When you smile, your gums should frame your teeth in harmony, like the perfect border around a piece of art. For some people, though, more gum than tooth shows when they smile. Known as a gummy smile, this condition is common, harmless, and completely treatable.
At Santucci Orthodontics, we take a thoughtful, esthetic approach to gummy smile treatment, combining orthodontic treatment and cosmetic dentistry to create natural balance. Whether your concern stems from excess gum tissue, lip movement, or jaw structure, there’s an ideal solution to help you feel confident every time you smile.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, sometimes called excessive gingival display, occurs when too much gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth. It can result from several underlying issues, including:
- Excess gum tissue or uneven gum lines
- Short or worn-down teeth
- An overactive upper lip that lifts too high when smiling
- The upper jaw growing longer vertically (vertical maxillary excess)
- Tooth eruption patterns that expose more gum than average
While it’s often genetic, a gummy smile can also develop over time from wear, inflammation, or jaw misalignment. The good news is that it can be improved through careful evaluation and the right treatment plan.
Comprehensive Smile Evaluation
Every treatment at Santucci Orthodontics begins with a detailed consultation. During your initial evaluation, our dental professionals analyze the relationship between your teeth, gums, and lips to identify the root cause of your gummy smile.
Using advanced imaging, Dr. Santucci assesses both esthetics and dental function, evaluating your bite, lip posture, and tooth shape, to ensure your final result looks natural and feels balanced. This intentional process allows us to recommend the most effective treatment option for your individual smile.
Common Treatment Options for a Gummy Smile
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to gummy smile treatment. The right plan depends on your unique anatomy and desired outcome. At Santucci Orthodontics, we focus on two primary treatment approaches — gum contouring and orthodontic treatment with TADs — to create natural, lasting improvement without unnecessary complexity.s:
1. Gum Contouring or Crown Lengthening
If your teeth appear short due to excess gum coverage, gum contouring — also called crown lengthening or gingivectomy — may be the ideal solution. This minimally invasive procedure involves reshaping the gum tissue under local anesthesia to reveal more of your natural tooth surface. The result is immediate and dramatic: a more balanced, proportional smile that looks natural rather than altered.
Healing is typically quick, with mild tenderness that resolves within a few days. Most patients are surprised by how significant the improvement feels with such a simple, precise adjustment.
2. Orthodontic Treatment
When gum exposure is caused by how the teeth are positioned, orthodontic treatment can reposition them for a more proportional smile. At Santucci Orthodontics, we use Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) as part of orthodontic treatment to achieve precise vertical control over tooth position — guiding teeth upward to reduce how much gum is visible when you smile.
TADs are small, temporary titanium anchors placed gently in the gum or bone. They provide a fixed point of force that allows the orthodontist to move specific teeth with a level of accuracy that wires and brackets alone cannot achieve. For many gummy smile cases, this approach produces results that are both functionally sound and esthetically refined.
In some cases, orthodontic treatment with TADs pairs beautifully with gum contouring to address both gum coverage and tooth position simultaneously.
What to Expect At Santucci Orthodontics
Our approach to gummy smile treatment is focused and intentional. We do not take a broad menu approach — instead, we work within a defined area of expertise: orthodontic treatment using TADs combined with gum contouring (gingivectomy) when appropriate.
This means every patient receives a thorough evaluation to determine whether their gummy smile is best addressed through tooth repositioning, gum reshaping, or a combination of both. If your case falls outside the scope of what we offer — such as cases requiring jaw surgery or other surgical interventions — we will refer you to the appropriate specialist and work collaboratively to support your outcome.
Our goal is always precision over breadth: doing what we do exceptionally well.
Your Healing and Maintenance Process
Most gummy smile treatments require only a short healing period. After gum contouring or similar minimally invasive procedures, mild swelling or inflammation can occur for a few days. Following aftercare instructions—like avoiding sticky or soft foods—helps keep your gums healthy as they heal.
We’ll guide you through every step of recovery to ensure lasting results and gum health. With consistent care and proper hygiene, your new smile can last for years to come.
Why Choose Santucci Orthodontics
At Santucci Orthodontics, we combine artistry and precision to deliver smiles that look natural and feel right.
- Multidisciplinary Expertise: We collaborate with skilled dental professionals and oral surgeons to provide the highest standard of care.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their anatomy and goals.
- Comfort and Clarity: We prioritize your comfort with gentle techniques, clear explanations, and care that respects your timeline and confidence.
Our goal is to elevate what orthodontic and cosmetic care can feel like—combining innovation, empathy, and intention.
Redesign Your Smile with Confidence
If you’ve been considering gummy smile treatment, there’s never been a better time to explore your options. Whether you need subtle contouring or comprehensive orthodontic care, Santucci Orthodontics delivers results rooted in balance and beauty.
Schedule your complimentary consultation at our East or West Wichita location today and discover how thoughtful design and gentle precision can transform your smile, and your confidence.
