When you smile in photos, do you feel that your upper teeth appear unnaturally short, or that your gums dominate your smile? Medical literature classifies this condition as Excessive Gingival Display (EGD), commonly known as a "Gummy Smile."
A harmonious aesthetic smile displays no more than 1 to 2 millimeters of gum tissue above the central incisors. When 3mm to 7mm or more of pink gum tissue shows upon smiling, it draws attention away from the teeth and disrupts facial proportions.
At Dental Planet Mysore, lead Periodontist and Laser Specialist Dr. Avinash B.S. (MDS) along with Specialist Orthodontist Dr. Bhagyalakshmi Avinash (MDS, PhD) use state-of-the-art diode laser technology to re-sculpt gum contours cleanly and painlessly in a single visit.
1 What Causes a Gummy Smile? (The 4 Anatomical Types)
▪ Altered Passive Eruption (Gums Covering Teeth)
The teeth erupted normally, but excess gum tissue failed to recede naturally during adolescence. Your natural, full-sized teeth are hidden beneath thick gum tissue, making them look short and boxy.
▪ Hyperactive Upper Lip Muscle
The elevator muscles in the upper lip contract excessively when smiling, pulling the upper lip higher up the face than average and exposing healthy gums.
▪ Vertical Maxillary Excess (VME)
An overgrowth of the upper jaw bone structure causes the entire upper dental arch to rest lower in the mouth relative to the lip line.
▪ Tooth Wear & Compensatory Eruption
Severe teeth grinding (bruxism) wears down the edges of upper teeth, causing them to move downward along with the attached gum line to maintain contact.
📹 Clinical Demonstration: Laser Gum Sculpting & Contouring
Watch how soft-tissue diode lasers precision-shape the gumline without scalpels or sutures for immediate aesthetic improvement.
2 Treatment Protocols at Dental Planet Mysore
Painless Laser Gum Sculpting & Reshaping
Ideal for patients with altered passive eruption. Using a 980nm soft-tissue diode laser, Dr. Avinash B.S. trims away excess gum tissue down to the natural anatomical collar of each tooth. The laser instantly seals micro-vessels, preventing bleeding and eliminating the need for surgical stitches.
Aesthetic Crown Lengthening (Bone Reshaping)
When the crest of the underlying alveolar bone sits too close to the gum margin (less than 2mm biological width), laser gingivectomy alone could lead to gum regrowth. Micro-surgical bone reshaping ensures permanent tooth exposure and stability for porcelain veneers or crowns.
Surgical Lip Repositioning (For Hyperactive Lip)
For hyperactive upper lip muscles, Dr. Avinash B.S. performs a minor internal mucosal correction inside the upper vestibule. This limits how far the lip can retract upward during full laughter, restricting exposure to an aesthetic 1–2mm without altering facial features.
Explore Related Advanced Cosmetic Treatments
Combining gummy smile correction with custom ceramic veneers or dark gum depigmentation creates a complete red-carpet transformation.
Comparing Treatment Options for Gummy Smile
| Feature | Laser Gum Contouring | Lip Repositioning | Botox / Muscle Relaxant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Cause Targeted | Excess Gum Overgrowth | Hyperactive Upper Lip | Temporary Lip Elevation |
| Permanence | 100% Permanent | Permanent (90%+) | Temporary (4–6 Months) |
| Anaesthesia Required | Mild Topical / Local | Local Anaesthesia | None / Numbing Cream |
| Healing Period | 24 to 48 Hours | 5 to 7 Days | Immediate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a gummy smile (excessive gingival display)? ▼
A gummy smile can be caused by altered passive eruption (gums covering too much of the teeth), hyperactive upper lip muscles, vertical maxillary excess (long upper jaw bone), or short upper teeth. Dr. Avinash B.S. diagnoses the exact anatomical cause before recommending treatment.
Is Laser Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy) painful? ▼
No. Laser gum contouring at Dental Planet Mysore is performed under mild local anesthesia using advanced soft-tissue diode lasers. The laser cauterizes nerve endings and blood vessels simultaneously, resulting in virtually no pain, no bleeding, and no stitches.
How much does Gummy Smile Treatment cost in Mysore? ▼
Laser gum contouring in Mysore typically ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 depending on the number of teeth involved. Surgical lip repositioning or aesthetic crown lengthening ranges between ₹12,000 and ₹25,000. Transparent pricing is provided during your clinical evaluation.
Do the gums grow back after laser contouring? ▼
When laser gum sculpting is combined with proper biological width assessment (aesthetic crown lengthening when needed), the results are permanent. The excised tissue does not grow back over the natural crown.
How long does recovery take after laser gummy smile correction? ▼
Most patients return to work immediately or the very next day. Minor tenderness subsides within 24 to 48 hours, and tissue healing is complete within 5 to 7 days.
Ready to Fix Your Gummy Smile?
Schedule your clinical evaluation with Dr. Avinash B.S. (MDS Periodontist) at Dental Planet Mysore for a digital smile measurement and custom laser treatment plan.