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Cosmetic & Smile Design
Gummy Smile Treatment in Salt Lake City
If you feel self-conscious about showing too much gum when you smile, you are not alone — and treatment is more straightforward than many people realize. At Stoker Dental & Orthodontics, we provide gummy smile treatment salt lake city patients can trust, right here in our office with no referrals needed. We accept insurance from 18+ major providers including Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna, and we offer CareCredit financing so you can move forward with confidence. To find out if gummy smile correction is right for you, give us a call.
Why Choose Gummy Smile Correction
A gummy smile — where a larger-than-usual amount of gum tissue shows above your upper teeth — is completely common. It is not something to feel embarrassed about, but if it bothers you, modern correction options can help create a more balanced, natural-looking smile.
Confidence and Aesthetic Benefits
Many patients tell us they avoid smiling in photos or cover their mouth when they laugh. Gummy smile correction is designed to reshape the gum line so that more of your natural tooth surface is visible. The result is a smile that looks proportional and feels like you. This treatment pairs well with other cosmetic dentistry options if you are considering a broader smile makeover.
Improved Oral Health and Comfort
Beyond appearance, excess gum tissue can make it harder to keep teeth clean. Gum tissue that sits too high on the tooth may trap bacteria and contribute to irritation over time. Reducing excess tissue helps improve access for brushing and flossing, which may support better long-term oral health.
Gummy Smile Treatment Options We Offer
At Stoker Dental, Dr. Brigham Stoker evaluates each patient individually to determine the best approach. Gummy smile treatment salt lake city residents receive at our practice may include gum recontouring — a procedure where a small amount of excess gum tissue is carefully removed to reveal more of the tooth's natural crown. Using laser dentistry, this process is precise and designed to minimize discomfort and recovery time.
For some patients, dental bonding or other cosmetic adjustments may complement the gum correction to achieve the best overall result. Because we handle everything in-house, your treatment plan stays coordinated from start to finish.
Gummy Smile Correction vs. Veneers
Patients sometimes wonder whether veneers alone can fix a gummy smile. Veneers are designed to change the shape, size, or color of the visible tooth surface, but they do not address the gum tissue itself. If excess gum is the primary concern, gummy smile correction targets the root cause directly. In some cases, Dr. Stoker may recommend combining gum recontouring with veneers for a comprehensive improvement — but he will always recommend only what is truly needed.
What to Expect During Your Gummy Smile Treatment
Your visit begins with a thorough evaluation, including digital imaging to assess your gum line, tooth proportions, and underlying bone structure. Dr. Stoker will walk you through exactly what he sees and explain your options in plain language — no pressure, no jargon.
If you move forward with treatment, the procedure itself is typically completed in a single visit. A local anesthetic keeps you comfortable, and laser technology allows for precise tissue removal with less bleeding and faster healing than traditional methods. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two. We will provide clear aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up to make sure everything is healing well.
Gummy Smile Treatment Cost and Financing
The cost of gummy smile correction varies depending on the extent of treatment needed and whether additional cosmetic procedures are part of your plan. During your consultation, we provide a clear cost estimate before any work begins — no surprise expenses.
We accept insurance from 18+ major providers, and our team will verify your coverage and explain your benefits before treatment. For any remaining balance, CareCredit financing is available to help you spread payments into manageable monthly installments. Visit our Insurance & Financing page for full details on accepted plans and payment options.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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What causes a gummy smile?
A gummy smile can result from several factors, including excess gum tissue that covers more of the tooth surface than usual, the way the upper jaw developed, or how the upper lip moves when you smile. Genetics and certain medications may also play a role. During a consultation, your dentist can identify the specific cause and recommend the most appropriate correction approach.
How long does gummy smile correction take?
Many gummy smile correction procedures can be completed in a single office visit, typically lasting about one to two hours depending on the extent of treatment. Recovery is generally straightforward, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days. Your dentist will provide a personalized timeline based on your treatment plan.
Is gummy smile treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on whether the treatment is considered cosmetic or medically necessary. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the procedure if excess gum tissue is affecting oral health. Stoker Dental accepts insurance from 18+ major providers and offers CareCredit financing to help manage any out-of-pocket costs.
What happens if a gummy smile is left untreated?
A gummy smile is not a dental emergency, and leaving it untreated does not typically cause serious health problems. However, excess gum tissue can make thorough cleaning more difficult, which may increase the risk of gum irritation or periodontal concerns over time. Many patients also find that treatment significantly improves their confidence and comfort when smiling.
