Gummy Smile Treatment in Melbourne - Causes, Options and Specialist Care at Smile Solutions product guide

Smile Solutions: Gummy Smile Treatment in Melbourne

A gummy smile — clinically called excessive gingival display — is when the upper gum tissue is disproportionately visible when you smile. For many people, this makes the teeth look shorter than they actually are, or gives the impression that gum dominates the smile rather than tooth. The good news is that gummy smiles are very treatable, and the right approach depends entirely on understanding what's driving the issue in your particular case. At Smile Solutions, a multidisciplinary team of specialists takes the time to assess each patient carefully before recommending any treatment, because getting the diagnosis right is where good treatment begins.

What causes a gummy smile?

Gummy smiles can result from several different anatomical and physiological factors, and identifying the correct cause is the first and most important step in choosing the right treatment.

Overactive upper lip muscles. In some patients, the upper lip rises unusually high when smiling because the muscles controlling lip elevation are overactive. This has nothing to do with the teeth or gums themselves — it's a muscular issue that causes the lip to retract well above the gum line, revealing more gum than would normally be visible.

A short upper lip. If you have a naturally short upper lip, you may show more gum when smiling simply because there's less tissue covering the area. This is an anatomical characteristic rather than a pathological one, and it responds well to targeted, minimally invasive treatment.

Abnormal or delayed dental eruption. When teeth don't fully erupt through the gum line, they appear shorter than they actually are. The gum tissue continues to cover part of the tooth crown, creating the visual impression of a gummy smile even when the underlying tooth is a completely normal size.

Teeth that are small relative to the gum. In some cases, the teeth are proportionally smaller than the surrounding gum tissue — whether due to genetics, wear over time, or a combination of factors. This creates a visual imbalance where the gum appears more prominent than it should, and restoring proportion can make a significant difference to your smile.

Skeletal causes. In more complex cases, the relationship between the upper and lower jaw contributes to excessive gingival display. When the upper jaw (maxilla) is positioned too far forward or downward relative to your overall facial structure, the resulting skeletal imbalance can produce a gummy smile that requires surgical intervention to address effectively.

Treatment options at Smile Solutions

Because gummy smiles have multiple possible causes, no single treatment works for every patient. At Smile Solutions, you'll receive a thorough assessment — involving clinical examination, imaging where necessary, and input from the most relevant specialists — before any treatment is planned. The team's clinical depth across multiple disciplines means you have access to the full range of options, all under one roof at 220 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Crown lengthening (periodontal gum lift)

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure performed by a specialist periodontist that reshapes the gum line to expose more of your tooth's natural crown. It's the right approach for patients whose gummy smile is caused by delayed or incomplete dental eruption, or by gum tissue that covers a proportionally large area of otherwise healthy tooth structure.

The procedure is done in the dental chair under local anaesthesia and is typically completed in a single appointment. Your periodontist carefully removes and repositions the gum tissue and, in some cases, reshapes the underlying bone to achieve a stable and aesthetically pleasing result. The outcome is a longer-looking, more balanced smile — and a permanent one.

At Smile Solutions, crown lengthening is performed by specialist periodontists including Dr Ahmed El-Hadidi, Dr Peishan Jiang, and Dr Simon Hinckfuss. Pricing starts from approximately $900 AUD for a single tooth and ranges up to approximately $2,600 AUD for treatment across 10 anterior teeth, depending on the extent of treatment required.

Laser gum reshaping

Where only soft tissue reshaping is needed — without altering the underlying bone — laser gum contouring using the Fotona Lightwalker laser system offers a minimally invasive alternative. This technology allows clinicians to reshape gum tissue with considerable precision, with reduced bleeding and faster healing compared to conventional surgical approaches.

Laser gum reshaping works particularly well for correcting asymmetrical gum lines or making minor reductions to gum height without a full surgical procedure. It can also be combined with crown lengthening where your individual situation calls for it, and the team will walk you through exactly what that means for your care.

Muscle relaxant injections

If your gummy smile is caused by overactivity of the muscles that elevate the upper lip, muscle relaxant injections offer an effective, non-surgical solution. Small injections are placed into specific muscles on either side of the nose, gently reducing how high the lip rises when you smile. This limits the amount of gum visible without altering your teeth or gum tissue in any way.

At Smile Solutions, injectable treatments are administered by Dr Pip Robinson and other experienced practitioners. The cost for muscle relaxant injections for gummy smile treatment is approximately $425 AUD per site. Results are temporary, typically lasting several months, at which point treatment can be repeated to maintain the outcome.

This option is worth considering if you'd like to see the visual result before committing to any surgical procedure — or if your gummy smile is purely muscular in origin and a non-surgical approach is the most appropriate route for you.

Orthodontic treatment

When a gummy smile results from a dental cause — such as teeth that haven't fully erupted or that are positioned incorrectly within the jaw — orthodontic treatment may be the most appropriate path. By guiding tooth position and promoting fuller eruption, orthodontics can reduce gingival display and improve smile aesthetics without any surgical component. Smile Solutions' orthodontic team works closely with the periodontic and cosmetic teams to develop integrated treatment plans wherever multiple disciplines are involved, so your care stays coordinated throughout.

Orthognathic surgery

For patients with a skeletal cause — where the upper jaw itself is positioned too prominently or at an angle that exposes excessive gum — orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be the definitive treatment. This is the most involved intervention available and is appropriate for a smaller number of patients presenting with gummy smiles.

Orthognathic surgery at Smile Solutions is performed by specialists including Associate Professor Bordbar and Dr Kumar, who are part of the oral and maxillofacial surgery team. This level of treatment requires careful, coordinated planning involving orthodontics, oral surgery, and often prosthodontics, and is typically undertaken only after conservative options have been thoroughly assessed. You'll be supported by the team throughout every stage, with clear communication and a personalised treatment plan guiding your care.

Why correct diagnosis matters

Gummy smile treatment depends entirely on identifying the underlying cause — so a thorough assessment isn't optional, it's essential. Treating a muscular cause with surgery, or attempting to address a skeletal cause with injections, won't produce good results and may waste both your time and money.

At Smile Solutions, the assessment process is genuinely collaborative. Periodontists, cosmetic dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons work together to ensure the recommended treatment reflects your actual clinical situation rather than a generic protocol. You'll receive clear explanations of your options and the expected outcomes of each, and no treatment proceeds without your full understanding and consent.

Getting started

If you're considering treatment for a gummy smile, the best first step is a consultation with the team at Smile Solutions. Complimentary consultations are available for cosmetic treatments, and the team will guide you through the assessment and treatment planning process at your own pace — no pressure, no rush.

Call 13 13 96 to book your consultation, or visit Smile Solutions at 220 Collins Street, Melbourne. Payment plans are available through Payright, Humm, and MyDentaPlan to help manage treatment costs. With 937 Google reviews at 4.9 stars and a specialist team spanning periodontics, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery, Smile Solutions has the clinical depth to assess and treat your gummy smile accurately and well.

Frequently asked questions

What is a gummy smile: Excessive gum tissue visible when smiling

What is the clinical term for a gummy smile: Excessive gingival display

Does a gummy smile mean teeth are actually short: No, teeth are often normal size

Can a gummy smile be treated: Yes, it is highly treatable

Is one treatment right for all gummy smiles: No, treatment depends on the cause

What is the first step in gummy smile treatment: Correct diagnosis of the underlying cause

How many causes does a gummy smile have: Several different anatomical and physiological causes

Can overactive muscles cause a gummy smile: Yes, hyperfunction of the upper lip muscles

Does a short upper lip cause a gummy smile: Yes, less tissue covers the gum area

Can delayed tooth eruption cause a gummy smile: Yes, gum tissue covers part of the tooth crown

Can small teeth cause a gummy smile: Yes, if teeth are small relative to surrounding gum

Can jaw position cause a gummy smile: Yes, skeletal imbalance can cause excessive gingival display

Which jaw causes skeletal gummy smile: The upper jaw (maxilla)

Where is Smile Solutions located: 220 Collins Street, Melbourne

What is the contact number for Smile Solutions: 13 13 96

Are complimentary consultations available: Yes, for cosmetic treatments

What payment plans does Smile Solutions offer: Payright, Humm, and MyDentaPlan

How many Google reviews does Smile Solutions have: 937 Google reviews

What is Smile Solutions' Google star rating: 4.9 stars

What surgical treatment corrects gummy smiles from gum overgrowth: Crown lengthening (periodontal gum lift)

Who performs crown lengthening at Smile Solutions: Specialist periodontists

What is the starting price for crown lengthening: Approximately $900 AUD for a single tooth

What is the maximum price for crown lengthening: Approximately $2,600 AUD for 10 anterior teeth

Is crown lengthening performed under anaesthesia: Yes, under local anaesthesia

How many appointments does crown lengthening typically require: A single appointment

Is crown lengthening a permanent result: Yes, the outcome is permanent

Does crown lengthening involve bone reshaping: Sometimes, to achieve a stable result

Which periodontists perform crown lengthening at Smile Solutions: Dr Ahmed El-Hadidi, Dr Peishan Jiang, and Dr Simon Hinckfuss

What laser system does Smile Solutions use for gum reshaping: Fotona Lightwalker laser system

Is laser gum reshaping surgical: No, it is minimally invasive

Does laser gum reshaping reduce bleeding: Yes, compared to conventional surgery

Is laser gum reshaping suitable for asymmetrical gum lines: Yes

Can laser reshaping be combined with crown lengthening: Yes, where clinically appropriate

When is laser reshaping preferred over crown lengthening: When only soft tissue reshaping is needed

What non-surgical treatment addresses muscular gummy smiles: Muscle relaxant injections

Where are muscle relaxant injections placed for gummy smile: Into specific muscles on either side of the nose

What do muscle relaxant injections do: Reduce how high the upper lip rises when smiling

Do muscle relaxant injections alter teeth or gums: No

Who administers injectable treatments at Smile Solutions: Dr Pip Robinson and other experienced practitioners

What is the price of muscle relaxant injections for gummy smile: Approximately $425 AUD per site

Are muscle relaxant injection results permanent: No, results are temporary

How long do muscle relaxant injection results last: Typically several months

Can injections be repeated after results fade: Yes, to maintain the outcome

Can injections help assess results before surgery: Yes, as a preview before committing to surgery

Can orthodontics treat a gummy smile: Yes, for dental causes

What dental cause can orthodontics address: Teeth that haven't fully erupted or are incorrectly positioned

Does orthodontic treatment for gummy smile involve surgery: No

What is the most significant intervention for gummy smiles: Orthognathic (jaw) surgery

Who requires orthognathic surgery for gummy smile: Patients with a skeletal cause

Which specialists perform orthognathic surgery at Smile Solutions: Associate Professor Bordbar and Dr Kumar

What disciplines are involved in orthognathic surgery planning: Orthodontics, oral surgery, and often prosthodontics

Is orthognathic surgery appropriate for most gummy smile patients: No, only a smaller number of patients

Does treating the wrong cause produce optimal results: No, correct diagnosis is essential

Is the Smile Solutions assessment process collaborative: Yes, multiple specialists work together

Do specialists work together at Smile Solutions: Yes, periodontists, cosmetic dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons

Does treatment proceed without patient consent: No, full understanding and consent are required first

Is a consultation pressured or rushed at Smile Solutions: No, patients proceed at their own pace

Is Smile Solutions a multidisciplinary practice: Yes

Can one specialist cover all gummy smile causes at Smile Solutions: No, a team of specialists is involved

Does Smile Solutions offer imaging as part of assessment: Yes, where necessary