A balanced smile usually shows an even amount of gum tissue in harmony with the upper lip. A “gummy smile” describes when more than 3–4mm of gum tissue becomes visible when you smile or laugh — and it’s more common than people think, with a number of different possible causes. At Face Studio Clinic, we help patients understand what’s driving their gummy smile and talk through the full range of options during a one-to-one consultation.
What causes a gummy smile?
A few different factors can contribute, often in combination:
The shape and size of your lips.
An overactive upper lip muscle, which lifts the lip higher than average when smiling.
The shape and size of your teeth, including teeth that appear shorter than average.
Your gum tissue itself, if it extends further down the tooth than usual.
The position or size of your upper jaw.
Because there are several possible causes, working out which one (or combination) applies to you is the first step — which is exactly what a consultation is for.
What happens at a consultation
Our team will assess your smile, talk through which of the factors above are contributing in your case, and explain the full range of options that may be suitable — which can include both dental and non-surgical approaches depending on the cause.
FAQs
What counts as a "gummy smile"?
Generally, more than 3–4mm of visible gum tissue above the teeth when smiling, though this is assessed individually rather than by measurement alone, since what looks balanced varies from face to face.
What causes a gummy smile?
It can be down to lip shape and size, an overactive upper lip muscle, tooth shape and size, the amount of visible gum tissue, or the position of the upper jaw — often a combination of more than one factor, which is why an individual assessment matters more than a one-size-fits-all answer
Is a gummy smile treatable?
Yes. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment options can include anti-wrinkle injections to relax an overactive upper lip muscle, or dental approaches such as crown lengthening, composite bonding, or veneers to adjust how the teeth and gum line appear together. Your practitioner will recommend the right approach for you at consultation, and in some cases a combination works best.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes — because there are several possible causes and treatment routes, an assessment is needed before any option can be recommended. This ensures you’re offered the treatment most likely to work for your specific case, rather than a generic solution.
Does treatment hurt?
Muscle-relaxing injections involve a fine needle and are generally described as briefly uncomfortable rather than painful, while dental approaches are carried out under local anaesthetic where needed. Your practitioner will explain exactly what to expect for your recommended treatment at consultation.
Nabila… what can I say! This lady is amazing, such a kind caring clinician who always goes above a beyond for her patients.I can honestly say I’ve never met such an amazing dentist who is so empathetic with people, and is so considerate to there individual requirements and needs.Your attention to detail and perfection is fantastic.Anyone looking for a first class clinician look no furtherWether it be in dentistry or facial aesthetics.Congratulations and good luck lovely xx
The service is top notch! I have been on a journey with face-studio for almost 2years now! The knowledge, care and experience you cannot go wrong. They are very attentive! I have been getting nothing but compliments for my skin ever since. You will not be disappointed with this professional team!
The service was amazing. The staff were so professional and have so much knowledge. Trust me your in safe hands. It was my first time getting a hydrafacial and the lovely staff explained every step of the process. Would highly recommend.
Went in for a facial, came out felling like a new man! I’ve recommended so many people here after. They done miracles on my brother achene! Staff are super friendly
It was my first time visiting the clinic today and I have to say I was extremely happy with the service. I came in for the tear trough treatment and was really happy with the results. The process was explained to me thoroughly so I was very confident that I was in good hands. Through out the treatment the Doctor reassured me and talked me through it all. So I felt calm the whole time. Very happy with the results, I definitely look more alive haha. I also purchased some skincare. So I am very excited to start my clear skin journey!
All the staff at Face Studio Clinic are very welcoming and friendly. They are professional and highly skilled in their field. I highly recommend visiting Face Studio Clinic for your aesthetic treatments. You will not be disappointed!!
I would trust no other place! Dr Mariam and Fatemah know their stuff. Advice and treatments I’ve experienced are unmatched. I love their energy and make my appointments before I’ve landed in the country. Face Studio Clinic is my go to.
I had the Perfect Peel done a year ago and it was the best decision I've ever made. Years of sun damage due to living in Dubai peeled off, pores shrunk, pimple scars faded away, all in a matter of weeks. Big thanks to lead skin therapist Fatima for taking me in!
I had a lovely experience at Face Studio Clinic Birmingham for my first ever Hydrafacial.Dr Nabila and Dr Fatima explained thoroughly about my current skin issues which I expressed concerns for.Considering it was my first ever Facial, I had the most amazing experience ever. It was very relaxing and I was told about each and every step with the benefits too.Thank you Both, I look forward to meeting you again in 5 weeks to re-assess my skin with the products suggested/purchased. 🤍
Professional, knowledgeable and honest. Top quality treatments from skilled staff who you can trust.Dr Fatima has tailored her treatments and skincare products to completely transform my previously acne prone skin and it has never looked more healthy and glowing. My scarring and pitting has completely reduced and my skin is no longer textured. The hydra facials have made my skin look the best it’s ever been and I no longer feel self conscious to go out with no make up on thanks to the treatments from Face Studio Clinic. Dr Mariam is a professional at providing a natural filler look. She is able to put you at ease and knows exactly what will work for you without you having to even say anything. The most pain free experience with amazing results and brilliant aftercare support. I have never felt more confident in my skin thanks to them both!Face Studio Clinic makes you feel completely safe in their hands and you always leave feeling even more comfortable and happier then when you walked in. The best team, treatments and service in Birmingham!
Ive lived in Qatar and come home to see family regularly. The gulf has some of the best aesthetics clinics around, and honestly face is the best i have been to! Dr Mariams needle technique is beyond amazing, of-course with over ten years experience as a dentist- i would trust bo one else to do any procedure on my face due to risks and complications but being a doctor of the head and neck i put my trust in her and the results are outstanding. Also i only do facials at face now, these fancy places i have been to in the gulf dont even compare the the tailored hydro facial Ms Fatima gave me- i was glowing for days and received so many compliments!! If there was 7 stars on reviews i would have ticked that!
Todays appointment couldn’t have gone any smoother, I was taken through every step and everything was explained clearly and precisely to me. Staff are absolutely welcoming and calming, which is exactly what I needed.Thank u!Looking forward to my next appointment.