Are certain people more likely to have gummy smiles?
Your Genes Have a Lot to Do With The Look of Your Smile
Many of the conditions that lead to a gummy smile are hereditary. If a close family member has a gummy smile, there is a much higher chance that you will as well.
Gummy smiles also tend to be more prevalent in women than in men.
So what causes my smile to look gummy?
A Range of Factors Can Result In A Gummy Smile
Too Much Gum Tissue
Some of us simply have more gum tissue than others. In some cases, teeth appear short because they did not fully erupt from the gums and are still partially covered by gum tissue. Gums can also grow over teeth due to a condition called gingival hypertrophy.
Worn or Short Teeth
Your teeth may appear small in comparison with your gums if they have been worn down or are naturally shorter than average.
A Short or Hyperactive Upper Lip
If your upper lip is too short, it can reveal more of your gums when you smile. In other cases, the upper lip is a normal length, but lifts too high when smiling.
Jaw Problems
An overgrowth in the upper jaw, known as vertical maxillary excess, can make your gums bulge and upset the proportions of your smile.
Are gummy smiles common?
A Gummy Smile Is More Common Among Young People
*According to a study by Jerbi Mohamed Ali and Dallel Ines
Excessive gum tissue tends to decrease with age.
What should I do if I think my smile is gummy?
Your Doctor Can Assess Your Smile
If you are concerned about how much gum tissue shows when you smile, your dentist can perform an examination and explain your treatment options. During the appointment, he or she will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw to figure out the cause. You may also need impressions and x-rays.
Can I prevent my smile from looking gummy?
Most of the Causes of a Gummy Smile are Hereditary
Unfortunately, when a gummy smile is caused by genetics, there are no reliable methods of prevention. However, by visiting a dentist on a regular basis, you can address teeth grinding and other issues that can eventually contribute to a gummy smile.
What counts as a “gummy smile?”
Dentists Say showing three millimeters of gum tissue or less is normal.
“Anything over three to four millimeters of gum showing starts to look ‘gummy.’”
-Dr. Stan Heifetz on the ideal smile
The Best Treatment Option For You Depends On The Cause Of Your Gummy Smile
One of the most common treatments for patients who have a mildly gummy smile is laser gum contouring. Your doctor can use a soft-tissue laser to remove gum tissue, improving the proportions between your teeth and gums.
What are my other treatment options?
A Wide Variety of Solutions
Orthodontics
If your gummy smile is due to mild issues with your jaws or bite, an orthodontic treatment can shift the position of your teeth to reduce the amount of gum tissue that shows when you smile.
Porcelain Veneers or Crowns
Placing a restoration, such as a veneer or crown, can make worn or short teeth appear longer and balance the proportions of your smile.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
For cases of moderate to severe jaw protrusion, you may need orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontics.
BOTOX Cosmetic
Doctors can now use BOTOX Cosmetic to limit the movement of your upper lip when you smile. While temporary, it can provide beautiful results at an affordable price.
How do I get started?
Contact a Doctor Today
If you dislike the gummy look of your smile, a range of treatments exist to give you a more balanced, symmetrical appearance. Reach out to a doctor today to learn more.
What Patients Are Saying!
Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in St. Louis, MO
Elizabeth Tarpley
12 September 2026
I can’t say enough great things about the staff here. Friendly, kind, compassionate, patient, empathetic and above all - amazing at their jobs. Front desk staff, billing staff, treatment coordinator, assistants and of course Dr. Schlaikjer - thank you so very much for making the extraction, bone graft and implant process the best experience possible for a very anxious person. 🙌🏼👏
Kelsie Wall
2 February 2026
If I could leave more than 5 stars I would. Alyssa has been amazing at every appointment. She eases my fears before I can even express them and answers every question I have. I cannot rave enough about my experience. I never dread my appointment, which I cannot say the same about my regular dentist. Thank you so much for your amazing care!
Maryann
8 December 2025
Long overdue review of this excellent practice. I have had four separate procedures over the last 18 or so months, All utilizing IV sedation. As a retired nurse I was very concerned that best practices were implemented for patients under conscious sedation. Dr. Schlaikjer has a crash cart with the appropriate reversal agents and code supplies. The monitors in the room were the same I used in the critical care setting. The Dr is ACLS certified and his staff are BLS certified. The staff including the front desk were top notch. The ladies at the desk went above and beyond helping me with my insurance claim. Both my dentist and orthodontist recommended Dr. Schlaikjer and I am so grateful they did.
Jonathan Baker
9 January 2025
Dr. Justin Schlaikjer and his team are exceptional—thorough, gentle, and genuinely caring. My gum graft procedure went smoothly with excellent results and minimal downtime. Their kindness and non-judgmental approach make every visit a positive experience. Highly recommend!
Elaine Siebert
30 July 2024
Where to start… Office is extremely friendly, super professional, and great with communication. Dr. Schlaikjer is upfront, honest, and a perfectionist there’s no one else I would rather trust with my dental care.
Hayleigh Locke
12 April 2024
I’ve had a gum graft, bone graft and implant done by Justin and I am extremely satisfied. It’s been a year since my implant and any dentist or orthodontist that sees my implant compliments it and the healed tissue around it. Very minimal pain from the surgeries but the healing process is kinda long. Overall 10/10 experience and I recommend anyone that needs a graft or implant to go to Justin.
joseph bova conti
2 February 2024
Dr. Schlaikjer is amazing! So kind, professional and friendly! My experience with an implant was flawless. From day one I had confidence in Dr. Schlaikjer! Add to that - the staff!!! The staff is awesome, efficient and so accommodating! This has been an incredible experience. I highly recommend Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff!!!
Charles Clarke
26 January 2024
I have a been a practicing Dental Specialist for over 30 years in South County. I am only treated by the best people in the field. I was blown away by how easy it was having implants placed Dr Schlaiker and his trusty Robot. In my case I had implants replacing congenitally missing molars on both sides of my lower jaw. I had seen an implant surgeon previously who thought it was too close to the nerve to be done (which could have left my lip permanently paralyzed) . After having the 3D CBCT taken and then evaluated by Dr Schlaiker he assured me that with the use of his Robot technology it was indeed possible. In fact, he could do it all in one appointment under IV sedation!!! Yesterday morning I had the procedures performed with zero discomfort! I am the typical male and am terrified of medical and dental procedures that I am awake for. I did not remember anything! Last night my wife told me I had her stop at the Steak and Shake for a milkshake after the appointment. I did not even remember that!! I took the pain medicine prescribed last night and nothing this morning. I am sitting here eating ice cream :) Life is good. Thank you to Dr Schlaiker and his amazing office staff (including the robot) for making what could have been a scary appointment….enjoyable!
Charlie M
22 January 2024
Wonderful people. Dr S carefully explains every procedure. It's weird, but my two favorite Docs are my periodontist and my urologist. My teeth and gums are in much better shape than when I first came in a few years ago.
Pourya Maryam Shamsi
22 November 2022
Dude. I was referred to Dr. Justin for gum grafting. I was like “another waste of money on something hooey”. Boy I was wrong. He did his work which took about 2 months for the whole two part procedure and wow. What a difference. My gums look all shiny and new. As if I never had a recession. Loved it. Now I want to do the rest of my teeth/gum 😂😂. Looks really nice.
Tim Schoemehl
10 September 2022
This Dr is amazing. I would recommend him to anyone in need of periodontal work! His staff is also amazing! Thank all of you very much!
Dragica Junuzovic
29 May 2022
Thank you dr Schlaikejer for you profesional work .Everything is so simple with you, except your last name.😉 And,you are sorounding with good tim of assistence. I will recomended you to peaple who wants have a beautiful smile😅
Toni Brinker
8 November 2021
By far, the BEST experience I’ve ever had at a medical office. The staff/doctor was so accommodating, and made me feel super welcome and comfortable. At one point during my visit I told them I felt like I was at a spa! They treat their patients so well and give you their undivided attention. I was dreading this visit, but it was actually enjoyable! Dr. Schlaikjer was very informative and took his time, he was funny (as well as the staff), and I know I can trust him, which can be hard to find when it comes to healthcare. They truly, truly care about their patients, and I will definitely be back.
Mike Manion
22 October 2021
Dr Schlaikjer and his staff are very professional and friendly. If I knew how painless and easy the procedure was, I would have come in sooner. They are GREAT! Thanks, Patti Manion
Mirsada Perkanovic
9 July 2021
Dr Schlaikjer and his team did outstanding job! I was very impressed from start to finish. After I talking to my friends and intervjuing several oral surgeons, I was pleased that I chose Dr Schlaikjer and his team. I could not have made a better choose. I wish, I could give this place more than 5 stars! Can not thank them enough. I had an extractions, 5 implant placed and bone graft done.Everything was amazing. He and his entire team are incredibly kind, helpful and attentive and they make you feel like you are visiting a friend rather than a surgeon. No better place to go for a dental extraction and tooth implants. As good as it gets. I HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone who is need of this type of service. I am very happy with my dental implants and I will be forever grateful!
Ronald Wunsch
9 March 2021
I was referred by my dentist who gave Dr S a rave review. After a thorough examination it was determined that my bone had to be built up to, accommodate an implant. It was a difficult task but Dr S handled it with expertise, compassion and an explanation of each and every procedure before he began. After major oral surgery he sent me home with his cell phone number to call if I was in pain. I have the utmost confidence in dr S and encourage anyone needing a Periodontist to go to him.
Stan Nieweglowski
20 May 2020
Dr. Schlaikjer is a true professional. This was my first procedure of the sort and he, along with his staff, made it a breeze. I barely felt a thing.
Courtney EurekaSmile
10 December 2019
My son was involved in a car accident and had to have gum grafting. Dr Schlaikjer and his team were very informative, professional and went out of their way to make my son and I feel comfortable and important. They are very personable and easy to talk to. My son has had great results with his procedure and we are so thankful to have found Dr. Schlaikjer!
Chris Elbring
3 December 2019
Dr Schlaikjer is very skilled and it is apparent when you are in his care. Always felt comfortable. Gum graft went super well and exceeded expectations. This sort of stuff is never fun, but if I had to get periodontal work again, I know where I would go.
Raul Alvarez
16 July 2019
Really enjoyed (who even says that about a dentist) visiting Dr. Schlaikjer's office. Staff is personable and professional... along with Dr. Schlaikjer's care and expertise. Highly recommend.
Kyle Brown
8 March 2019
Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff are absolutely incredible!!! There aren't enough fantastic words to describe him and his practice, I highly reccomend them to everyone!
Patti Redel
27 February 2019
First time I have gone to Dr. Schlaikjer. I can’t say enough about the professional, caring work he and his staff do. The entire team, from Danyell, to Natasha, Ashley and Dr. Schlaikjer took the time to meet with me, explain everything as they went along and calmed my nerves. I highly recommend his services. Top notch!
Ben Cohn
10 February 2019
Very skilled, very meticulous practitioner with a great, reassuring manner. Helpful, attentive staff. Good outcomes for all 3 procedures he's done for me. Highly recommend.
Gerald Tanner
13 December 2018
Great dentist and office. Had 2 procedures and both went smoothly. Very skilled and has very reassuring manner.
K Smith
30 October 2018
By far his most difficult patient yet, and yet I'd go back in a heartbeat. Friendly staff across the board. Patient, understanding, sympathetic, etc.
Dr. Jon Copeland
10 April 2017
Great periodontist. Easy to get to location.
Elizabeth Tarpley
12 September 2026
I can’t say enough great things about the staff here. Friendly, kind, compassionate, patient, empathetic and above all - amazing at their jobs. Front desk staff, billing staff, treatment coordinator, assistants and of course Dr. Schlaikjer - thank you so very much for making the extraction, bone graft and implant process the best experience possible for a very anxious person. 🙌🏼👏
Kelsie Wall
2 February 2026
If I could leave more than 5 stars I would. Alyssa has been amazing at every appointment. She eases my fears before I can even express them and answers every question I have. I cannot rave enough about my experience. I never dread my appointment, which I cannot say the same about my regular dentist. Thank you so much for your amazing care!
Maryann
8 December 2025
Long overdue review of this excellent practice. I have had four separate procedures over the last 18 or so months, All utilizing IV sedation. As a retired nurse I was very concerned that best practices were implemented for patients under conscious sedation. Dr. Schlaikjer has a crash cart with the appropriate reversal agents and code supplies. The monitors in the room were the same I used in the critical care setting. The Dr is ACLS certified and his staff are BLS certified. The staff including the front desk were top notch. The ladies at the desk went above and beyond helping me with my insurance claim. Both my dentist and orthodontist recommended Dr. Schlaikjer and I am so grateful they did.
Jonathan Baker
9 January 2025
Dr. Justin Schlaikjer and his team are exceptional—thorough, gentle, and genuinely caring. My gum graft procedure went smoothly with excellent results and minimal downtime. Their kindness and non-judgmental approach make every visit a positive experience. Highly recommend!
Elaine Siebert
30 July 2024
Where to start… Office is extremely friendly, super professional, and great with communication. Dr. Schlaikjer is upfront, honest, and a perfectionist there’s no one else I would rather trust with my dental care.
Hayleigh Locke
12 April 2024
I’ve had a gum graft, bone graft and implant done by Justin and I am extremely satisfied. It’s been a year since my implant and any dentist or orthodontist that sees my implant compliments it and the healed tissue around it. Very minimal pain from the surgeries but the healing process is kinda long. Overall 10/10 experience and I recommend anyone that needs a graft or implant to go to Justin.
joseph bova conti
2 February 2024
Dr. Schlaikjer is amazing! So kind, professional and friendly! My experience with an implant was flawless. From day one I had confidence in Dr. Schlaikjer! Add to that - the staff!!! The staff is awesome, efficient and so accommodating! This has been an incredible experience. I highly recommend Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff!!!
Charles Clarke
26 January 2024
I have a been a practicing Dental Specialist for over 30 years in South County. I am only treated by the best people in the field. I was blown away by how easy it was having implants placed Dr Schlaiker and his trusty Robot. In my case I had implants replacing congenitally missing molars on both sides of my lower jaw. I had seen an implant surgeon previously who thought it was too close to the nerve to be done (which could have left my lip permanently paralyzed) . After having the 3D CBCT taken and then evaluated by Dr Schlaiker he assured me that with the use of his Robot technology it was indeed possible. In fact, he could do it all in one appointment under IV sedation!!! Yesterday morning I had the procedures performed with zero discomfort! I am the typical male and am terrified of medical and dental procedures that I am awake for. I did not remember anything! Last night my wife told me I had her stop at the Steak and Shake for a milkshake after the appointment. I did not even remember that!! I took the pain medicine prescribed last night and nothing this morning. I am sitting here eating ice cream :) Life is good. Thank you to Dr Schlaiker and his amazing office staff (including the robot) for making what could have been a scary appointment….enjoyable!
Charlie M
22 January 2024
Wonderful people. Dr S carefully explains every procedure. It's weird, but my two favorite Docs are my periodontist and my urologist. My teeth and gums are in much better shape than when I first came in a few years ago.
Pourya Maryam Shamsi
22 November 2022
Dude. I was referred to Dr. Justin for gum grafting. I was like “another waste of money on something hooey”. Boy I was wrong. He did his work which took about 2 months for the whole two part procedure and wow. What a difference. My gums look all shiny and new. As if I never had a recession. Loved it. Now I want to do the rest of my teeth/gum 😂😂. Looks really nice.
