4455 E. Camelback Road, Suite #E-100, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Gummy Smile Correction in Phoenix, AZ A smile can be affected by more than just the teeth themselves. When the gum tissue covers too much of the tooth surface, even well-aligned, healthy teeth can appear short or uneven, a condition commonly referred to as a gummy smile. At Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona in Phoenix, patients receive gummy smile treatment that's designed to correct this imbalance by reshaping the gumline, revealing more of the natural tooth structure and creating a more proportionate smile. What Causes a Gummy Smile?A gummy smile occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible when smiling, often making teeth look smaller than they actually are. Several factors can contribute to this appearance. In some patients, the teeth themselves are fully formed but partially covered by extra gum tissue, a condition known as altered passive eruption. In others, the upper lip may rise higher than average when smiling, exposing more gum tissue naturally. Bone structure, jaw position, and even the length of the upper lip muscle can all play a role. Because the underlying cause varies from patient to patient, an accurate diagnosis is an important first step. Ronald Watkins, DDS, MS evaluates the relationship between the teeth, gum tissue, and lip movement to determine what is driving the appearance of a gummy smile and which treatment approach will be most effective. Is Gummy Smile Correction Just Cosmetic?While improving the appearance of the smile is often the primary goal, gum contouring can also support better oral health in some cases. Excess gum tissue can make it more difficult to keep teeth clean, particularly along the gumline, which may increase the risk of plaque buildup and inflammation over time. Reshaping the tissue to expose more of the tooth surface can make daily brushing and flossing more effective, in addition to improving the visual balance of the smile. Cosmetic Gum Surgery Phoenix Patients Can ConsiderFor many patients, the most direct solution to a gummy smile is a procedure known as gum contouring or crown lengthening. This treatment involves precisely removing and reshaping excess gum tissue to expose more of the natural tooth. When performed by a periodontist, patients undergo cosmetic gum surgery that's planned with careful attention to symmetry, ensuring the final gumline complements the shape of the face and the proportions of the teeth. In cases where the bone beneath the gum tissue is also positioned too close to the visible tooth surface, a small amount of bone may need to be reshaped in addition to the gum tissue itself. This ensures the corrected gum line remains stable and does not shift back to its original position as the tissue heals.  What Happens During the Procedure?Gum contouring is typically performed under local anesthesia, and many patients are surprised by how straightforward the procedure feels. Using precise instruments, the periodontist removes excess tissue and sculpts the gumline to the desired shape, often guided by a treatment plan mapped out in advance. Depending on the extent of correction needed, the procedure can often be completed in a single appointment. Recovery is generally mild. Some tenderness, minor swelling, and sensitivity to temperature are common in the days following treatment, but most patients return to normal activities quickly. A soft food diet and gentle oral hygiene are typically recommended for the first several days while the tissue heals. Are There Other Causes That Need to Be Addressed?In some patients, a gummy smile is influenced more by lip mobility than by the gum tissue itself. When the upper lip lifts higher than average during a smile, gum recontouring alone may only partially improve the appearance. In these situations, the treatment plan may involve coordination with a general dentist or an orthodontic evaluation, particularly if tooth position or jaw alignment is also contributing to the smile's appearance. A thorough consultation helps determine whether gum surgery alone will achieve the desired result or if a combined approach is more appropriate. Recovery and Long-Term ResultsOnce the gum tissue has healed, which typically takes a few weeks, the results of gum contouring are generally long-lasting. Because the excess tissue has been removed rather than simply repositioned, most patients do not experience a return of the gummy appearance over time, provided they maintain regular dental care and good oral hygiene. Schedule a Gummy Smile ConsultationIf you feel self-conscious about how much gum tissue shows when you smile, Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona can help determine whether gum contouring is right for you. Call our Phoenix office at (480) 504-0506 to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward a more balanced, confident smile! |
"I had gum grafting done and was extremely nervous about the process. Dr. Watkins explained everything in detail and really helped calm my nerves"
- M. Salloom
“I love you guys so much. Thanks everyone for always being so happy and friendly. It's been a very smooth process. I'm ready to go to Henry's, Dr Watkins.”
- D. Franco
| Monday | 8–5 |
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| Tuesday | 8–5 |
| Wednesday | 7–4 |
| Thursday | 8–5 |
| Friday | 8–12 |
| Closed for Lunch | 12–1 |