Gummy Smile Treatment in Seoul
A gummy smile has several possible causes, and the right treatment depends on which one applies to you. We diagnose the cause first, then plan gum, orthodontic or combined treatment.
- Since 2002
- 13 dentists
- In-house lab
- EN · 中文 · 日本語
How is a gummy smile fixed?
A gummy smile is fixed by treating its cause. Extra gum tissue is reshaped with gum contouring; teeth that are short because gum and bone cover them need crown lengthening; tooth position is corrected with orthodontics. At Gangnam One Day Dental Clinic, the dentist uses photos, scans and X-rays to find the cause, and some patients need a combination.
Reviewed by Dr. Kim Jin-hwan , Chief Director · Updated October 5, 2026
Why some smiles show too much gum
When more than about 3-4 mm of gum shows above the upper teeth in a full smile, many people describe it as a gummy smile. It is a normal variation, not a disease, and whether to treat it is a personal choice.
Finding the cause matters, because the wrong treatment gives a poor or temporary result. Removing gum when the real cause is an over-erupted front tooth or a long upper jaw will not change the smile much. That is why diagnosis comes before any procedure.
- Excess gum tissue covering part of the tooth
- Short clinical crowns: gum and bone sit too low on the tooth
- Upper front teeth that have over-erupted or tilted
- A hyperactive upper lip that lifts high when smiling
- Vertical overgrowth of the upper jaw
Matching the treatment to the cause
If only gum tissue is in excess, gum contouring reshapes the gumline in a single visit. If the bone also sits too close to the tooth edge, crown lengthening removes a small amount of bone as well, so the gum does not grow back to its old position.
If tooth position is the cause, orthodontic intrusion of the upper front teeth can raise the gumline without surgery. Our orthodontics department, led by Dr. Kim Do-hoon, plans this with braces or clear aligners. Where lip movement or jaw growth is the main cause, the dentist explains the options, which may lie outside dental treatment.
Not sure if this is right for you? Send a photo or X-ray — a dentist replies on WhatsApp in English, Chinese or Japanese.
Get a free opinionPlanning the final smile
Gum work changes the visible length of the teeth, so it is planned with the final tooth shape in mind. A Digital Smile Design plan sets the target gumline and tooth proportions before surgery, and shows whether veneers or crowns will be needed afterwards.
Gum procedures at the clinic are carried out within our periodontics department. Gum health is checked first; inflamed gums must be treated before cosmetic reshaping.
| Gum contouring | Crown lengthening | Orthodontic correction | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main cause treated | Excess gum tissue | Gum and bone too low on tooth | Tooth position |
| Visits | Usually 1 | 1 plus follow-up | Monthly checks |
| Treatment time | About 30-60 min | About 1-1.5 hours | Typically 12-24 months |
| Healing | About 1-2 weeks | Gum settles in 6-12 weeks | Not applicable |
| Bone removed | No | Small amount | No |
How it works at Oneday Dental
- Before visit
Send smile photos
Send a relaxed face photo and a full smile photo on WhatsApp. The dentist gives a first view on the likely cause.
- Visit 1
Diagnosis
Gum depth, tooth length, lip movement and X-ray or 3D CT are assessed to confirm the cause.
- Visit 1-2
Smile design and plan
The target gumline and tooth proportions are designed and the treatment options are explained.
- Treatment
Gum, orthodontic or combined treatment
Gum procedures are done under local anaesthesia; orthodontic plans begin with scans and appliances.
- Follow-up
Healing and review
The gumline is reviewed as it heals, before any final veneers or crowns are made.
Things to know before you decide
- If the cause is the upper jaw or lip, gum procedures alone will give a limited change.
- Crown lengthening needs about 6-12 weeks for the gum to settle before final restorations.
- Active gum disease must be treated before cosmetic gum procedures.
- Temporary tenderness and sensitivity at the gumline are common after surgery.
Experience you can check
- 2002Founded in Gangnam — 24 years
- 13Dentists in 5 departments
- 3Clinic buildings, 1,570 m²
- 0.01 mmT-Scan bite-force detail
Vice President, Korean Academy of Stomatognathic Function & Occlusion · author on T-Scan implant occlusion (IGI Global)
Gummy Smile: common questions
How do I know what causes my gummy smile?
Is gummy smile treatment permanent?
Does gummy smile surgery hurt?
Can a gummy smile be fixed without surgery?
How long should I stay in Seoul for gummy smile treatment?
How much does gummy smile treatment cost?
You may also want to read
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring in Seoul to even an uneven gumline or lengthen short-looking teeth.
Learn more →Digital Smile Design
Digital Smile Design in Gangnam: see your planned smile before any tooth is touched.
Learn more →Periodontics & Gum Care
Periodontics in Seoul: gum disease diagnosis, scaling and root planing, laser and recession care by two periodontists…
Learn more →Orthodontics in Seoul
Orthodontics in Seoul led by Dr. Kim Do-hoon: braces, Invisalign, clear aligners and protrusion correction…
Learn more →Dental Veneers Seoul
Dental veneers in Seoul for visiting patients: prep, no-prep and one-day options made in our in-house Gangnam lab.
Learn more →Smile Makeover
Smile makeover in Seoul: how veneers, whitening, crowns, bonding, gum contouring and orthodontics are sequenced into…
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Get a dentist's opinion on WhatsApp
Send your question, photos or X-ray. We reply with a plan, timeline and estimate in English, Chinese, Japanese or Korean.
