Gummy Smile Treatments at Smiles of West Point

What is a gummy smile, and what causes it?

A gummy smile can vary for each individual, but typically if you're showing more than two to three millimeters of gum tissue above your teeth, then you're likely going to consider your smile to be a gummy smile.

Dr. Farren Billue

At what point is a smile to be considered too gummy?

A lot of it is going to be patient preference and how they see themselves in the mirror.

Does a gummy smile affect dental health or just appearance?

There are a couple of different reasons for a patient to have gummy smiles. Sometimes it can be from improper hygiene, genetics, or they recently got out of orthodontic treatment, or if they have some other health issues such as sleep apnea from over time of just overgrowth of the jaw.

If the gummy smile is the result of poor hygiene, yes, because that can lead to periodontal disease, which can have irreversible changes to the gum and bone in that area. If it is caused by genetics, it's not necessarily harmful to the teeth, but again, it can affect how that patient sees themselves and their confidence within their smile.

What are the most common treatment options for addressing a gummy smile?

There are a few options for addressing a gummy smile. If it's a result of poor hygiene, really working on improving the hygiene can decrease the appearance of the gums and get them to be tight and healthy again.

If the gummy smile is from genetics or growth, depending on how much gum is there, sometimes we can do a simple reshaping of the gums. Other times it may require surgery with an oral surgeon to either reposition the lip or perform surgery on the jaw.

How does Botox work for treating a gummy smile?

Botox is also an option for treating a gummy smile. The main thought process is to reduce the mobility of the lip, and the Botox paralyzes those muscles so that when you smile, you don't expose as much of your teeth as before.

Are there any side effects or risks?

There are always going to be some side effects from treatment. As far as removing gingival tissue, there's a risk for increased sensitivity on the teeth. As far as surgery, I don't really know about the surgery portion because I don't do it. Probably just leave that one out.

It is uncommon for someone's smile to become more gummy as they age, typically because your growth has already stopped. If anything, you start to show less of your gums because our lips start to drop down from gravity over time.

If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (804) 494-4382 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.

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Personalized Dental Care Smiles of West Point

From routine check-ups to advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, we provide complete dental care tailored to your needs.

Dentist in West Point, VA

At Smiles of West Point, our focus goes beyond routine dental care. We provide comprehensive family and cosmetic dentistry designed to improve oral health, function, and overall quality of life. As a dentist in West Point, VA, we combine preventive care, restorative treatment, and cosmetic solutions to support patients at every stage. Each treatment plan is built around your needs, with a clear structure that prioritises long-term results. Whether you are maintaining your oral health or improving your smile, care is delivered in one location with consistency and attention to detail.

General Dentistry in West Point, VA

General dentistry is the foundation of our practice. We care for patients of all ages, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and long-term maintenance.
Services include:
* Routine dental exams and cleanings
* Monitoring and treating cavities
* Managing tooth decay
* Bite and alignment assessments
Preventive care plays a key role in reducing the need for more complex procedures. During each visit, we also provide practical guidance on oral hygiene, helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums between appointments. By identifying issues early, we can keep treatment straightforward and manageable over time.

Cosmetic Dentistry in West Point, VA

Cosmetic dentistry is a core part of our practice, allowing patients to improve the appearance of their smile while maintaining function and structure.
We offer:
* Professional teeth whitening to improve brightness
* Dental veneers to refine shape, spacing, and symmetry
* Invisalign clear aligners for teeth straightening
* Gummy smile treatment to balance gum levels
All cosmetic treatments are planned with precision to ensure results look natural and complement your overall appearance. We use modern techniques and technology to deliver consistent, predictable outcomes.

Restorative Dentistry in West Point, VA

Restorative dentistry is often closely linked with cosmetic treatment. When teeth are damaged or missing, restoring strength and structure is essential before improving appearance.
Our restorative services include:
* Dental crowns for protection and durability
* Dental implants for long-term tooth replacement
* Dentures for multiple missing teeth
* Full mouth rehabilitation for complex cases
* Silver fillings for cavity repair
Each treatment is designed to restore function while maintaining a natural look. Planning is based on durability, ensuring results perform reliably in everyday use.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dental Conditions

We provide structured diagnosis and treatment for a range of oral health conditions, including:
* Dental infections
* Periodontal (gum) disease
* Oral cancer
Early detection enables more effective, less invasive treatment. When ongoing management is required, we closely monitor progress to maintain stability and prevent recurrence.

Emergency Dentist in West Point, VA

Dental emergencies require immediate attention. We provide urgent care for:
* Toothaches and sudden pain
* Broken or chipped teeth
* Lost fillings or crowns
* Dental infections
As an emergency dentist in West Point, VA, the focus is on resolving discomfort quickly and stabilising the issue before moving forward with any necessary follow-up treatment.

Dental Implants in West Point, VA

Dental implants provide a stable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. They restore both function and appearance while supporting overall oral health.
Implants can be used for:
* Single tooth replacement
* Multiple missing teeth
* Supporting dentures
This treatment helps maintain jawbone structure, improves chewing ability, and provides results that closely match natural teeth.

Invisalign and Teeth Straightening

Invisalign offers a clear, removable solution for improving alignment without traditional braces.
Benefits include:
* Discreet appearance
* Removable for eating and cleaning
* Gradual, controlled movement
Each treatment is digitally planned to ensure accuracy and predictable results, with progress monitored throughout.

Preventive Care and Patient Education

Preventive care is integrated into every stage of treatment. Regular check-ups and hygiene visits allow us to monitor changes, address concerns early, and maintain long-term oral health.
We focus on:
* Early detection of dental issues
* Education on oral hygiene practices
* Reducing the risk of gum disease and decay
This approach helps patients maintain consistent results and avoid unnecessary treatment.

Serving West Point and New Kent, VA

Smiles of West Point provides care for patients in West Point, VA and surrounding areas, including New Kent, VA. Many patients from New Kent visit for access to both family and cosmetic dentistry in one location. As demand continues to grow, we are expanding our reach to support those searching for a dentist in New Kent, VA, with consistent care and structured treatment planning.

A Practical Approach to Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Our approach combines preventive care with cosmetic improvement, allowing patients to manage both oral health and appearance in a single treatment plan.
This includes:
* Maintaining healthy teeth and gums
* Improving alignment, colour, and symmetry
* Planning treatment with long-term outcomes in mind
We focus on delivering care that is effective, clearly explained, and aligned with each patient’s goals.

Book Your Appointment
If you are looking for a family and cosmetic dentist in West Point, VA, or a dentist near New Kent, Smiles of West Point provides comprehensive care across general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.
Contact our office to schedule your appointment and take the next step in maintaining your oral health.