Gummy Smile

You love your smile — but in photos, all you see is gum. If your upper lip lifts to reveal a lot of gum tissue when you smile, you have what’s called a gummy smile, and you’re far from alone. The good news? It’s very treatable without surgery. At Face and Body Esthetics in Bellmore, we offer professional, non-surgical gummy smile treatment that softens the look and lets your teeth take center stage. As your local med spa in Bellmore, we’ve helped plenty of clients go from camera-shy to can’t-stop-smiling. Let’s talk about what causes a gummy smile and how simple the fix can be.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile — clinically called excessive gingival display — is when a disproportionate amount of gum tissue shows above your upper teeth when you smile. There’s no strict medical definition, but generally, showing more than a few millimeters of gum is what people notice and want to change.

It’s not a health problem — it’s purely aesthetic. But aesthetics matter. Many people with gummy smiles tell us they hold back their smiles, cover their mouths when laughing, or dread photos. If that’s you, know this: it’s an incredibly common concern, and the fix is far simpler than most people expect.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

Several factors can cause it, and identifying yours is the first step:

A hyperactive upper lip — the most common cause. The muscle that lifts your upper lip pulls a bit too enthusiastically, exposing more gum than average.

Excess gum tissue — sometimes the gums simply cover more of the teeth than usual, making teeth look short and gums prominent.

Jaw or tooth positioning — less commonly, the way the upper jaw developed or how teeth erupted contributes to the look.

A short upper lip — less lip length means more gum shows when you smile.

Why does the cause matter? Because it determines the right treatment. A hyperactive lip responds beautifully to non-surgical treatment at a med spa. Excess gum tissue, on the other hand, is a dental matter — and we’ll tell you honestly which camp you’re in.

Gummy Smile Treatment at Face and Body Esthetics

For the most common cause — a hyperactive upper lip — non-surgical gummy smile treatment works by gently relaxing the muscle that lifts the lip. The result: your lip doesn’t ride up as high when you smile, less gum shows, and your smile looks balanced and natural. Not frozen, not different — just… right.

Treatment at Face and Body Esthetics starts with a consultation where your provider watches you smile, talk, and laugh (yes, really) to assess your lip movement and determine the precise approach. The treatment itself is quick — a short appointment with minimal discomfort — and you’ll start noticing the difference within days, with full effect typically within two weeks. Most clients tell us friends notice they look “happier” without being able to pinpoint why — which is exactly the natural result we’re after.

If your gummy smile stems from excess gum tissue rather than lip movement, we’ll be straight with you: that’s a dental procedure (like gum contouring), and we’ll refer you to a trusted dental professional. We only treat what we can genuinely improve.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Smile assessment. We observe your natural smile dynamics — how high your lip lifts, how much gum shows — to confirm the cause and the right approach.

Personalized treatment. Your provider tailors the treatment to your facial anatomy. Precision matters here; this is a small area where expertise shows.

The treatment. Quick, with only brief, mild discomfort. Most clients are surprised how fast it’s over.

Results timeline. You’ll notice softening within days and full results in about two weeks. We’ll check in to make sure you love your new smile.

How Long Do Results Last?

Non-surgical gummy smile treatment isn’t permanent — results typically last several months, and most clients simply schedule periodic touch-ups to maintain their smile. Your provider will discuss a maintenance rhythm that fits your goals and budget. Many clients find it becomes a simple, routine part of their self-care.

More Than Gummy Smiles: Full Med Spa Services

Face and Body Esthetics is a full-service med spa in Bellmore, so your smile visit can easily become a complete refresh. Many clients pair gummy smile treatment with lip-enhancing treatments, facials, or full-face rejuvenation planning.

We offer a complete menu of med spa services, and our team will never push treatments you don’t need. We’ll assess your smile, lay out your options honestly — including when a dental referral is the right call — and let you decide.

Coming in is simple. Just reach out to schedule your consultation. Your most confident smile starts with one visit.

Right Here in Bellmore

Non-surgical gummy smile treatment is right in your neighborhood. Face and Body Esthetics is conveniently located in Bellmore Village, near the shops and restaurants of Bedford Avenue — easy to reach from North Bellmore, South Bellmore, or anywhere along the Merrick Road corridor.

We’re a quick drive from the Bellmore LIRR station, minutes from the Bellmore Memorial Library and the Grand Avenue area, and right in the neighborhood for families around Mepham and JFK High Schools. Pair your appointment with errands in Bellmore Village or a stop along Sunrise Highway.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a gummy smile?
A gummy smile is when excessive gum tissue shows above the upper teeth when smiling — generally more than a few millimeters. It’s a cosmetic concern, not a health problem, and it’s very treatable.

2. What causes a gummy smile?
Most commonly, a hyperactive upper lip muscle that lifts too high. Other causes include excess gum tissue, jaw positioning, or a short upper lip. Identifying the cause determines the right treatment.

3. How is a gummy smile treated without surgery?
For hyperactive lips, non-surgical treatment gently relaxes the lip-lifting muscle so less gum shows when you smile. It’s a quick treatment with minimal discomfort and natural-looking results.

4. How long do results last?
Typically several months. Most clients schedule periodic touch-ups to maintain their results — your provider will recommend a rhythm that works for you.

5. Will treatment affect how I talk or eat?
No. The treatment is precisely targeted to soften the smile’s lift without affecting normal lip function. You’ll talk, eat, and laugh completely normally — you’ll just show less gum doing it.

6. What if my gummy smile is caused by excess gum tissue?
Then it’s a dental matter — procedures like gum contouring are performed by dental professionals. We’ll tell you honestly at your consultation and refer you to someone we trust.

7. Can I combine gummy smile treatment with other med spa services?
Absolutely. It pairs naturally with lip treatments, facials, and full-face rejuvenation. As a full-service Bellmore med spa, Face and Body Esthetics coordinates everything in one plan.

Ready to love your smile in photos? Book your gummy smile consultation at Face and Body Esthetics in Bellmore today. Your most confident smile is one appointment away.