A beautiful smile is about more than just straight teeth—it’s also about proportion, balance, and how much gum tissue shows when you smile. If you or your child has a “gummy smile”, where an excessive amount of gum shows above the upper teeth, you may feel self-conscious or unsure of your treatment options. Thankfully, today’s orthodontics offers innovative, non-surgical solutions, including Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs), to help correct this concern effectively.
Whether you’re a potential patient researching options or a student/practitioner interested in new techniques, this blog will break down how TADs, crown lengthening, and even Invisalign’s latest mandibular advancement features are revolutionizing the treatment of gummy smiles.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, occurs when more than 3–4 millimeters of gum tissue is visible when smiling. There are several possible causes:
- Overeruption of upper front teeth
- Excessive vertical growth of the upper jaw (vertical maxillary excess)
- Short upper lip or hyperactive lip muscles
- Short teeth due to genetics or wear
- Combination of the above
Identifying the root cause is essential in determining the correct treatment plan, which often begins at a board-certified orthodontist in Rochester Hills, MI or at an orthodontist office specializing in comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Introducing TADs: Temporary Anchorage Devices
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are small titanium screws placed into the bone of the mouth to serve as fixed anchors for moving teeth more efficiently and predictably. Think of them as a stable handle in the bone that allows orthodontists to pull or push teeth in specific directions without relying on other teeth.
Many braces orthodontists and Invisalign orthodontists use TADs to improve treatment outcomes, combining traditional braces or aligners with modern technology like indirect bonding braces and indirect bonding in orthodontics to achieve precise tooth movement.
How TADs Help Fix Gummy Smiles
In patients with vertical overgrowth of the upper jaw or overerupted front teeth, TADs can be used to intrude (push up) the upper front teeth. This reduces the amount of visible gum tissue and helps restore a more aesthetically pleasing smile—all without invasive jaw surgery in many cases.
TADs offer advantages such as:
- Minimally invasive placement
- Quick recovery
- Immediate loading (they can start working right away)
- Greater control over tooth movement
A Multidisciplinary Approach: Orthodontics + Periodontics
In some gummy smile cases, even after the teeth are properly aligned and intruded with TADs, the teeth may appear too short or uneven. This is when collaboration with a periodontist becomes essential.
Crown Lengthening for Smile Refinement
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that reshapes or removes excess gum tissue (and sometimes bone) to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This can be done with a traditional surgical approach or using lasers for more precision and faster healing.
A laser crown lengthening procedure can often be performed quickly and comfortably in the periodontist’s office. When done after TAD-assisted intrusion, it provides that final cosmetic touch—giving the patient a symmetrical and harmonious smile.
What About Invisalign? Mandibular Advancement Occlusal Blocks
For patients with mild to moderate Class II malocclusions—where the lower jaw is set back slightly—Invisalign now offers a smart solution: Mandibular Advancement Occlusal Blocks. These are integrated into the aligners and are designed to encourage forward positioning of the lower jaw during treatment.
While mandibular advancement doesn’t correct a gummy smile directly, in select cases, it:
- Improves facial balance
- Reduces lip strain and the tendency to over-reveal gum tissue
- Addresses bite imbalances that might contribute to excess gingival display
When combined with aligner therapy and possibly TADs, this offers a highly aesthetic, appliance-free approach for growing patients and teens. Patients interested in functional brace teeth or functional orthodontics may especially benefit from this modern option.
Summary: A Modern, Minimally Invasive Smile Makeover
Here’s how today’s tools work together to create better outcomes for patients with gummy smiles:
| Treatment Tool | Function | Who It’s For |
| TADs | Intrude overerupted teeth and reduce gum display | Teens & adults with vertical maxillary excess |
| Crown Lengthening | Recontour gum tissue for aesthetic symmetry | Post-ortho patients with short or uneven teeth |
| Invisalign with Mandibular Advancement | Repositions lower jaw, improves bite & profile | Growing patients with mild Class II and lip strain |
Final Thoughts
Gummy smiles no longer require major jaw surgery or one-size-fits-all approaches. With technologies like TADs, laser crown lengthening, and Invisalign innovations, orthodontists and dental specialists can now offer patients customized, multidisciplinary solutions that are less invasive—and more effective—than ever before.
If you’re interested in correcting a gummy smile for yourself or your child, or you’re a dental student looking to explore advanced techniques in orthodontic care, schedule a consultation with our board-certified orthodontist team in Rochester Hills, MI to learn more about these exciting options.
Ready to explore your best smile?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if TADs or other modern solutions are right for you!
