A gummy smile is a condition in which, when smiling, an excessive amount of gum tissue is exposed (more than 3 mm measured from the tooth margin to the lip line). From a health perspective, a gummy smile does not affect chewing function, but it can reduce confidence and negatively impact the aesthetics of the smile.
According to aesthetic standards, a beautiful smile should show only about 1–2 mm of gum tissue when smiling fully.
Causes of a gummy smile include:
– Tooth-related causes: Teeth erupt slowly or incompletely, leading to an imbalance between tooth length and gum tissue.
– Jawbone-related causes: Excessive development of the jawbone or bite misalignment, causing the teeth to protrude and more gum to be exposed.
– Gum-related causes: Overgrowth of gum tissue that covers more of the tooth surface than normal.
– Lip-related causes: A short upper lip or hyperactive lip muscles that pull the lip upward excessively when smiling, exposing more gum tissue.
Botox injection (short for Botulinum Toxin) is an aesthetic procedure that uses Botulinum to act directly on specific muscles, blocking nerve signals to the muscles and effectively reducing muscle contraction.
Indications:
Suitable for patients with a gummy smile caused by overly strong upper lip muscle movement.
The dentist injects Botox to reduce the tension of the upper lip muscles, preventing excessive lifting of the lip when smiling and improving the gummy smile condition without the need for surgery.
Advantages:
– Simple procedure with a quick treatment time.
– Immediate results.
– Minimal downtime and recovery time.
Limitations:
– Results are temporary, typically lasting about 6–8 months.
Orthodontic treatment (braces) is a specialized dental procedure aimed at moving misaligned teeth into their correct positions on the jaw. This helps improve chewing function and provides patients with a naturally beautiful smile.
Indications:
Suitable for patients with a gummy smile accompanied by deep bite or protruding teeth (overbite/overjet).
Orthodontic treatment is commonly applied in cases of gummy smile associated with deep bite or protrusion.
Advantages:
– High level of safety.
– In many cases, braces can help “reduce” the visible gum display by 2–4 mm, significantly improving smile aesthetics.
– Long-lasting results when proper oral care is maintained according to the dentist’s instructions.
Limitations:
– Relatively long treatment duration, typically 2–3 years.
Depending on the cause of excessive gum exposure when smiling, a dental specialist will select the most appropriate surgical approach.
Indications:
Suitable for patients with a gummy smile caused by jawbone structure, gum characteristics (such as congenitally long gums), or abnormal gum tissue development.
Surgical methods:
Current surgical options for treating a gummy smile include:
Lip repositioning or lip lengthening surgery:
In cases where the upper lip is short, the dentist performs a procedure to lengthen or reposition the upper lip, preventing it from lifting too high when smiling.
Gingivectomy (removal of excessive gum tissue):
For cases where the gums are overgrown due to congenital factors or low gum attachment with hypertrophy, the dentist removes excess gum tissue to create a thinner gum margin and reduce gum exposure when smiling.
Jawbone surgery:
When a gummy smile is caused by excessive vertical growth of the jawbone, corrective surgery is performed using the Le Fort I osteotomy technique.
Alveolar bone recontouring:
In cases where the alveolar bone is overly thick—the most complex cause of a gummy smile—the dentist reshapes the outer and marginal surfaces of the alveolar bone, followed by gum contouring and suturing.
Surgical treatment for a gummy smile helps improve the proportion between the gums and tooth crowns, creating a more harmonious and attractive smile.
Advantages:
– High effectiveness with long-lasting results.
– Safe with minimal complications when performed by experienced specialists.
– Postoperative care is relatively gentle and manageable.
Limitations:
– Requires highly skilled doctors with deep expertise in both dentistry and aesthetic treatment.
When hearing the term “minor surgery,” many people naturally worry about pain. Understanding this concern, Phương Thành Dental Clinic applies advanced Diode Laser technology, offering a gentle – safe – fast-recovery solution for gummy smile correction.
Maximum pain reduction, gentle procedure:
Patients receive local anesthesia combined with a soft, precise laser action on the excess gum tissue. As a result, the procedure is comfortable and causes little to no discomfort.
Safe, minimal complications:
The laser works precisely on the targeted gum tissue without affecting surrounding areas. In addition, laser energy has antibacterial and excellent hemostatic effects, helping wounds heal faster with fewer complications.
High precision, excellent results:
Laser incisions are extremely small and accurate down to each millimeter. When performed by Phương Thành’s experienced dentists, the treatment delivers high aesthetic results and minimizes scarring.
Fast healing, little to no downtime:
After approximately one hour of treatment, patients can confidently smile again. Laser technology soothes the wound, reduces pain and inflammation, and often limits the need for antibiotics.
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The patient is given a comprehensive oral examination by the dentist to determine the cause of the gummy smile and develop an appropriate treatment plan. If minor surgery is required, the dentist will request blood tests to ensure safety before proceeding.
The dentist thoroughly cleans and disinfects the oral cavity, including scaling to remove plaque and tartar, to prevent infection. After local anesthesia is administered, the excess gum tissue is carefully removed and the gum line is reshaped to achieve an эстетically pleasing contour. At the end of the procedure, the patient is given detailed at-home care instructions for proper recovery.
After 7–10 days, the patient returns to the clinic for a follow-up appointment. The dentist checks the healing progress, removes the sutures, and ensures that the recovery is proceeding smoothly and safely.
As a leading dental clinic, Phuong Thanh brings together a team of highly qualified dentists who are professionally trained and possess extensive experience in the field of dentistry. They are able to develop the most suitable treatment plans, ensuring both aesthetic results and patient safety.
Phuong Thanh Dental Clinic uses premium dental materials imported from reputable international brands. These materials not only offer excellent durability but also ensure maximum safety for patients.
Phuong Thanh Dental Clinic provides attentive and thoughtful customer care policies, offering dedicated support to patients both during and after the treatment process.
A leading dental clinic consistently invests in the most advanced technologies and state-of-the-art equipment. These innovations help ensure treatments are more accurate, faster, and highly effective.
A top-tier dental clinic is equipped with modern, well-designed, and spacious facilities, creating a comfortable and reassuring environment for patients throughout their treatment experience.
Nha khoa Phương Thành is committed to providing a clear and transparent warranty policy, ensuring peace of mind for patients throughout and after their treatment.
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| SERVICES | COST (VND) | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| COSMETIC DENTISTRY SERVICE FEES | ||
| Teeth Whitening Trays | 400.000 | Both arches |
| In-Office + At-Home Teeth Whitening | 3.000.000 | Both arches |
| Tooth Gem Bonding | 300.000 - 1.200.000 | 1 gem |
| Porcelain Veneers | 5.000.000 | 1 tooth |
| Endocrowns | 4.500.000 | 1 tooth |
| Onlays, Inlays, Overlays | 4.500.000 | 1 tooth |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns | 1.200.000 - 2.700.000 | 1 tooth |
| All-Ceramic Crowns | 3.500.000 - 7.000.000 | 1 tooth |
TESTIMONIALS
Before coming to Phuong Thanh Dental Center, I always felt self-conscious about my smile because my teeth were misaligned and uneven in color. However, thanks to the dedicated consultation and professional treatment plan from the dental team, my smile has completely transformed. Not only was I treated with modern equipment, but every step of the procedure was also carefully explained to me. As a result, I now have a radiant smile and feel much more confident. Thank you, Phuong Thanh Dental Center, for bringing about such a meaningful change!
Phuong Thanh Dental – Where solid expertise meets dedication, always ready to walk with you for safe and effective oral health.
Q&A
You can book an appointment online with Phuong Thanh Dental Clinic through the following platforms: our Website, Facebook, Zalo OA, and TikTok.
You should visit the dental clinic for a routine check-up every 6 months. This helps maintain good oral hygiene and allows early detection of dental problems or early-stage oral lesions.
In fact, orthodontic treatment is not only for adults. According to dental experts, ages 6–10 are considered the “golden period” for orthodontic evaluation and early intervention. Early check-ups help detect and correct bite misalignments, allowing a child’s facial structure to develop more harmoniously.
Porcelain veneers may be recommended in the following cases:
Severely discolored front teeth that cannot be whitened
Old fillings that have changed color
Teeth with worn edges, cracks, or chips
Uneven, damaged adjacent teeth or front teeth
Gaps, short teeth, mild misalignment, or spacing that is not too large
Butterfly-shaped front teeth
Dental implant placement is generally not painful, as local anesthesia is used during the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, the dentist will prescribe pain relief and medications to support healing. Each implant placement typically takes about 15 minutes per implant post.
The lifespan of porcelain crowns depends on several factors:
Material: All-ceramic crowns are usually more durable than metal-ceramic crowns.
Technique: A skilled dentist ensures proper fit and strong bonding.
Care: Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups help extend the lifespan of crowns.
There are two common types of porcelain crowns: metal-ceramic crowns and all-ceramic crowns.
Metal-ceramic crowns: Over time, the outer porcelain layer may wear down from chewing. The metal core can oxidize and become visible, causing dark gum lines.
All-ceramic crowns: This issue rarely occurs because there is no metal core, helping maintain a more natural appearance without dark gum lines.
If a tooth is broken or extracted, you should not delay tooth replacement—even if the cost is high or the missing tooth is not visible.
When a tooth is lost, adjacent teeth tend to shift into the empty space, making future tooth replacement more difficult. This movement can also affect jaw structure and eventually alter your facial appearance.
To prevent reduced effectiveness or complications from local anesthesia, you should avoid alcohol and beer for at least one day before treatment. You should also inform your dentist about any medications you are taking and any known drug allergies.
You can help prevent tooth decay by following these measures:
Visit the dental clinic for routine check-ups every 6 months.
Limit consumption of sweets, candies, sugary foods, and carbonated drinks. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash after consuming sweets or soft drinks. If mouthwash is not available, drink some water instead.
Avoid drinking soft drinks, fruit juices, or similar beverages before bedtime or after brushing your teeth. At night, saliva production decreases, allowing these drinks to erode tooth enamel. You should only drink plain water before bed.
NEWS
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press (June 21, 1925 – June 21, 2025), the leadership of Phương Thành Dental Clinic paid visits and extended...
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Dr. Phạm Kim Thành, DDS, CKII was honored to represent alumni and deliver a speech at the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Dental Surgeon Training at Can Tho University of Medicine...
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On the morning of November 1, 2024, the Dong Thap Province School for Children with Disabilities held an Appreciation Ceremony to Honor Local Leaders and Sponsors. The program was honored...
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On the morning of October 30, 2024, Dong Thap Radio and Television Station, in coordination with Nguyen Du High School, organized the “Supporting Students to Overcome Hardships” program to award...
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On the morning of March 28, Phuong Thanh Dental Center was honored to accompany the “Lighting Up Dreams” program organized by Dong Thap Radio and Television Station. At the event,...
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On September 29, 2023, Phuong Thanh Dental Center, in collaboration with the Dong Thap Provincial School for Children with Disabilities, organized a Mid-Autumn Festival Night to create a joyful and...
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