What Is a Gummy Smile and How Is It Treated?
A gummy smile is when more than 3mm of gum tissue shows above your upper teeth when you smile, a condition clinicians call excessive gingival display. Treatment targets the root cause, whether that’s tooth position, lip movement, or jaw growth, and matches the fix to the source.
Gummy Smile Treatment in Portland OR starts with finding what’s driving the look. Our Hillsboro studio serves patients across the Portland area, and most gummy smiles trace back to one of a few sources:
- A shorter or hyperactive upper lip that lifts too high
- Vertical jaw growth that exposes extra gum tissue
- Altered tooth eruption, where teeth look short because gum tissue covers them
- Teeth that sit lower than ideal within the jaw
Treatment options vary based on what’s driving the look. Some smiles respond well to orthodontics alone, especially when temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are used to intrude the upper teeth. Others benefit from gum reshaping, jaw coordination with an oral surgeon, or a mix of approaches.
Our team at Vibe Orthodontics skips one-size-fits-all care. We diagnose the why first, then build your plan around it. Straightforward smiles.
Benefits of Gummy Smile Treatment
Correcting a gummy smile does more than change how your smile looks in photos. It shifts the overall balance of your face and, often, how you feel about showing your teeth at all. Patients across Portland come to us for exactly this kind of change.
Here’s what most people notice after treatment:
- Better smile balance. Your teeth and gums sit in proportions that feel natural and even.
- A face that works together. Lips, teeth, and gum line all line up instead of competing for attention.
- Teeth that look the right size. When excess gum tissue is addressed, your teeth appear fuller and better proportioned.
- A real confidence shift. You stop hiding your smile in photos, meetings, and first introductions.
- Long-lasting results. Most outcomes hold for years, especially when paired with good home care and retention.
- Healthier gums. Reshaping and repositioning can make daily brushing and flossing easier, which supports long-term gum health.
As a general clinical principle, addressing the underlying cause of gum display, rather than treating only the symptoms, tends to lead to more stable results over time. That’s the approach we take with every plan we build.
The Gummy Smile Treatment Process at Vibe Orthodontics
Your plan starts with understanding why your smile shows extra gum tissue. From there, we build a clear path forward, no guesswork.
Step 1: First visit and diagnosis
We use digital scanning, panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, and a detailed exam to identify what’s causing the gum display. You’ll see your scans on screen and we’ll walk you through what we see, in plain language.
Step 2: Your custom plan
Depending on the cause, your plan might include orthodontics with TADs to move upper teeth up into the bone, coordination with a specialist for gum reshaping, jaw surgery planning for skeletal cases, or a combination. We’ll lay out the options, the timeline, and the cost before you commit to anything.
Step 3: Active treatment
This phase varies. Orthodontic intrusion with TADs often runs about 12 to 18 months. Gum reshaping can happen in a single visit with the right specialist. Jaw coordination cases take longer and involve surgical timing. We’ll give you a real timeline at your first visit, not a vague estimate.
Step 4: Retention
Once your smile is where it should be, retainers keep it there. We’ll show you exactly how to use them and check in at follow-ups to make sure everything holds.
Need to start sooner? We offer Same Day Consultations and, when appropriate, Same Day Starts so you can move from question to plan to action in one visit. Built around you.
Are You a Candidate for Gummy Smile Treatment?
Most adults and teens with healthy gums and visible gum display are candidates for some form of treatment. The right approach depends on what’s behind the look.
You may be a strong candidate if:
- You see 3mm or more of gum tissue when you smile naturally
- Your gums and teeth are healthy and free from active disease
- The cause is related to tooth position, altered eruption, or mild jaw growth patterns
- You’re an adult or teen with most or all permanent teeth in place
- You’re committed to retention after treatment
Non-surgical orthodontic options work well for cases where the upper teeth need to move up into the bone. TADs make this possible without affecting the rest of your bite. For more significant skeletal cases, where vertical jaw growth is the main driver, we’ll coordinate with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to plan combined treatment.
The only way to know which path fits you is a professional evaluation. A quick visual check in the mirror won’t reveal whether the cause is dental, skeletal, or soft tissue, and the right treatment depends on getting that answer right.
Why Choose Vibe Orthodontics for Gummy Smile Treatment near Portland
Vibe Orthodontics is led by Dr. Brandon Zegarowski, DDS, MS, an orthodontic specialist and American Association of Orthodontists member. His training and focus on orthodontics give him a clear view of what’s driving each gummy smile and how to correct it. Every plan starts with that specialist-level diagnosis, then maps to the method that fits your case.
Here’s what sets our care apart:
- Digital-first workflow. Intraoral scanning, digital treatment planning, and on-screen visuals so you can see what we see.
- Treatment options matched to the cause. From aligners and braces to TAD-assisted intrusion and surgical coordination, we choose the method based on what’s driving your gum display, not a default protocol.
- Strong adult and teen outcomes. We work with both age groups and plan around real schedules and real goals.
- Transparent pricing and clear payment options, with low down payments starting at a minimum of $1,200, and Delta Dental in-network coverage. We accept all other insurances out-of-network.
- Bilingual team. English and Spanish spoken, so you can ask questions in the language you’re most comfortable with.
- Calm, modern studio in Hillsboro, OR, serving Portland, the Intel campus area, and the Nike campus area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gummy Smile Treatment
How much does gummy smile treatment cost in Portland?
Cost depends on what’s causing your gum display and which approach fits. Orthodontic-only plans with TADs typically cost less than combined surgical cases. At Vibe Orthodontics, we offer low down payments starting at $1,200, credit card autopay, and cash options. You’ll get a clear, itemized estimate at your first visit, no surprises later.
Is gummy smile treatment painful?
Most people describe it as manageable. Orthodontic movement with TADs feels similar to regular braces or aligners, with mild pressure for a few days after adjustments. TAD placement uses local anesthetic and takes a few minutes. Gum reshaping is done with numbing and recovery is typically quick. We’ll walk you through what to expect before anything starts.
How long do results last?
Results are typically long-lasting, often permanent, when you wear your retainers as prescribed. Bone and tissue do remember their old positions, so retention matters. We’ll show you exactly how to use your retainers and check in over time to make sure your results hold.
Can braces or aligners fix a gummy smile?
Yes, in many cases. When the cause is tooth position or altered eruption, braces or aligners paired with TADs can move the upper teeth into a better position and reduce gum display. For cases driven by jaw growth or short upper lip, orthodontics alone may not be enough, and we’ll coordinate with other specialists if needed.
Does insurance cover gummy smile treatment?
Coverage varies. Orthodontic portions of treatment may be covered if your plan includes orthodontic benefits. Surgical and periodontal portions are often handled under medical or dental insurance separately. We’re in-network with Delta Dental and accept all other insurances out-of-network. Our team will help you understand your benefits before treatment starts.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the approach. Orthodontic intrusion with TADs typically runs about 12 to 18 months. Gum reshaping is often a single visit with healing over a few weeks. Combined surgical cases take longer due to coordination and recovery. You’ll get a real timeline at your first visit.
The table below breaks down common gummy smile treatment timelines and types so you can compare them at a glance:
| Treatment Type | Typical Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Orthodontics + TADs | 12-18 months | Dental or mild skeletal causes |
| Gum reshaping | Single visit + healing | Altered tooth eruption |
| Surgical coordination | 18-24+ months | Significant skeletal cases |
| Lip-focused treatment | Short repeat visits | Hyperactive upper lip |
Schedule Your Gummy Smile Consultation Today
Book a Same Day Consultation at Vibe Orthodontics and walk out with a clear plan, real numbers, and answers to every question you’ve been holding onto.
Our studio is located in Hillsboro, OR, and welcomes patients from across Portland, the Intel campus area, and the Nike campus area. Scheduling is simple, and our team will help you sort out insurance, financing, and payment options before treatment starts. No insurance? Not a problem. Low down payments starting at $1,200 make it workable. Call during business hours, Monday through Friday, and we’ll find a time that works for you.
Call (503) 924-2248 to book your first visit at our Hillsboro studio serving the Portland area.