Gummy SmileTraits, photo tips, and Smile Score impact
Excessive gum tissue visible above upper teeth when smiling — typically more than 3mm. A structural variant, not an expression type, but it significantly affects smile geometry and photo composition.
Test your smile with our Smile Analyzer, check Smile Score bands, or read the Duchenne glossary entry.
Key Traits
- ✦>3mm gum visible on smile
- ✦High lip elevator activity
- ✦Genetic or anatomical cause
- ✦Treatable if desired
- ✦Doesn't reduce warmth if expression is genuine
Photo Tips
- 📸Slight chin down can reduce gum show
- 📸Don't over-open mouth
- 📸Professional dental photography uses specific angles
- 📸Genuine emotion still reads through
Related Smile Types
Open-Mouth Smile
Teeth visible with separated lips — high-energy, approachable expression that broadcasts warmth. Open Duchenne smiles typically achieve the highest Smile Scores.
Asymmetric Smile
One side of the mouth elevates more than the other — common and often charming. Mild asymmetry is universal; pronounced asymmetry may indicate muscle habit or neurological variation.
Social Smile
The polite, performed smile used in greetings and formal settings — mouth activates without full eye engagement. Social smiles are functional and friendly but score lower than Duchenne expressions on warmth metrics.
FAQ — Gummy Smile
What causes gummy smile?
Short upper lip, hyperactive levator labii, excessive gum tissue, or vertical maxillary excess.
Can gummy smile be fixed?
Orthodontics, gum contouring, Botox to lip elevators, or surgical options exist.