Gummy Smile Treatment in Honolulu, Hawaii
Cosmetic gum recontouring and crown lengthening by Dr. Wynn Okuda. Reduce excessive gum tissue, reveal more of your natural tooth, and create balanced, proportional smile lines.
A “gummy smile” occurs when a disproportionate amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when a person smiles. Some patients feel that their teeth look too short or that their smile is dominated by pink tissue rather than white enamel. The condition is cosmetic, not medical, but it has a real effect on self-confidence.
Dr. Okuda treats gummy smiles using crown lengthening, soft tissue recontouring, and in some cases a combination of gum reshaping and porcelain veneers to create the ideal tooth-to-gum ratio. The specific approach depends on what is causing the excessive gum display.
What Causes a Gummy Smile
Several factors can contribute to a gummy smile. Excess gum tissue may cover a portion of the tooth crown, making teeth appear shorter than they actually are. The upper jaw may have grown longer than average (vertical maxillary excess), positioning the gum line lower than normal. The upper lip may be hyperactive, rising higher than usual when smiling and exposing more gum tissue. Or the teeth themselves may have not fully erupted during development (altered passive eruption), leaving gum tissue covering part of the enamel.
Dr. Okuda determines the underlying cause during the examination and recommends a treatment approach that addresses the root of the issue rather than just masking the symptom.
Treatment Options
Crown Lengthening: This procedure involves reshaping both the gum tissue and, when necessary, the underlying bone to expose more of the natural tooth. It is the most common treatment for gummy smiles caused by excess tissue or altered passive eruption. The gum line is sculpted to create even, symmetrical contours that frame the teeth properly.
Gum Recontouring (Gingivectomy): When only the soft tissue needs adjustment and the bone level is already appropriate, a gingivectomy reshapes the gum line without involving the bone. This is a less invasive option with a shorter recovery period.
Combination with Veneers: In some cases, the best result comes from combining gum treatment with porcelain veneers. After the gum line is corrected, veneers are placed on the newly exposed tooth surfaces to complete the transformation.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from gum recontouring typically takes one to two weeks. Some swelling and tenderness is normal for the first few days. Dr. Okuda provides detailed post-operative instructions and a follow-up schedule to ensure proper healing. The final gum contour becomes fully visible once all swelling has resolved, usually within two to four weeks.
People Also Ask About Gummy Smile Treatment
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia so patients feel no pain during treatment. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter medication. Sedation is available for patients who prefer it.
The procedure itself usually takes one to two hours depending on the extent of correction needed. If combined with veneers, the complete treatment plan may span two to three weeks.
When performed correctly, the results of crown lengthening and gum recontouring are permanent. The tissue is sculpted and, when bone reshaping is included, the new gum position is stable long-term.
Cost depends on the number of teeth involved and whether bone recontouring is needed. Dr. Okuda provides a specific estimate during the free consultation after examining your gum tissue and discussing your goals.
Let Dr. Okuda Show You What Is Possible
A free consultation will give you a clear understanding of what is causing your gummy smile and what it takes to fix it.