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Reveal More of Your Smile, Not Just Your Gums
Gummy Smile Treatment in Palo Alto, CA
If you feel like your gums dominate your smile or your teeth look too short, you may have what's commonly called a gummy smile. While there’s no medical concern with showing a bit more gum, many people feel self-conscious about the proportions of their smile.
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At Denise Henderson DDS, we offer personalized, non-surgical gummy smile treatment to help create balance between your teeth and gums—so your smile looks just as vibrant as you feel. Patients from Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Los Altos, and Stanford trust us to enhance their smiles with precision, comfort, and care.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling. It may be caused by:
- A naturally short upper lip
- Overactive lip muscles (causing the lip to rise too high)
- Excess gum tissue covering the teeth
- A high gum line
- Small or worn-down teeth
- Jaw development that affects tooth-to-gum proportions
Regardless of the cause, if your smile feels unbalanced or you're hesitant to show it off, we can help create a more harmonious look.
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Gummy Smile Treatment Options
At our Palo Alto office, Dr. Denise Henderson offers several conservative approaches to help reshape and rebalance your smile. Depending on your anatomy and goals, treatment may include:
Laser Gum Contouring
Using advanced dental laser technology, we gently reshape excess gum tissue to reveal more of your natural tooth structure. The procedure is comfortable, quick, and requires minimal recovery time.
Botox for Lip Repositioning
If your upper lip rises too high when you smile, a small dose of Botox can relax the muscle that controls this movement. This non-invasive treatment lowers the height of your smile line, revealing less gum and creating a more balanced appearance.
Restorative Enhancements
For patients with small or worn-down teeth, we may recommend bonding, veneers, or inlays/onlays to lengthen the visible portion of the teeth and enhance proportion.
Dr. Henderson will evaluate your smile, explain all options, and guide you toward the most effective and natural-looking solution for your individual case.
Benefits of Gummy Smile Treatment
- Balanced aesthetics between teeth, gums, and lips
- Minimally invasive procedures with little or no downtime
- Fast results—some treatments offer noticeable changes in a single visit
- Boosted confidence in photos and everyday conversations
- A personalized approach that considers the full anatomy of your smile
Whether you're preparing for a special event or simply want to feel more confident about your grin, treatment can help bring your smile into balance.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your experience begins with a detailed consultation, where Dr. Henderson will:
- Examine your teeth, gums, and lip movement
- Discuss what you like and don’t like about your smile
- Use digital imaging or mock-ups to visualize potential improvements
- Recommend the best treatment plan based on your goals
We’ll answer all your questions, explain your options clearly, and ensure you feel confident before proceeding.
Is Gummy Smile Treatment Right for You?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Feel your upper teeth are overshadowed by gum tissue
- Avoid full smiles in photos or conversation
- Have healthy teeth and gums, but want a more balanced look
- Are looking for a quick, non-invasive cosmetic upgrade
- Want to explore options before considering surgical intervention
Gummy smile treatment can be a standalone enhancement or part of a larger cosmetic plan, including whitening, bonding, or Invisalign.
Why Choose Denise Henderson DDS for Cosmetic Smile Enhancements?
Dr. Denise Henderson is known throughout the Palo Alto area for her thoughtful, personalized approach to cosmetic dentistry. With extensive experience in both smile aesthetics and facial balance, she helps patients of all ages feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
Our practice combines:
- Advanced laser technology for precise, gentle gum contouring
- Botox expertise for conservative, non-surgical enhancements
- A warm, patient-focused environment with clear communication
- An artistic eye backed by technical precision
From subtle refinements to smile transformations, your goals and comfort are always our top priority.
Reveal the Smile You Were Meant to Show
You don’t need to hide your smile or live with insecurity about your gums. With gummy smile treatment at Denise Henderson DDS, you can enjoy a more balanced, attractive appearance—without surgery or lengthy recovery.
Call (650) 327-4755 or book your consultation online to get started with cosmetic gum treatment in Palo Alto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gummy smile treatment permanent?
Laser gum contouring provides long-lasting results. Botox injections typically last 3–4 months and can be repeated as needed.
Does treatment hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort. Laser therapy is gentle and minimally invasive, and Botox injections are quick with minimal downtime.
How long does it take?
Laser contouring can often be completed in under an hour. Botox treatment takes just minutes, with full results visible in a few days.
Will insurance cover gummy smile treatment?
These procedures are usually considered cosmetic, so they are not typically covered. We provide upfront cost estimates and flexible scheduling.
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Show More Teeth, Not More Gums
You deserve to smile with ease and confidence. Gummy smile treatment offers a quick, transformative way to reveal your natural beauty—one tooth at a time.