Show More Teeth, Less Gum

Gummy Smile Treatment

South Kensington, London

Does too much gum show when you smile? A 'gummy smile' is more common than you think — and completely treatable. Our expert cosmetic dentists offer multiple solutions to reduce gum visibility and reveal the smile you've always wanted.

Treatment Options

Gum Contouring

from £175

Lip Reposition

from £750

✨ Love Your Smile Again — See Results Same Day

GDC Registered
4.9★ (267 Reviews)
South Kensington
CQC Regulated

What is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile (excessive gingival display) is when more than 3-4mm of gum tissue shows above your upper teeth when you smile. It's not a medical problem, but many people feel self-conscious about it. The good news? There are several effective treatments. The cause and severity of a gummy smile must be clinically assessed before treatment options are confirmed.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

Understanding the cause determines the best treatment

🦷

Excessive Gum Tissue

Too much gum covers your teeth, making them appear short. This is often genetic.

Treatment: Gum contouring / Crown lengthening
🦴

Vertical Maxillary Excess

The upper jaw bone is longer than average, causing excessive gum display.

Treatment: Orthognathic surgery (severe cases)
📏

Teeth Appear Short

Teeth didn't fully erupt, or excessive wear has made them shorter.

Treatment: Crown lengthening / Veneers
💊

Gum Overgrowth

Certain medications or conditions cause gums to enlarge over the teeth.

Treatment: Gum contouring

Gummy Smile Self-Assessment

Answer these questions to help us understand your concerns:

Do you show more than 3-4mm of gum when you smile naturally?
Do your teeth look short or 'stubby'?
Does your upper lip seem to rise very high when you smile?
Is your gumline uneven?
Do you avoid smiling in photos?

Gummy Smile Treatment Options

The best treatment depends on what's causing your gummy smile. Often, a combination approach gives the best results.

Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)

from £175
from £350

Remove excess gum tissue to reveal more tooth structure where clinically appropriate. Outcomes and longevity vary depending on anatomy, technique, and aftercare.

Best for: Excess gum tissue covering teeth

Procedure: Surgical removal of gum tissue
Recovery: 7-10 days
Results
Long-term

Crown Lengthening

from £300
from £600

Removes both gum and bone to expose more tooth structure. Can achieve greater changes in tooth exposure compared to non-surgical options, where clinically necessary.

Best for: Teeth that appear very short

Procedure: Surgical reshaping of gum and bone
Recovery: 2-3 weeks
Results
Long-term

Veneers / Crowns

from £297.50
from £595

Lengthen the appearance of teeth with porcelain restorations. Often combined with gum contouring.

Best for: Short or worn teeth + smile makeover

Procedure: Custom porcelain shells bonded to teeth
Recovery: None
Results
10-15+ years

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Your Treatment Journey

1

Smile Analysis

We photograph and measure your smile, identifying exactly what's causing excessive gum display.

30 mins
2

Customised Plan

Based on the cause, we recommend the most effective treatment or combination. You'll see predicted results.

Same visit
3

Treatment

Most treatments are quick — typically 30-60 minutes for gum contouring. All done under local anaesthetic.

30-90 mins
4

Reveal Your Smile

Results are often visible immediately. We'll ensure you're delighted and provide aftercare instructions.

Same day

Transformation is Possible

4.9★
Patient rating
95%
Would recommend

Frequently Asked Questions

A gummy smile is usually an aesthetic concern. In some cases, it may be linked to underlying dental or periodontal factors that require assessment. If excess gum is caused by gum disease or medication-induced overgrowth, treating it can improve your oral health too. Most people seek treatment simply because they're self-conscious about showing too much gum.

Ready to Love Your Smile?

Stop hiding your smile. Book a consultation and discover which treatment is right for you.

Open Monday–Saturday • South Kensington, London

4.9
(267 reviews)

What Our Patients Say

Real reviews from real patients

Outstanding professionalism and client care from all staff members. Clean, calm, and welcoming environment that puts patients at ease.

Sarah Mitchell

1 week ago

Gentle and thorough treatment from experienced dentists, ensuring comfort during visits. Dr Shirazi was fantastic and explained everything clearly.

James Thompson

2 weeks ago

Jack is an incredible hygienist. Best scale and polish I've ever had. My teeth feel amazing and he gave great advice on maintaining them.

Emma Wilson

3 weeks ago

Laila was wonderful - thorough, gentle and really took the time to explain proper brushing techniques. Highly recommend the hygiene team here.

Michael Chen

1 month ago

Amazing teeth whitening results! The Boutique whitening system worked brilliantly. My teeth are noticeably whiter and the custom trays were so comfortable.

Charlotte Davies

2 months ago

Got my teeth whitened here and couldn't be happier. The results exceeded my expectations and the process was completely painless.

Oliver Brown

1 month ago

Dr Andreia transformed my smile with composite veneers. She has such an artistic eye and the results look completely natural. Life changing!

Sophie Anderson

3 months ago

Had composite bonding done and it looks incredible. Dr Andreia was meticulous and really listened to what I wanted. So happy with my new smile.

David Roberts

2 months ago

Read All Reviews on Google

Patient reviews reflect individual experiences. Results vary between individuals.

Meet Our Dental Team

Our experienced dental team is fully qualified and registered with the GDC, delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the highest professional standards.
Because our patients deserve nothing less.

Registered. Regulated. Trusted.

At South Kensington Medical & Dental, we are fully registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.

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