Is It Possible for a Cosmetic Dentist to Fix My Gummy Smile?
Yes, a cosmetic dentist can fix a gummy smile—and often with less effort than you might expect. At Modern Dental of Kernersville, our team routinely helps patients in and around Kernersville regain their confidence by rebalancing their smiles through personalized cosmetic treatments. Whether your gummy smile is caused by excess gum tissue, lip movement, or jaw positioning, there’s likely a safe and effective solution tailored just for you.
Our dental practice is led by experienced professionals who have served the Kernersville community for years. We’re not only trained in the latest cosmetic procedures but also deeply familiar with the specific aesthetic expectations of our patients in the Piedmont Triad area.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, occurs when more gum than average shows above the upper teeth while smiling. While there’s no universal standard for a perfect smile, patients often feel self-conscious when their teeth appear small or overshadowed by gums.
If more than 3–4 millimeters of gum tissue shows when you smile, that typically qualifies as a gummy smile. Many patients from Kernersville who visit Modern Dental express concerns about their teeth looking “short” or their smile appearing uneven. This is where a qualified cosmetic dentist can make a noticeable difference.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Understanding the cause of a gummy smile is essential before determining the most effective treatment. At Modern Dental of Kernersville, we perform a detailed exam and digital smile analysis to identify the root issue. Common causes include:
1. Excessive Gum Tissue
In some cases, the gums cover more of the tooth surface than normal. This can be corrected with minimally invasive reshaping.
2. Hyperactive Upper Lip
A high-rising lip can reveal more gum tissue than you’d like, even if your teeth and gums are healthy.
3. Tooth Size or Wear
Small, naturally short teeth or those worn down by grinding can create an unbalanced smile-to-gum ratio.
4. Improper Tooth Eruption
If your teeth didn’t fully erupt, they may be partially hidden under gum tissue, creating a “gummy” look.
5. Jawbone Position
A protruding upper jaw can lead to excessive gum exposure when smiling. This may require orthodontic or surgical correction.
By identifying the specific cause, our cosmetic dental team can offer a solution that aligns with both your dental health and aesthetic goals.
How a Cosmetic Dentist Can Treat a Gummy Smile
At Modern Dental of Kernersville, we pride ourselves on personalized care rooted in both clinical experience and the latest dental technologies. Here’s how we help patients address gummy smiles:
1. Laser Gum Contouring
For patients with too much gum tissue, laser gum reshaping is a quick, precise procedure that sculpts the gum line and enhances tooth visibility.
2. Crown Lengthening
This involves removing gum and bone tissue to expose more of the natural tooth, ideal for cases where the teeth are fully developed but appear short.
3. Orthodontics
In some cases, braces or clear aligners like Invisalign can help adjust bite position and lip posture to minimize gum visibility.
4. Orthognathic Surgery
When jaw structure is the root cause, corrective jaw surgery might be considered. This is typically reserved for more complex cases.
Every treatment plan is guided by years of hands-on experience and the highest standards of safety. Our goal is to ensure that each Kernersville patient receives results that are natural-looking, balanced, and built to last.
Why Trust Modern Dental of Kernersville?
With a longstanding reputation for excellence in cosmetic dentistry in Kernersville, we’re proud to serve as a local authority on smile aesthetics. Our lead cosmetic dentist has advanced training in gum contouring, digital smile design, and facial balance—skills that directly impact the success of gummy smile correction.
Patients choose us because we take the time to listen, educate, and plan. Our office uses advanced imaging tools to give you a clear preview of your potential results before beginning any treatment. And because we’ve helped so many local patients achieve smile transformations, we bring both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of community aesthetics to every procedure.
Is Gummy Smile Treatment Safe?
Yes. Whether you’re considering laser treatment, lip control, or orthodontics, gummy smile correction is safe when performed by an experienced cosmetic dentist. At our Kernersville dental practice, we prioritize patient comfort, follow strict safety protocols, and use proven technology to reduce healing time and improve outcomes.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever felt like your gums steal the spotlight from your smile, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to live with it. A skilled cosmetic dentist can often treat a gummy smile with techniques tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
At Modern Dental of Kernersville, we combine advanced cosmetic methods with trusted local experience to give you the confidence to smile again. Whether it’s a small adjustment or a full smile makeover, we’re here to help you achieve a look you’ll love—right here in Kernersville.