Gummy Smile Solutions: Laser Contouring Vs. Botox—Which Option Fits Your Goals?

A beautiful smile is a balance of teeth, lips, and gums. If your gums show more than you’d like when you grin, you’re not alone—and you have options. At Clermont Family Dentistry, we evaluate what’s causing the “gummy” look and personalize treatment. Two popular approaches are laser gum contouring (reshaping the gumline) and Botox (softening upper lip elevation and jaw muscle tension). Let’s compare.

What Causes A Gummy Smile?

• Altered eruption or short clinical crowns: Teeth may be normal length but covered by more gum tissue.
• Hyperactive upper lip elevator muscles: The lip lifts higher than average when you smile.
• Tooth wear: Shortened teeth reveal more gum by comparison.
• Skeletal factors: Upper jaw position can influence gum display.

Laser Gum Contouring: Refining The Frame

Laser contouring gently reshapes excess gum tissue to expose more tooth surface and create symmetrical scallops. It’s precise, minimally invasive, and often paired with veneers for a refined finish. Healing is typically quick with careful aftercare.

Best for: extra gum tissue, uneven gumlines, and teeth that appear short despite healthy proportions.
Pairs well with: Porcelain Veneers for ideal shapes and lengths.

Botox For Gummy Smiles: Relaxing The Lift

When a gummy smile stems from lip elevation, carefully placed Botox can soften the lift so less gum shows. In addition, Botox may reduce jaw clenching (which can overexpose gums by shortening teeth over time) and can ease TMJ-related muscle tension.

Best for: high lip mobility, clenching/grinding, and patients seeking a reversible, non-surgical option.
Pairs well with: whitening and minor bonding to refresh edges after clenching wear.
Learn more: Botox and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Which Should You Choose?

• If your gums cover a normal-length tooth, laser contouring addresses the cause.
• If your lip lifts too high, Botox subtly changes the motion.
• Sometimes, we combine both—light contouring for symmetry and Botox for balance—followed by veneers to perfect shapes.

What To Expect

• Consultation & photos to assess tooth size, gum levels, and lip mobility.
• Smile simulation/mock-up to preview outcomes.
• Comfort measures so the experience is smooth and relaxed.
• Follow-up to ensure healing and harmony with the rest of your smile.

Benefits At-A-Glance

• Laser contouring: precise tooth framing, quick recovery, lasting symmetry
• Botox: reversible, adjustable, zero downtime, complements other cosmetic care

Curious which option fits your goals? Call (352) 242-1763 or (352) 269-1400 to Schedule a Consultation with Clermont Family Dentistry in Clermont, FL.

Internal resources: Botox • Porcelain Veneers • Cosmetic Dentistry

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