Gummy Smile Treatment in Fountain Valley, CA
Create a more balanced smile with long-term stability in mind.
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile occurs when excess gum tissue shows above the teeth when smiling. This can make teeth appear shorter than they actually are and affect overall facial balance. While some gummy smiles are purely cosmetic, others are linked to how the teeth, jaws, lips, or airway developed over time.
Common Causes of a Gummy Smile
Jaw growth patterns: If the upper jaw grows downward more than usual, more gum tissue can show when smiling.
Breathing habits during growth: Chronic mouth breathing, especially in childhood, can influence jaw development.
Tooth eruption issues: When teeth erupt lower than ideal or do not fully emerge, the gums can appear more prominent, making the teeth look shorter.
Common Concerns Gummy Smile Treatment Can Correct
If your smile shows more gum tissue than you’d like, orthodontic treatment can help rebalance how your teeth and gums appear when you smile. Below are some of the most common smile concerns we see and treat.
Excess Gum Visibility When Smiling
If your smile shows more gum tissue than you prefer, treatment can help rebalance the gum line so the teeth appear more prominent and the smile feels more proportionate.
Uneven Gum Line or Smile Asymmetry
An occlusal cant is when the bite tilts to one side, making the smile look uneven or showing more gum on one side. This tilt can also accentuate or cause facial asymmetry. Orthodontic treatment can level the bite and our gummy smile treatment can create a more balanced smile.
OUR APPROACH
Gummy Smile
Treatment Options
- Non-Surgical Tooth Intrusion (TADs): Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) allow precise tooth movement to reduce gum show — without jaw surgery.
- Gum Reshaping: When excess gum tissue is the main contributor, reshaping the gum line can reveal more of the natural tooth.
- Surgical Options: In rare cases with significant skeletal involvement, surgical treatment may be recommended in coordination with specialists.
- Growth-Guided Treatment (Kids & Teens): Early orthodontic care can guide jaw development and reduce excessive gum display before it becomes more pronounced.
Kieu Orthodontics
1,000’s of Patients Treated
Affordable, Flexible Payment Options
We accept all PPO insurances
Your insurance may cover part of your braces treatment, and coverage depends on your plan. We accept PPO insurance plans and Medi-Cal, and our team is here to help you with paperwork and coordinate payment on your behalf.
View Accepted Providers
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Shield of California
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- GEHA
- Guardian
- Humana
- MetLife
- Principal
- Sun Life
- United Concordia
- UnitedHealthcare
- UMR
Flexible payment options
We want treatment to fit comfortably into your budget. We offer flexible payment plans with 0 percent interest for most options, and you can adjust your initial and monthly payments to what works best for you. Ask about our paid-in-full and family discounts.
Explore Other Orthodontic Services
We offer modern orthodontic solutions designed to align your smile, support healthy breathing, and improve overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids grow out of a gummy smile?
Some children appear to have a gummy smile due to smaller teeth or normal stages of development. In other cases, the issue persists as adult teeth come in. An orthodontic evaluation can help determine whether monitoring or treatment is recommended.
Can teens and adults fix a gummy smile without surgery?
In many cases, yes. Modern orthodontic techniques allow gummy smiles to be treated without jaw surgery, depending on the cause and severity. An orthodontist can explain which options are appropriate after an evaluation.
What treatment options are available for a gummy smile?
Treatment depends on the cause. Options may include orthodontic treatment, growth-guided care, non-surgical techniques to reposition teeth, or gum reshaping procedures. Severe cases may require surgical care in coordination with specialists.
How long does gummy smile treatment take?
Treatment time varies based on age, growth stage, and the type of treatment needed. Some cases require only orthodontic care, while others involve multiple phases. Your orthodontist will provide a personalized timeline during your consultation.
Is gummy smile treatment right for adults?
Yes. Adults can benefit from gummy smile treatment at any age. Advances in orthodontics make it possible to achieve meaningful improvements comfortably and effectively.
Have questions for our orthodontists?
If you have questions or want personal guidance, our contact page has a simple form along with our phone number and email so you can reach us in the way that works best for you.
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