The cost of treating a gummy smile can range from a short gum procedure to a long orthodontic and surgical plan, and the difference comes down to why the gum shows. Price is usually the second question people ask, but it can only be answered once the cause is known. This guide works through the treatments, what each suits, and where typical market costs are known.
A gummy smile is a cosmetic concern, not a disease
Dentists call it excessive gingival display. Plenty of people with a lot of gum on show have perfectly healthy teeth and gums, and many are happy with their smile as it is. Treatment is elective, and choosing to leave it alone is entirely reasonable.
When it does bother you, the cause decides the treatment. The usual culprits are gum that still covers part of each tooth (altered passive eruption), an upper lip that lifts higher than average, an upper jaw that has grown longer in height, teeth that are short or worn, and gum that has become enlarged from inflammation or, in some people, as a side effect of certain medicines. Our article on the causes of a gummy smile explains how a dentist tells these apart.
Gum contouring for gum that covers the teeth
When the teeth are a normal length but gum hides part of them, removing and reshaping the extra gum shows more of each tooth and evens out the gum line. This is a gingivectomy. It can be done with a scalpel or a soft tissue laser under local anaesthetic, and the gum is usually tender for a few days while it heals.
Crown lengthening when bone sits too low as well
If bone also sits close to the edge of the enamel, trimming gum alone tends to let it creep back. Crown lengthening removes a small amount of bone as well, so the new gum line has room to settle in a stable position. Healing takes longer than for gum contouring. Our comparison of a gum lift and crown lengthening covers the difference.
Lip procedures and injections for an active upper lip
Where the lip is the main cause, a lip repositioning procedure reduces how far it can rise. It is a minor surgical procedure, often done by a periodontist or oral surgeon, with some swelling and tightness while it heals.
Muscle-relaxing injections are a non-surgical alternative that weakens the pull of the lip-lifting muscles for a time. They need to be given by an appropriately trained registered practitioner, and the effect is temporary. A 2018 meta-analysis in Brazilian Oral Research (Chagas and colleagues) found that gum display fell clearly within weeks and then began to return, and noted there is little good evidence on exactly how long the effect lasts. They do nothing for gum covering the teeth or for a long upper jaw.
Orthodontics for tooth and jaw position
When some teeth have come down further than others, braces or clear aligners can move them up and improve the gum line. Lumi Dental provides both fixed braces and clear aligners; we are general dentists, and more complex cases may be referred to a registered orthodontist. A long upper jaw with a marked skeletal pattern usually needs orthodontics combined with jaw surgery under a specialist team.
Veneers or bonding for short or worn teeth
If the teeth themselves are small or worn, adding length with porcelain veneers or composite bonding changes the balance between tooth and gum. This is often combined with gum contouring in a broader smile makeover. If you are comparing materials, our guide to crowns and veneers may help.
What gummy smile treatment may cost
Some parts of a plan have well-established market ranges. In Sydney, porcelain veneers typically cost about $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth, and composite bonding about $250 to $800 per tooth. These are general market ranges, not Lumi fees.
Gum contouring, crown lengthening, lip repositioning and injections vary too much with the number of teeth, the technique and who provides the treatment for a reliable general range, so they are quoted after an assessment. Orthodontic costs depend on the appliance and how long treatment runs. Combined plans cost more than any single step, which is one reason it is worth confirming the cause before starting.
Health fund cover varies. Purely cosmetic treatment often attracts little or no rebate, while procedures with a clinical reason may be partly covered under general or major dental, depending on your level of cover. Current offers are on our deals page, and you will usually receive a written treatment plan, often by email, after your assessment.
How the options compare
| Treatment | Usually suits | How lasting |
|---|---|---|
| Gum contouring | Gum covering normal-length teeth | Long lasting, small rebound possible |
| Crown lengthening | Gum and bone both sitting too low | Long lasting |
| Lip repositioning | Upper lip that lifts high | Intended to be long lasting; some relapse can occur |
| Muscle-relaxing injections | Upper lip that lifts high | Temporary, needs repeating |
| Orthodontics | Tooth or jaw position | Long lasting with retainers |
| Veneers or bonding | Short or worn teeth | Years, varies with material and care |
Common questions
Is gum contouring painful?
It is done with local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself should not hurt. Tenderness for a few days afterwards is common and usually settles with over-the-counter pain relief.
Do injections fix every gummy smile?
No. They only help when an active upper lip is the cause, and the effect wears off. Gum covering the teeth, short teeth and jaw shape need other treatment.
Will my health fund pay?
It depends on your cover and whether the treatment has a clinical as well as a cosmetic reason. Ask your fund with the item numbers from your written plan before you start.
If gum health is part of the picture, our guide to gum disease treatment covers what to look out for.
Talk to us about your smile
Lumi Dental is an independent general and cosmetic practice in Melrose Park. If a gummy smile has been on your mind, an assessment explains the cause and your options without any pressure to go ahead. Book a consultation to start the conversation.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual dental advice. Suitability for any treatment can only be determined after a clinical assessment with a registered practitioner.
