Gummy Smile Treatment in New Orleans
When too much gum shows above your teeth, it can make an otherwise beautiful smile feel out of balance. A gummy smile is highly treatable — but the right fix depends on the cause. Dr. Greene diagnoses whether the source is your gums, your teeth, or your lip, then reshapes your smile with minimally invasive laser recontouring or a conservative lip-relaxing approach, so your teeth look longer, more proportional, and framed the way they should be.
Less gum,
more smile.
A gummy smile simply means an excessive amount of gum tissue shows above your top teeth when you smile. It's common, it's cosmetic, and — once we know the cause — it's very treatable. The key is matching the right technique to the right anatomy.
Why Gums Show Too Much
There isn't a single cause — which is exactly why diagnosis matters. Dr. Greene looks for the true source among:
- Excess or overgrown gum tissue
- Teeth hidden under too much gum (altered passive eruption)
- A short or hyperactive upper lip
- Vertical excess in the upper jaw or skeleton
Conservative, Cause-Matched Care
Because we treat the cause rather than the appearance alone, most gummy smiles are corrected with minimally invasive, in-office techniques:
- Laser gum recontouring (gingivectomy) to expose more tooth
- Crown lengthening for more significant cases
- Lip-relaxing Botox when the cause is a hyperactive lip
Once your gum line is balanced, treatments like veneers or a full smile makeover can perfect the final result.
Laser Recontouring vs.
Lip Botox.
Both create a more balanced smile line, but they solve different causes. Here's a side-by-side to help you and Dr. Greene decide which fits your case.
Related Treatments:
| Feature | Laser Gum Recontouring | Lip Botox |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Excess or overgrown gum tissue and teeth hidden under too much gum. | A short or hyperactive upper lip that lifts too high when smiling. |
| How it works | Gently reshapes and removes excess gum tissue to expose more of each tooth. | Relaxes the lip-elevator muscles so the lip rests lower over the gums. |
| Comfort | Local anesthesia; the laser means less bleeding and faster healing. | A few quick injections with little to no downtime. |
| Timeline | Often completed in a single visit, with results visible right away. | Takes effect within a few days; a brief in-office appointment. |
| Longevity | Long-lasting — reshaped gum contours are generally permanent. | Temporary — typically lasts three to four months before a touch-up. |
Why the right diagnosis is half the result.
Reshaping gums is straightforward — knowing exactly how much to reshape, and whether the gums are even the cause, is where experience shows.
The Cause Comes First.
A gummy smile can stem from the gums, the teeth, the lip, or the jaw. Dr. Greene identifies the true source before recommending treatment — so you fix the right problem, not just the symptom.
Laser Artistry.
Using a soft-tissue laser, Dr. Greene sculpts a natural, symmetrical gum line with minimal bleeding and faster healing than a traditional scalpel — refining millimeters that transform the whole smile.
A Balanced Smile Line.
The goal isn't just less gum — it's harmony. Exposing the right amount of tooth makes teeth look longer and more proportional, framing your smile the way nature intended.
An artist's eye.
A clinician's precision.
Dr. Caylin Greene earned her DDS from Howard University College of Dentistry in 2016 and brings more than 10 years of experience to her patients. In 2025 she founded Gleem to bring elevated, comprehensive cosmetic care to Lakeview — with advanced training in Invisalign and a quiet obsession with proportion, light, and facial harmony.
Howard University, DDS
10+ years
Invisalign · Cosmetic
DDS
What to expect from gummy smile treatment.
From honest diagnosis to a balanced result, here's how a typical journey unfolds at our Lakeview studio.
Assessment
Dr. Greene examines your gums, teeth, lip movement, and bite to pinpoint why gum tissue is showing — then explains which approach fits your specific case.
Custom Plan
Whether it's laser recontouring, crown lengthening, a lip-relaxing injectable, or a combination, we map a plan around your anatomy and goals — and refer out honestly if a skeletal cause needs a specialist.
Treatment
For most patients, laser gum recontouring is completed comfortably in a single visit under local anesthesia, with reshaped, even contours visible immediately.
Reveal & Heal
Gum tissue settles quickly after laser treatment. You'll leave with a more balanced smile line and simple aftercare guidance for a smooth, fast recovery.
Questions,
answered.
01What causes a gummy smile?
What causes a gummy smile?
02Is laser gum recontouring painful?
Is laser gum recontouring painful?
03How can Botox help a gummy smile?
How can Botox help a gummy smile?
04Can every gummy smile be treated in the dental office?
Can every gummy smile be treated in the dental office?
05Do you offer financing for gummy smile treatment?
Do you offer financing for gummy smile treatment?
Dentistry that's
designed around you.
Whether it's a routine cleaning or a complete Invisalign journey, your first visit is the easy part. We'll handle the rest.