles, and alveolar bone
  • Differentiation is made using X-rays and clinical findings
  • If the gums are covering the teeth, we look at Gum Contouring
  • If the levator labii superioris muscle is the cause, we look at Lip Repositioning
  • Depending on the case, alveolar bone recontouring may also be considered together if the alveolar bone is overdeveloped

We first identify what the cause is

  1. 01 When the gums are the cause

    When there is an excessive amount of gum tissue covering the teeth, the teeth appear short and crowded. In this case, we look at Gum Contouring to reshape the gum line. The approach is based on the concept of revealing the original size of the teeth that have been covered by the gums.

  2. 02 When the muscles are the cause

    When the levator labii superioris muscle is overdeveloped and the upper lip curls upward when smiling, more of the gums become exposed. In this case, we look at Lip Repositioning, which reduces the distance the upper lip travels when it rises.

  3. 03 Alveolar Bone

    In some cases, the alveolar bone surrounding the tooth roots is overdeveloped. Depending on the case, alveolar bone recontouring may also be considered, and that determination is made after confirming the alveolar bone with X-rays.

  4. 04 When the skeletal structure is the cause

    If there is severe overdevelopment of the upper jaw bone (maxillary excess), orthognathic surgery is the appropriate treatment. When the lip muscles and skeletal structure are both involved, Lip Repositioning may be considered first depending on the degree of concern.

  5. 05 Common Misconceptions

    Many people assume that a single procedure will make the gums completely invisible. Since the outcome depends on the underlying cause, we first confirm this through a diagnosis.

First, let's identify what the cause isWe will guide you while reviewing your current condition together using X-rays and a mirror.

We explain all possible causes

Monitor screen in the consultation room explaining the causes of Gummy Smile

New York Yonsei Dental does not explain only one cause. We will tell you whether it is the gums, lip muscles, or alveolar bone, and you, the patient, will decide what to proceed with.

During the explanation, we look at X-rays and a mirror together. We discuss while you directly see where your current gum line is and how much of your teeth are covered.

What happens on the day of your visit

Walk-in visits without an appointment may result in a significant wait time.
Appointments are required for all visits.

  1. 01 Reservation

    Visit after booking an appointment

  2. 02 Imaging

    Panoramic X-ray

  3. 03 Diagnosis

    Differential Diagnosis

  4. 04 Explanation

    Review together with a mirror

  5. 05 Choice

    Patient makes the decision

  6. 06 Procedure

    Performed on the same day

  7. 07 Progress

    Recovery Guide

Cases where it is not recommended

Front teeth with the gum line marked in dotted lines

Proceeding when it is not the right case may result in lower satisfaction. This applies when the upper jaw bone is severely overdeveloped and orthognathic surgery is indicated, or when the Gummy Smile is not severe.

Lip Repositioning is also not recommended when the depth of the oral vestibule is found to be insufficient during examination. This is because satisfaction may be low even if the procedure is performed. That is why we look at the diagnosis first.

Continue reading · Learn more about Lip Repositioning

Gum Contouring and Lip Repositioning

Gum ContouringGums

Tray containing instruments used in treatment

When the Gums Cover the Teeth

It is a procedure approached with the concept of reshaping the gum line to reveal the true, original size of teeth that have been covered by excess gum tissue.

  • Duration

    It takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

  • Anesthesia

    Performed under local anesthesia using an anesthesia device

  • Recovery

    Most daily activities can be resumed on the same day; gum recovery takes approximately one week

Results vary by individual

Lip RepositioningMuscle

Front teeth showing the height of the gum exposed when smiling

When the Upper Lip Curls Upward

This procedure shortens the path along which the upper lip rises, reducing the amount of gum exposed when smiling.

  • Duration

    The procedure takes approximately 40 minutes

  • Anesthesia

    Performed under local anesthesia using an anesthesia device

  • Daily Activities

    Most daily activities can be resumed on the day of the procedure

  • Recovery

    Full recovery takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks, and individual results may vary

If you are wondering which option is right for youWe will advise you after examining your alveolar bone with an X-ray. If you make an appointment, your consultation will begin on the same day.

Before and After Treatment

This is a record of treatment outcomes. Only photos taken with the patient's consent are posted, accompanied by information on side effects and precautions.

  • Lip Repositioning Before
    Lip Repositioning After

    Lip Repositioning · Case 01

  • Lip Repositioning Before
    Lip Repositioning After

    Lip Repositioning · Case 04

  • Lip Repositioning Before
    Lip Repositioning After

    Lip Repositioning · Case 06

  • Lip Repositioning Before
    Lip Repositioning After

    Lip Repositioning · Case 10

환자분의 동의를 받은 사진만 사용하며, 부작용·주의사항 안내를 함께 표시합니다. 같은 시술이라도 원래 상태와 회복 과정이 달라 결과가 같지 않습니다 — 사진은 그 환자분의 경과이며, 다른 분에게 같은 결과를 약속하는 것이 아닙니다. 모든 시술에는 부작용과 합병증의 가능성이 있습니다.

Continue reading · Before and After Treatment

It is divided into four categories

Gum Contouring

This is a procedure that reshapes the gum line when the gums cover a large portion of the teeth, causing them to show when speaking or smiling.

Lip Repositioning

This procedure is considered when a well-developed upper lip elevator muscle causes the upper lip to curl upward. It directly addresses the underlying cause.

Alveolar bone recontouring

In some cases where the alveolar bone is overdeveloped, alveolar bone recontouring may also be considered. A decision is made after evaluating the alveolar bone via X-ray.

When Performed Together

If both the gums and the lip muscles are contributing factors, Gum Contouring and Lip Repositioning can be performed together.

Start by Checking Your Current ConditionEven if you have no prior records, you can comfortably start by having your current condition captured on imaging.

What Is Gummy Smile

Gummy Smile is a condition in which a significant amount of the upper gums is visible when smiling

일반적으로 웃을 때 윗니 위로 드러나는 잇몸이 3mm를 넘으면 잇몸 노출이 있다고 봅니다. 다만 이 숫자가 절대적인 기준은 아닙니다 — 얼굴 비율과 치아·잇몸의 조화를 함께 고려해 진단합니다.

Treatment is not determined solely by how much of the gums are visible. The key factor is what is causing the gums to show.

Continue reading · Gingivectomy Lip Repositioning

Different Causes Require Different Treatments

When the Gums Are the Cause

  • Excess gum tissue covering the teeth makes the teeth appear short
  • The gum line may also appear uneven in some cases
  • Gum Contouring is considered
  • Whether the alveolar bone is overdeveloped is assessed via X-ray

Continue reading · Gingivectomy Teeth Whitening

When the Muscle Is the Cause

  • The upper lip curls upward when smiling
  • This occurs when the upper lip elevator muscle is overdeveloped
  • Lip Repositioning is considered
  • Unlike Botox, you can expect lasting improvement.

Continue reading · Lip Repositioning Meet Our Medical Team

If the cause is skeletal — meaning the upper jawbone is significantly overdeveloped (maxillary excess) — orthognathic surgery is the appropriate treatment.

Continue reading · How are combined cases evaluated?

How is the diagnosis made?

  1. 01 X-ray

    A panoramic X-ray is used to examine the tooth roots and the shape of the alveolar bone. Whether the alveolar bone is overdeveloped determines the course of treatment.

  2. 02 Clinical Findings

    We examine the position of the gum line and the extent to which the teeth are covered. In some cases, there may be more than one cause.

  3. 03 Mirror

    During the explanation, we guide you while looking together in a mirror. Seeing your current condition directly makes it much easier to understand.

파노라마 X-ray 촬영 장비 앞에 선 환자와 촬영을 돕는 직원

The diagnosis is made using X-ray images and clinical findings. We do not ask you to smile during the examination.

Continue reading · Gingivectomy Lip Repositioning Teeth Whitening Directions

What to Prepare Before Your Appointment

There is not much to prepare. Simply think through what is bothering you before you come. For directions and office hours, Getting Here

  1. 01 What Is Bothering You

    Please let us know whether too much gum shows, whether your teeth look small, or whether it only bothers you when you smile broadly — even if it feels fine otherwise.

    Depending on which of these three applies, the area we examine will differ — Gums Muscle Bone The decision on what to proceed with is yours to make.
  2. 02 Reservation

    Walk-ins may experience significant wait times. If you make an appointment in advance, we will schedule you at a time that works for you.

  3. 03 Imaging

    On the day of your visit, a panoramic X-ray is taken and a clinical examination is performed to assess your suitability.

    Even if you have no prior records, you can comfortably start by having your current condition captured on imaging. Imaging It is performed when necessary.
  4. 04 Explanation

    We will explain every possible cause in full.

  5. 05 Choice

    You decide what procedure to proceed with. We show you everything you need to make an informed decision.

Continue reading · Learn More About Gingivectomy Lip Repositioning

For inquiries, please contact us by phone.

Book a Consultation

If you book in advance, your consultation will begin on the same day you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Consultation

Your name, contact number, and treatment category are collected for the purpose of responding to your consultation and will be retained for 3 years after the consultation ends. You may still contact us by phone even if you do not consent.