Minimal Waiting Times
Secure prompt & timely care with minimal waiting times within 5 weeks at our Neutral Bay & Newcastle clinics. This means a gum or implant concern can be assessed without a long wait.
Specialist Periodontists
Patient-Focused Care
We explain each step before it happens and plan your treatment around your comfort and wellbeing.
A Precision-Focused Approach
We plan each case in detail and explain what the treatment involves, what it can achieve for you and what it cannot.
Modern Equipment
We use digital imaging, including 3D scans where they are needed, and microsurgical techniques for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Specialist periodontists for gummy smile treatment
At Smile Specialist Suite, we provide expert gummy smile lip repositioning in Sydney.
Our team of skilled periodontists specialise in transforming smiles, offering advanced solutions for those who feel self-conscious about excessive gum visibility when smiling. Embrace the confidence that comes with a beautifully balanced smile through our gummy smile lip repositioning surgery.
Gum surgery, grafting and dental implant treatment are surgical procedures and carry risks, such as infection, swelling, bleeding, gum shrinkage, nerve injury or an implant not fusing with the bone, and they are not suitable for everyone. Results vary from person to person. We explain the alternatives, including non-surgical gum treatment, a bridge or a denture, and you are welcome to get a second opinion.
What is a gummy smile?
A gummy smile, where more gum tissue above the upper teeth is visible than usual, is mostly a cosmetic (or aesthetic) concern. Often defined by factors like teeth size, upper lip movement, and jaw positioning, a display of more than 3-4mm of gum is typically seen as an excessive gingival display.
While it doesn’t affect your health, eating or speaking, too much gum tissue showing can impact self-esteem and confidence. Some people feel self-conscious about their smile and wish to have a surgical lip repositioning procedure.
What causes a gummy smile?
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, can be caused by several factors:
- The natural shape and size of your gums and teeth, which are often genetically determined, can contribute to a gummy smile.
- A hyperactive upper lip that causes your upper lip to move when you smile exposes more of your gum. This is a result of an upper lip being too active, where the muscles are overly strong and mobile, so when you smile more of your lip lifts up and reveals more gum tissue.
- A shorter upper lip can also cause gummy smiles.
- The way your jawbone has grown and developed can affect the position of your teeth and gums, potentially leading to a gummy smile. Vertical maxillary excess, or an overgrown upper jaw is one of the most common causes of gummy smiles.
- Conditions like gingival hypertrophy, where gums are enlarged or overgrown, can result in more gum showing when smiling.
- If your teeth erupted in a way that left them covered by more gum tissue, it might cause a gummy appearance.
Understanding the specific cause of your gummy smile helps our periodontists determine the most effective treatment.
A gummy smile lip repositioning performed by dental professionals is a minimally invasive procedure to restore a patient’s smile. *Please note a combination of crown lengthening and lip repositioning surgery may be recommended to achieve the most optimum result.
What is gummy smile lip repositioning surgery?
Surgical lip repositioning reduces the amount of gum tissue that shows when you smile.
Surgical lip repositioning involves excising a segment of the connective tissue beneath your upper lip, which in turn restricts its movement. This ensures that the elevator muscles near your lip and nose don’t lift your lip excessively over your teeth.
Typically, surgical lip repositioning is a quick process, usually completed in less than an hour, and is conducted with the use of local anaesthetic to reduce any discomfort during the operation.
What is gummy smile lip repositioning surgery?
Surgical lip repositioning reduces the amount of gum tissue that shows when you smile.
Surgical lip repositioning involves excising a segment of the connective tissue beneath your upper lip, which in turn restricts its movement. This ensures that the elevator muscles near your lip and nose don’t lift your lip excessively over your teeth.
Typically, surgical lip repositioning is a quick process, usually completed in less than an hour, and is conducted with the use of local anaesthetic to reduce any discomfort during the operation.
Wondering which treatment is
right for you? Find out today.
Why do people have lip repositioning surgery?
Many choose this surgery to boost their confidence in their smile. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about feeling good when you smile.
Who is a good candidate for
surgical lip repositioning?
Ideal candidates are those in good oral health, with sufficient gum tissue and who feel self-conscious about their gummy smile. A consultation with one of our periodontists and dental surgeons at Smile Specialists Suite can determine if this aesthetic treatment is right for you.
How is surgical lip repositioning for gummy smiles performed?
The team at Smile Specialists Suite is here to help you every step of your journey to restore your confidence and have you smiling wide once more.
Consultation and pre-surgery
Your journey to a new smile starts with a comprehensive consultation, where our periodontist will conduct an oral examination and discuss your treatment options. If you decide to go ahead with the gummy smile lip repositioning procedure, you will be provided with pre-operative instructions to follow so you are prepared for the day of your surgery.
The surgical lip repositioning surgery
Performed under local anesthesia, our surgeons will make one or two incisions in the upper gum line. They will then remove a section of connective tissue from the inside of the upper lip and reposition your lips into a lower position.
Recovery and aftercare
The surgery typically lasts under an hour for most patients, with an average recovery period of about 48 hours. In the first few days after your gummy smile surgery you may notice swelling and tightness of your upper lip. This will resolve relatively quickly although we do recommend you take a few days off work to allow the swelling to settle.
You will have to be extra careful when brushing your teeth until the surgical wounds have healed. Most people will recover completely within 10 to 14 days.
How much does lip repositioning surgery cost?
For your first visit to Smile Specialists Suites, the charge for a consultation with our periodontist is $465. This hour-long appointment includes a detailed examination of your gummy smile and upper lip, as well as a discussion about the surgery. The cost of surgery varies and we will provide you with a quote and cost breakdown at your consultation.
We explain each option and what it involves, so you can decide on the care that suits you.
Why choose Smile Specialists Suite for your gummy smile lip repositioning procedure in Sydney?
Smile Specialists Suite offers advanced gummy smile lip repositioning, performed by our experienced periodontal surgeons. We combine modern technology with a patient-centred approach, and we explain each step before it happens. Our dedicated team specialises in personalised treatments, focusing on both your oral health and overall well-being.
Trust us for a procedure that enhances your confidence and smile. Contact us to begin your journey to a more balanced, radiant smile.
Where can I find lip repositioning
surgery near me?
We have modern and comfortable clinics in Neutral Bay or Newcastle for your gummy smile consultations and treatment.
- NEWCASTLE
Suite 1, Level 2, 55-57 Hunter Street
Newcastle NSW 2300 - (02) 4009 1428
- admin.newcastle@smilespecialistssuite.com.au
- NEUTRAL BAY
Suite 206, 40 Yeo Street
Neutral Bay NSW 2089 - (02) 9908 5588
- admin.neutralbay@smilespecialistssuite.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there other treatments for a gummy smile?
Yes, there are several other options to treat gummy smiles. Your periodontist or dental surgeon will discuss these with you to determine which option is best for you. There are alternative treatment options for gummy smiles including:
- Gum contouring (also known as gum laser surgery, gum reshaping or a gingivectomy).
- Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery).
- Crown lengthening surgery.
- Veneers or crowns.
What are the disadvantages of lip repositioning?
There are some side effects associated with this surgery, mainly swelling, bleeding, infection or bruising. These will all be discussed at your consultation.
Is lip repositioning painful?
Lip repositioning for gummy smiles is performed under local anaesthetic, and we explain how any discomfort afterwards is managed. Immediately after and for several days you may experience some swelling and discomfort. This is completely normal and will resolve within a few days.
Is lip repositioning surgery permanent?
Lip repositioning is intended to give a long-term change, though results vary from person to person, and your periodontist will explain the chance of the lip moving back towards its original position. Your surgeon will provide post-operative instructions to follow to ensure your surgery and recovery are successful.
How much gum should I show when I smile?
How much gum tissue should show when you smile varies greatly amongst individuals and their unique facial features. Various factors such as the size of your teeth, movement of your upper lip, and jaw position and size will define a gummy smile. Generally, if more than 3-4mm of gum tissue is visible, it is considered an excessive gingival display.
Talk to Prof. Quaranta
To explore your options and discover how our team can help transform your smile, schedule a consultation with Professor Alex Quaranta. Your journey to a brighter, more radiant smile starts here. Contact us today to begin the conversation.