Can a gummy smile be corrected? Costs and effective solutions

A radiant smile is key to confidence, but a gummy smile can make many people hesitant and shy in social interactions. The biggest question customers often ask is: “Can a gummy smile be corrected?” and are there any quick, non-surgical methods to fix it? With years of experience in the field of aesthetics, this article from HBIO Clinic will help answer all your questions.

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is a condition where, when smiling, too much of the gum tissue in the upper jaw is exposed, causing an imbalance between the lips, teeth, and gums.

Normally, a beautiful smile should only show a small amount of or no gum tissue. According to cosmetic experts, you are considered to have a gummy smile when the distance from the base of the teeth to the upper lip exceeds 3mm.

This condition is not a dangerous disease, but it significantly affects people’s psychology, making many hesitant and shy when communicating. Currently, it can be completely corrected using various modern medical methods depending on the specific cause.

Cười hở lợi là gì?
What is a gummy smile

Causes of gummy smile

Identifying the correct cause is key to choosing the most effective treatment for a gummy smile. In fact, a gummy smile usually stems from the following four factors:

1. Due to tooth structure

If your teeth are too short or haven’t fully erupted (passive delayed eruption), part of the tooth crown remains embedded deep within the gums. This disrupts the balance between tooth length and gum length, making the gums appear longer than normal.

2. Due to the growth of gum tissue

This is a case of gingival hypertrophy or excessive gum growth. The cause may be congenital, due to chronic gingivitis, or a side effect of certain medications that cause gum tissue to cover too much of the tooth crown.

Nguyên nhân cười hở lợi 
Causes of gummy smile

3. Due to overactivity of the upper lip elevator muscle

This is a very common cause. When you smile, the muscles that lift the upper lip contract too strongly, causing the lip to be pulled up higher than normal, exposing the upper gums even though the teeth and gums are perfectly normal.

4. Due to jaw bone structure

If the upper jaw is overdeveloped vertically or protrudes forward (overbite), the gums will be pushed outward. This is often accompanied by a malocclusion and requires more extensive bone structure interventions.

3 most common ways to fix a gummy smile today

Nowadays, advancements in cosmetic technology offer many gentle ways to correct a gummy smile, eliminating the need for major, daunting surgeries. Depending on the cause, you can choose from the following popular methods:

1. Non-surgical method (For mild to moderate gum recession)

This is a popular trend among Hbio Clinic clients due to its speed and minimal downtime.

  • Botox injections for lip lift: This is a lifesaver for those with gummy lips caused by overactive lip muscles. The doctor will inject a certain amount of substance to relax the upper lip muscles. When smiling, the lips will not be lifted too high, naturally concealing the exposed gums.
  • Lip filler injections: Combined with filler injections to thicken the upper lip or reshape the lip, this increases gum coverage and creates fuller, more attractive lips.
  • Orthodontic braces: If the cause is protruding teeth, overbite, or a narrow jaw, braces will move the teeth into the correct position, significantly reducing gummy lips.
Cắt lợi thẩm mỹ 
Cosmetic gingivectomy

2. Minor surgical intervention method (For gum recession caused by gingivitis)

If the gum tissue is excessively thick, obscuring the tooth crown, these methods offer permanent results:

  • Cosmetic gingivectomy (Laser or Ultrasonic): The dentist will remove excess gum tissue, reshaping the gum line to reveal the bright, white tooth crown. Laser gingivectomy is a modern method that provides immediate hemostasis, minimizes swelling and pain, and promotes extremely rapid wound healing.
  • Alveolar bone reshaping: This is often performed in conjunction with gingivectomy if the alveolar bone is too thick. It helps prevent the gums from receding after reshaping, maintaining a beautiful smile for a long time.

3. Jaw surgery (For severe cases)

In cases of gummy smile caused by excessive vertical development of the upper jaw bone structure (severe overbite), the doctor will recommend jaw osteotomy (Lefort 1).

This is a deeply invasive procedure, requiring surgery at a hospital by leading maxillofacial surgeons to correct the entire facial structure.

How much does it cost to treat a gummy smile?

The cost of treating a gummy smile doesn’t have a fixed price for everyone, as it depends entirely on the cause of the gummy smile and the method you choose. Below is a detailed price list for the most common gummy smile treatment services currently available:

Method of implementation Technical specifications Reference price ($)
Lip muscle correction injection Non-surgical, immediate results 113,92 – 265,82 / time
Cosmetic gingivectomy (Laser) Remove excess gum tissue, painless, and quick healing 379,75 – 569,62 / package
Gum trimming + Alveolar bone grinding Complete treatment, permanent results 569,62 – 949,36 / package
Braces (Orthodontics) For gum recession caused by protruding or misaligned teeth 1139,23 – 4556,94 / course
Jaw surgery (Lefort 1) Severe jaw bone structure intervention 2278,47 – 5696,18 / time

Reputable and safe clinics for treating gummy smile in Hanoi

Among numerous aesthetic clinics, HBIO Clinic stands out as a pioneer in applying modern technologies to gently and subtly correct this problem.

Below are the reasons why customers consistently choose our gummy smile treatment service:

Bác sĩ nhiều năm kinh nghiệm trong lĩnh vực 
Doctors with many years of experience in the field

Our team of expert doctors: They directly examine and accurately measure the proportions of the lips, teeth, and gums. With extensive experience, the doctors will correctly identify the cause and advise on the most effective way to correct a gummy smile, avoiding incorrect interventions that could result in an unnatural appearance.

Bác sĩ nhiều năm kinh nghiệm trong ngành 
Doctors with many years of experience in the field

Modern Technology & Sterility: Utilizing advanced laser technology and non-surgical injection techniques, the procedure is gentle, painless, and promotes rapid healing. A completely sterile medical environment ensures safety and eliminates the risk of infection.

Cơ sở vật chất hiện đại 
Modern facilities

State-of-the-art facilities: Luxurious space with modern imported equipment, supporting sharp diagnostic imaging, providing the most relaxing and professional beauty experience.

Proven reputation: HiBio Clinic not only boasts 5-star ratings on Google Maps but also affirms its quality through over 5,000 successful treatments, with publicly available customer records and real-life transformation images. Transparency regarding material origins and clearly listed costs, with no hidden fees, has built a strong brand reputation for HiBio among its customers.

Contact Information for HiBio Clinic:

  • Address: 24 Truong Han Sieu Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • Hotline: 0947 697 795
  • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily.

In summary, treating a gummy smile not only helps you achieve a perfectly proportioned smile but also transforms your overall appearance, making your face look more refined and radiant. Depending on the specific cause—whether it’s related to the teeth, gums, or lip muscles—the doctor will prescribe the most appropriate intervention method to ensure lasting aesthetic results.

Don’t let a small imperfection become a barrier to your confidence. Choose reputable clinics with a team of specialist doctors and modern equipment for a thorough examination. Contact us today for advice on a safe gummy smile correction plan and receive the latest price list!