Gummy Smile Treatment in LondonThe right diagnosis first, the right treatment chosen for you.
Does too much gum show when you smile? A ‘gummy smile’ is more common than you think. It’s treatable. Our experienced cosmetic dentists offer multiple solutions to reduce gum visibility and reveal the smile you’ve always wanted.
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile (excessive gingival display) is when more than 3-4mm of gum tissue shows above your upper teeth when you smile. It’s not a medical problem, but many people feel self-conscious about it. The good news? There are several effective treatments. The cause and severity of a gummy smile must be clinically assessed before treatment options are confirmed.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Understanding the cause determines the best treatment
Excessive Gum Tissue
Too much gum covers your teeth, making them appear short. This is often genetic.
Treatment: Gum contouring / Crown lengthening
Vertical Maxillary Excess
The upper jaw bone is longer than average, causing excessive gum display.
Treatment: Orthognathic surgery (severe cases)
Teeth Appear Short
Teeth didn't fully erupt, or excessive wear has made them shorter.
Treatment: Crown lengthening / Veneers
Gum Overgrowth
Certain medications or conditions cause gums to enlarge over the teeth.
Treatment: Gum contouring
Gummy Smile Self-Assessment
Answer these questions to help us understand your concerns:
Gummy Smile Treatment Options
The best treatment depends on what’s causing your gummy smile. Often, a combination approach gives the best results.
Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)
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Remove excess gum tissue to reveal more tooth structure where clinically appropriate. Outcomes and longevity vary depending on anatomy, technique, and aftercare.
- Best for:Excess gum tissue covering teeth
- Procedure:Surgical removal of gum tissue
- Recovery:7-10 days
- Results:Long-term
Crown Lengthening
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Removes both gum and bone to expose more tooth structure. Can achieve greater changes in tooth exposure compared to non-surgical options, where clinically necessary.
- Best for:Teeth that appear very short
- Procedure:Surgical reshaping of gum and bone
- Recovery:2-3 weeks
- Results:Long-term
Veneers / Crowns
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Lengthen the appearance of teeth with porcelain restorations. Often combined with gum contouring.
- Best for:Short or worn teeth + smile makeover
- Procedure:Custom porcelain shells bonded to teeth
- Recovery:None
- Results:10-15+ years
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Your Treatment Journey
Smile Analysis
We photograph and measure your smile, identifying exactly what's causing excessive gum display.
Customised Plan
Based on the cause, we recommend the most effective treatment or combination. You'll see predicted results.
Treatment
Most treatments are quick, typically 30-60 minutes for gum contouring. All done under local anaesthetic.
Reveal Your Smile
Results are often visible immediately. We'll ensure you're delighted and provide aftercare instructions.
Transformation is Possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about adult braces in London.
A gummy smile is usually an aesthetic concern. In some cases, it may be linked to underlying dental or periodontal factors that require assessment. If excess gum is caused by gum disease or medication-induced overgrowth, treating it can improve your oral health too. Most people seek treatment simply because they're self-conscious about showing too much gum.
It depends on the cause. Excess gum tissue is usually treated with gum contouring or crown lengthening. Short teeth may need veneers or crowns to rebuild length. Skeletal cases need specialist orthodontic or oral-surgery input.
Gum contouring starts from £100 (member) / £200 (standard). Crown lengthening from £300 (member) / £600 (standard). Veneers from £297.50 (member) / £595 (standard). Your written plan will confirm after assessment.
Ready to Love Your Smile?
Stop hiding your smile. Book a consultation and discover which treatment is right for you.
Open Monday–Sunday • South Kensington, London
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Meet Our Dental Team
Our experienced dental team is fully qualified and registered with the GDC, delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the highest professional standards. Because our patients deserve nothing less.
Save 50% on every treatment
From £20/month. Add family for £10/month each. No joining fee.
- 50% off check-ups & hygiene
- 50% off cosmetic & restorative
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- One simple monthly bill