What counts as a gummy smile
When you smile broadly, a thin band of gum is normal. Many people feel self-conscious when a wider band shows, often described as more than about three to four millimetres, although acceptable limits vary with face shape and personal taste. The label “gummy smile” is an appearance, not a diagnosis, and several different conditions can produce it.
Why the gums show: main causes
- Altered passive eruption: the gum margin sits too far down the tooth, so teeth look short even though the crown is normal in length underneath.
- Gum enlargement: from plaque-related inflammation, medication effects or other conditions; classification of gingival conditions is described in the 2018 consensus (Caton et al., 2018).
- Vertical excess of the upper jaw: the jaw sits lower than usual, which can need orthognathic assessment rather than gum surgery.
- Short or hyperactive upper lip: the lip lifts higher on smiling.
- Worn teeth: teeth that have lost height because of grinding or erosion.
Periodontology textbooks describe how to measure gum margins, biologic width and attachment levels, which is the basis for deciding between treatments (Newman et al., 2019; Lang & Lindhe, 2015).
Gingivectomy, crown lengthening and other options
| Option | What it does | Suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gingivectomy / gingivoplasty | Removes and reshapes excess gum tissue | Enlarged gum with enough attached tissue and no bone problem | Quick; limited if bone is too close to the margin |
| Crown lengthening | Lifts a flap, reshapes bone, repositions gum | Short-looking teeth caused by bone and gum position | Healing is longer; margin must settle |
| Restorative lengthening | Crowns or veneers made longer after healing | Worn teeth | Combined with gum work |
| Orthodontics | Moves teeth to change gum levels | Teeth over-erupted | Longer treatment |
| Lip repositioning or jaw surgery | Limits lip lift or changes jaw height | Lip- or jaw-related cases | Evaluated case by case |
Gum surgery and oral surgery principles are covered in standard references (Hupp et al., 2014), and the question of how much tooth structure must stay exposed so the gum remains healthy is discussed in fixed prosthodontics texts (Rosenstiel et al., 2016). Respecting this space, known as biologic width, is one reason bone is sometimes reshaped.
What the examination includes
We assess your smile at rest and in full smile, measure how much tooth is hidden under the gum, probe the gum and check bone levels, usually with an X-ray. Existing gum disease is staged and treated first (Tonetti et al., 2018), because operating on inflamed tissue gives unpredictable results. Photographs and a digital mock-up can help you picture the proposed tooth length before deciding.
How the procedure goes
1. Preparation
Plaque and calculus are removed, and the plan is confirmed with you, including the new gum line you would like.
2. Contouring
Under local anaesthesia, the new margin is outlined. Depending on the case, tissue is trimmed alone, or a small flap is raised so that bone can be adjusted. Stitches are often used for flap procedures.
3. Healing and review
You receive instructions on cleaning, diet and what to avoid. A review after about a week checks healing and removes stitches if needed.
Plan for patients travelling to Istanbul
Typical patterns are listed below. They are ranges, not guarantees.
| Stage | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Photo and message check before travel | Before booking flights |
| Examination, cleaning, X-ray | Day 1 |
| Contouring procedure | Same visit or the next day, depending on the case |
| Review and stitch removal | About 7 to 10 days later |
| Margin maturation before crowns or veneers | Often a few weeks to months |
Because the review comes after a week or so, many visitors plan a stay of around one to two weeks, or return for the review. Cosmetic crowns or veneers are usually delayed until the gum margin is stable, so a combined plan commonly means two trips.
Risks and what to expect
- Swelling, tenderness and mild bleeding for the first days.
- Sensitivity of newly exposed root surfaces.
- Gum margin that heals higher or lower than planned, or becomes uneven.
- Relapse if the underlying cause is bone, lip or jaw related, or if inflammation returns.
- Infection is uncommon but possible, which is why cleaning instructions matter.
Not everyone is a candidate. People with active gum disease, uncontrolled systemic conditions or certain medicines may need to be treated differently or delayed.
Aftercare and long-term gum health
Use a soft brush, gentle technique and any rinse advised. Avoid smoking, which slows healing. After healing, maintain daily interdental cleaning and regular professional visits, since gum inflammation can bring the problem back.
What determines the cost?
- Number of teeth involved and whether the entire smile line is treated.
- Gingivectomy alone, or bone reshaping with a flap.
- Preliminary gum treatment and X-rays.
- Whether restorative work such as veneers follows.
- Number of review visits.
We do not quote figures before an examination. You receive a written plan that lists the procedures, the order and the visits.
“Best gummy smile treatment in Istanbul”: what to look for
- A diagnosis of the cause, not just a promise to remove gum.
- Periodontal training or experience in gum surgery and measuring bone and gum levels.
- A discussion of alternatives, including doing nothing.
- Clear explanation of healing time and when crowns or veneers can follow.
- Written aftercare and a way to reach the clinician from home.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gingivectomy and crown lengthening?
Gingivectomy removes excess gum tissue only. Crown lengthening also reshapes the bone beneath the gum so the gum margin stays at its new level. Which one is suitable depends on how much tooth is hidden and where the bone sits.
Is gum contouring permanent?
Removed tissue does not simply grow back, but gums can rebound or shift if bone or lip movement is the cause, or if inflammation returns. Stability depends on the cause of the gummy smile and on gum health afterwards.
Is the procedure done under local anaesthesia?
Gum contouring is usually performed with local anaesthesia so the area is numb during treatment. You may feel tenderness during healing, which can be managed with advice given at your visit.
How long does healing take?
Initial healing of the surface often takes one to two weeks, while the gum margin keeps maturing for a few months. If crowns or veneers follow, they are usually made after the margin has settled.
Can I have it done during a short stay in Istanbul?
Contouring itself can often be done in one visit, with a check a week or so later. Restorative steps that follow need to wait for healing, so combined plans may need a second trip. Your written plan sets the schedule.
How do I get a first opinion from abroad?
Send a natural smile photo and a close-up of the front teeth by WhatsApp to +90 544 289 66 33, or book online. The definitive diagnosis follows an in-person examination and, where needed, X-rays.
Related pages
This page is for information only; diagnosis and treatment are decided at an examination. Content reviewed by Dr. Dt. Mehmet Fuat Bozaba. Yayla Dental Akademi · Ferit Selimpaşa Cad. No:44A, Bahçelievler/İstanbul · +90 544 289 66 33 · Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00.
References
- Newman, M. G., Takei, H. H., Klokkevold, P. R., & Carranza, F. A. (2019). Newman and Carranza’s clinical periodontology (13th ed.). Elsevier. WorldCat ↗
- Lang, N. P., & Lindhe, J. (Eds.). (2015). Clinical periodontology and implant dentistry (6th ed.). Wiley Blackwell. WorldCat ↗
- Hupp, J. R., Ellis, E., & Tucker, M. R. (2014). Contemporary oral and maxillofacial surgery (6th ed.). Mosby. WorldCat ↗
- Rosenstiel, S. F., Land, M. F., & Fujimoto, J. (2016). Contemporary fixed prosthodontics (5th ed.). Elsevier. WorldCat ↗
- Caton, J. G., et al. (2018). A new classification scheme for periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 45(Suppl. 20), S1–S8. PubMed ↗
- Tonetti, M. S., Greenwell, H., & Kornman, K. S. (2018). Staging and grading of periodontitis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 45(Suppl. 20), S149–S161. PubMed ↗
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