How to correct excessive gum exposure when smiling

Generally, gummy smiles (excessive gingival display when smiling) can be corrected through methods such as lip muscle training, avoiding bad habits, orthodontic treatment, gingivoplasty, and orthognathic surgery. It is recommended to perform these procedures under the guidance of a qualified medical professional to ensure safety and proper standards. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Lip Muscle Training

Routine exercises such as lip closure training can strengthen the muscles of the upper lip and philtrum area, helping improve gummy smile appearance. Additionally, activities like blowing balloons or whistling can help exercise and tighten the lip muscles.

2. Avoiding Bad Habits

Avoid不良 oral habits such as nail-biting or finger-sucking, which may lead to abnormal tooth and gum development and worsen gummy smiles. Also, avoid using teeth to bite hard objects. Adjusting oral behaviors appropriately can help alleviate symptoms of excessive gingival display when smiling.

3. Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics involves using braces or invisible aligners to adjust tooth position and thereby improve gummy smiles. The typical reference cost is 5,000–9,000 yuan per treatment, with noticeable improvement usually seen within 1–2 years. However, potential side effects may include tooth loosening and gum swelling.

4. Gingivoplasty

Gingivoplasty is a periodontal surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue to reduce the height of the gum margin, making teeth appear longer and improving dental aesthetics. The typical reference cost is 2,000–5,000 yuan per session, with visible results generally appearing within 1–2 months. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, and gum recession.

5. Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery corrects jaw alignment by adjusting the relative positions of the upper and lower jaws, thereby alleviating gummy smiles caused by skeletal jaw abnormalities. The typical reference cost is 10,000–30,000 yuan per procedure, with improvements usually evident within 1–2 months. Potential risks include bleeding and nerve damage.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and adjusting dietary habits—such as avoiding overly hard or sticky foods—can help support overall oral health.