Cosmetic Dentistry
Gummy Smile Treatment in Woodland Hills: What Are Your Options?
If you've been searching for a gummy smile fix near me, you've likely already noticed how much variation exists in the procedures being offered — and how little clarity there is about which one actually applies to your situation. That uncertainty is common, and it's exactly the kind of question Dr. Kass Nourishad is equipped to answer. With more than 30 years of cosmetic and restorative dental experience and PPO insurance accepted at our cosmetic dentistry practice in Woodland Hills, First Dental Implant Center gives you a credentialed evaluation, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A smile that shows too much gum tissue above the teeth can stem from several distinct causes. The right treatment depends entirely on identifying which one — or which combination — is at work.
Excess Gum Tissue vs. Short Tooth Crown vs. Lip Position
In some patients, the teeth are actually a normal length but are partially covered by excess gum tissue, making them appear shorter than they are. In others, the teeth themselves are genuinely short relative to the gum line. A third category involves the upper lip — when the lip rises higher than average during a smile, it exposes more gum regardless of tooth or tissue dimensions. Each of these causes points toward a different procedure, which is why a proper clinical evaluation matters before any treatment is planned.
Treatment Options for a Gummy Smile in Woodland Hills
Gummy smile treatment in Woodland Hills at First Dental Implant Center includes three primary approaches, selected based on the clinical findings at your consultation.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue — and in some cases, a small amount of supporting bone — to expose more of the natural tooth surface. It is commonly used when teeth are covered by overgrown gum tissue or when a dental crown or bridge requires more tooth structure to bond to properly. Results are precise and long-lasting when the procedure is matched to the correct diagnosis.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring reshapes the gum line to create a more symmetrical, proportionate appearance across the smile. It is typically a less invasive option than full crown lengthening and is well-suited for patients whose primary concern is aesthetic unevenness rather than significant tissue overgrowth. This procedure falls under the broader category of gum contouring Woodland Hills patients often ask about when they want a cleaner smile line without extensive surgery.
Lip Repositioning
When a hyperactive or high upper lip is the primary driver of excessive gum display, lip repositioning dental surgery may be the most effective approach. This procedure limits how far the lip rises during a smile by modifying the tissue connection between the lip and gum. It does not alter the teeth or gum tissue itself, making it a targeted option for patients whose gum and tooth dimensions are otherwise normal.
Benefits of Treating a Gummy Smile
Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes
The most immediate benefit is a smile that looks balanced — one where the proportion of teeth to gum tissue feels natural rather than distracting. For many patients, this translates directly into renewed confidence in social and professional settings. Beyond aesthetics, crown lengthening also serves a functional purpose: it creates the tooth structure needed for restorations like crowns to seat and bond correctly, contributing to long-term dental health. If you're considering a broader transformation, our smile makeover page outlines how these procedures can work together as part of a complete plan.
How Gummy Smile Treatment Compares to Veneers
When Veneers Are the Better Choice
Porcelain veneers address the visible surface of the teeth — their shape, color, and length — without modifying gum tissue. If your gum line is already proportionate and your primary concern is the appearance of the teeth themselves, veneers may be the more direct path to the result you want.
When Gum Recontouring Comes First
When excess or uneven gum tissue is obscuring the teeth, placing veneers before addressing the gum line can produce a result that still looks off. In these cases, crown lengthening or gum contouring is performed first to establish a clean, symmetrical foundation — and veneers or other restorations are placed afterward if needed. The two approaches are complementary, not competing. Dr. Kass evaluates the full picture to determine which sequence, or which single procedure, will produce the most lasting outcome for you.
Is Gummy Smile Treatment Right for You?
What to Expect at Your Consultation with Dr. Kass
At your consultation, Dr. Kass Nourishad will examine your gum tissue, tooth dimensions, and lip dynamics to identify the specific cause of your gummy smile. He will walk you through the procedure or combination of procedures that fits your situation, explain what recovery looks like, and answer any questions about cost and insurance coverage. There is no pressure and no assumption about what you need before the evaluation is complete. Most patients leave with a clear picture of their options and a realistic sense of what the outcome will look like.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is gummy smile treatment covered by PPO insurance?
Coverage depends on your specific PPO plan and the underlying cause of the gummy smile. Crown lengthening performed for functional or restorative reasons is more likely to receive partial coverage than purely cosmetic gum contouring. First Dental Implant Center accepts a wide range of PPO plans and can help you verify your benefits before treatment begins.
How long does crown lengthening recovery take?
Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activity within a few days. Gum tissue typically heals fully over two to three months, during which time you may notice gradual improvement in how your smile looks. Dr. Kass will provide specific aftercare instructions based on the extent of your procedure.
Can a gummy smile come back after treatment?
When the underlying cause is properly identified and treated, results are generally long-lasting. In some cases — particularly where altered passive eruption or lip position is involved — tissue can shift over time if the root cause is not fully addressed. A thorough evaluation with Dr. Kass helps ensure the right procedure is matched to the right cause, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
Begin
Find Out What's Actually Causing Your Gummy Smile
The right treatment starts with the right diagnosis. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kass Nourishad and get a credentialed evaluation of your gum tissue, tooth proportions, and lip dynamics — so the procedure you choose is matched to the actual cause, not a guess. PPO insurance is accepted, and you'll leave with a clear picture of your options and what the result will look like.