Gummy Smile Treatment in Winston-Salem, NC

If you feel like your teeth look “too small” or your smile shows too much gum, you're not alone — and you're not stuck with it. A gummy smile can affect how confident you feel when you talk, laugh, or take photos, but with the right approach, it’s completely treatable.

At Trenton B. Bottoms, DDS, we offer customized gummy smile treatment in Winston-Salem, helping patients create balance between teeth and gums using minimally invasive techniques. Whether your concern is cosmetic or functional, we’ll walk you through your options with honesty, precision, and care.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A “gummy smile” refers to a smile that shows an excessive amount of gum tissue when you smile or speak. This may be caused by:

• Overactive upper lip muscles
  
• Excess gum tissue (gingival overgrowth)
  
• Teeth that didn’t fully erupt (altered passive eruption)
  
• Jaw position or upper jaw prominence
  
• Genetics or developmental factors
  

Many patients who come to us with gummy smile concerns have healthy teeth — they’re just partially hidden. With the right treatment, we can uncover more of the tooth structure and help your smile appear more proportional and harmonious.

Your Treatment Options

Dr. Bottoms offers a range of solutions for gummy smile correction, depending on the root cause and your individual goals:

Laser Gum Contouring

Also called gingivectomy or crown lengthening (in mild cases), this treatment uses a precise dental laser to remove excess gum tissue and expose more of the natural tooth.

• Fast, comfortable, and minimally invasive
  
• No stitches or long recovery
  
• Ideal for mild to moderate excess gum display
  
• Immediate cosmetic improvement
  

Botox for Lip Hyperactivity

For patients whose upper lip rises too far when smiling, small amounts of Botox can relax the lip muscle to limit upward movement.

• Non-surgical
  
• Quick treatment with no downtime
  
• Results last 3–4 months
  
• Great for patients not ready for permanent change
  

Restorative/Cosmetic Adjustments

Sometimes, a gummy smile is part of a larger aesthetic concern. In those cases, we may recommend combining gum contouring with:

• Porcelain veneers or laminates
  
• Teeth whitening
  
• Smile makeover planning for comprehensive improvements
  

Dr. Bottoms uses digital imaging to show you how your new smile could look before treatment begins — so you feel confident and in control.

Why Choose Dr. Trent Bottoms for Gummy Smile Correction?

• Conservative, Custom Approach: We never over-treat. Every case is evaluated carefully to determine the least invasive, most effective solution.
  
• Comfort-Focused Care: With laser technology, local anesthetic, and a gentle touch, most patients experience little to no discomfort.
  
• Cosmetic & Functional Balance: Dr. Bottoms considers both appearance and long-term health — ensuring a result that’s as stable as it is beautiful.
  
• Advanced Technology: We use digital smile design, CBCT imaging (if needed), and intraoral cameras to plan with precision.
  

Trusted in Winston-Salem: Patients seeking a dentist near me for aesthetic treatments appreciate our local, personalized care with no pressure or upselling.