Gingival Smile in Barcelona

What Is a Gingival Smile?

A gummy smile is when too much gum is visible when smiling. There are several causes, and therefore several treatments, depending on the cause.

When a gummy smile is mild—that is, no more than 2–3 mm of gum is visible when smiling—and the gum line is low in relation to the crowns of the teeth, we can correct the gummy smile by treating the gums using a technique called crown lengthening. What we do is reduce the amount of gum tissue covering the tooth (which is why we do this when the gum covers too much of the tooth), thereby reducing the gummy smile by 2 to 4 mm.

When is orthognathic surgery necessary?

In cases of a more pronounced gummy smile—more than 3 mm—and especially if it is associated with lip incompetence (the lips do not touch at rest without having to contract the chin) and a retruded jaw, the ideal solution is orthognathic surgery. In these cases, the upper jaw is repositioned upward by the number of millimeters we want to reduce the gummy smile. It is also often associated with forward movement of the maxilla and mandible, and frequently with counterclockwise rotation of the maxilla and mandible.

Hypermobile lip
and short

Another cause of a gummy smile is a short, hypermobile upper lip. These are patients who have very strong lip muscles, causing their lips to rise more than normal when they smile, exposing too much gum. In this case, it is essential to measure the length of the lip to determine whether it is short or normal. Hypermobile lips that cause a gummy smile can be treated by weakening the orbicularis oris muscle with a neuromodulatory toxin (Botox®).

As you can see, it’s not that easy to determine the best way to treat a gummy smile without first evaluating all of these factors. During your visit, we’ll evaluate the best treatment option for your gummy smile and explain the pros and cons of each option.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Gingival Smile

A gummy smile is one in which an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible when smiling. This may be due to a short upper lip, muscle hyperactivity, small teeth, or an excessively high maxilla. At Clínica Birbe in Barcelona, we assess the exact cause in order to recommend the appropriate treatment, whether it be cosmetic, orthodontic, or surgical.

Options include botulinum toxin, cosmetic gingivectomy, crown lengthening, orthodontic treatment with mini-implants to reposition the maxilla, or orthognathic surgery in cases of marked maxillary vertical excess. The choice depends on the diagnosis. Dr. Joan Birbe, an ABOMS-certified specialist, assesses the specific cause and prioritizes the least invasive option with a good prognosis.

No. In many cases, nonsurgical treatments are sufficient: botulinum toxin, orthodontics, or periodontal surgery. Orthognathic surgery is reserved for severe gingival smiles, which are typically associated with vertical maxillary excess and, frequently, malocclusion. Each case is evaluated using digital planning before a decision is made.

The goal is to achieve a balanced smile, in which the teeth are visible and the gum line is proportionate. The results are visible as soon as the tissues heal. When combined with orthodontics or orthognathic surgery, they also improve the bite and facial profile, offering functional benefits in addition to aesthetic ones.

Dr. Joan Birbe: ABOMS-Certified Treatment for a Gingival Smile

A gummy smile can be caused by muscular, dental, or skeletal factors. Each cause requires a different treatment. Dr. Birbe’s ABOMS certification ensures a differentiated diagnosis: ranging from botulinum toxin and lip repositioning to orthognathic surgery of the maxilla when the problem is bony in nature. This ability to choose the right technique helps avoid partial treatments that do not address the underlying cause of a gummy smile.

Why Get Treatment for a Gummy Smile at Clínica Birbe?

Fixing agummy smile starts with understanding why it occurs. This is the only way to choose the right treatment without overtreating.
• Differential diagnosis to distinguish between muscular, dental, or skeletal causes.
• Options ranging from botulinum toxin and gingivectomy to orthognathic surgery of the maxilla.
• 3D planning when bone surgery is required, with a simulation of the expected outcome.
• Coordination with orthodontics if the plan includes repositioning teeth before or after.
• Treatment provided by a full-service maxillofacial team, right in the heart of Barcelona.


Schedule your consultation at Clínica Birbe and find out why you show so much gum when you smile.

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