Gummy Smile Treatment in Korea: Show Less Gums - Prices 2025
A "gummy smile"—where excessive gum tissue shows when smiling—affects many people's confidence. Korea offers various solutions from simple Botox to surgical correction. Here's your complete guide to achieving a balanced, confident smile.
Understanding Gummy Smile
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile occurs when more than 3-4mm of gum tissue shows above the upper teeth when smiling.
Causes
| Cause | Description | Best Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Hyperactive lip | Upper lip rises too high | Botox |
| Short upper lip | Lip doesn't cover gums | Lip repositioning |
| Excess gum tissue | Gums cover teeth | Gingivectomy |
| Vertical maxillary excess | Jaw structure | Orthognathic surgery |
| Teeth eruption issues | Teeth appear short | Crown lengthening |
Why Treat It?
- Self-consciousness when smiling
- Covering mouth when laughing
- Avoiding photos
- Social anxiety
Why Korea for Gummy Smile Treatment?
Korea excels at smile aesthetics:
- Comprehensive approach: Multiple options available
- Experienced practitioners: High case volume
- Natural results: Subtle, balanced outcomes
- Competitive pricing: Excellent value
- Combination expertise: Can address multiple causes
Treatment Options
1. Botox for Gummy Smile (Most Popular)
How it works: Relaxes the levator labii superioris muscle, preventing upper lip from rising too high
Details:
- 2-4 injection points
- Quick procedure (10-15 min)
- Results in 3-7 days
- Lasts 4-6 months
Best for: Hyperactive lip muscle
Price: $155-$310 (₩200,000-₩400,000)
Pros:
- Quick, no downtime
- Reversible
- Affordable
- Can test if you like the change
Cons:
- Temporary (4-6 months)
- Ongoing maintenance
- May affect smile shape slightly
2. Lip Filler (Upper Lip)
How it works: Adds volume to upper lip, covering more gum when smiling
Details:
- Hyaluronic acid filler
- Increases lip height
- Natural appearance
Best for: Short upper lip, mild cases
Price: $310-$540 (₩400,000-₩700,000)
Duration: 6-12 months
3. Lip Repositioning Surgery
How it works: Surgically limits how high the upper lip can rise
Details:
- Removes strip of tissue inside lip
- Restricts lip elevation
- Permanent solution
Best for: Hyperactive lip, want permanent fix
Price: $1,540-$2,695 (₩2,000,000-₩3,500,000)
Recovery: 1-2 weeks
4. Gingivectomy (Gum Contouring)
How it works: Removes excess gum tissue to expose more tooth
Details:
- Laser or surgical
- Reshapes gum line
- Permanent results
Best for: Excess gum tissue covering teeth
Price: $385-$1,155 (₩500,000-₩1,500,000)
Recovery: 1-2 weeks
5. Crown Lengthening
How it works: Removes gum and bone to expose more tooth structure
Details:
- More extensive than gingivectomy
- Dental procedure
- Permanent
Best for: Short teeth due to gum coverage
Price: $770-$1,540 (₩1,000,000-₩2,000,000)
6. Orthognathic Surgery
How it works: Repositions the upper jaw surgically
Details:
- Major surgery
- For skeletal issues
- Comprehensive correction
Best for: Vertical maxillary excess
Price: $7,700-$15,400 (₩10,000,000-₩20,000,000)
Recovery: 4-6 weeks
Treatment Comparison
| Treatment | Results | Duration | Downtime | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botox | Moderate | 4-6 months | None | $155-$310 |
| Lip filler | Mild-Moderate | 6-12 months | Minimal | $310-$540 |
| Lip repositioning | Significant | Permanent | 1-2 weeks | $1,540-$2,695 |
| Gingivectomy | Moderate | Permanent | 1-2 weeks | $385-$1,155 |
| Crown lengthening | Significant | Permanent | 2-3 weeks | $770-$1,540 |
Botox for Gummy Smile Deep Dive
The Procedure
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Process:
- Assessment of smile
- Marking injection points
- 2-4 small injections near nose
- Typically 2-4 units per side
Results
| Time | Changes |
|---|---|
| Day 3-5 | Initial effect |
| Day 7-14 | Full effect |
| Month 4-6 | Gradual return |
Expected Improvement
- Gum exposure reduced: 2-4mm typically
- Smile: Looks natural, not frozen
- Function: Normal speech, drinking
Tips for Best Results
- Start conservatively
- Can add more after 2 weeks
- Too much = unusual smile
- Regular maintenance needed
Gingivectomy Deep Dive
The Procedure
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Process:
- Local anesthesia
- Gum tissue removal (laser or scalpel)
- Contouring for symmetry
- Healing without stitches (usually)
Results
| Time | Changes |
|---|---|
| Immediately | Visible change |
| Week 1-2 | Initial healing |
| Month 1-3 | Final results |
Recovery
- Mild discomfort for few days
- Soft foods initially
- Gentle oral hygiene
- Avoid spicy foods
Combination Approaches
Common Combinations
Botox + Lip Filler
- Reduce lip elevation + increase lip volume
- Addresses multiple factors
- Enhanced results
Gingivectomy + Botox
- Remove excess gum + control lip
- More comprehensive
- Longer-lasting
Orthodontics + Gum Treatment
- For complex cases
- Addresses teeth position too
Who is a Good Candidate?
For Botox
✅ Ideal:
- Hyperactive upper lip
- Want to test the change
- Prefer non-surgical
- Mild to moderate gummy smile
For Surgery
✅ Ideal:
- Want permanent solution
- Moderate to severe gummy smile
- Specific anatomical causes
- Realistic expectations
Diagnosis Matters
Important: Proper diagnosis of the CAUSE is crucial for choosing the right treatment. A good practitioner will assess:
- Lip mobility
- Gum tissue amount
- Tooth length
- Jaw position
- Muscle activity
Choosing a Clinic in Seoul
What to Look For
- Diagnostic ability: Identifies correct cause
- Multiple options: Offers various treatments
- Before/after photos: Similar cases
- Combination expertise: Can address multiple factors
- Dental/medical credentials: Appropriate qualifications
Questions to Ask
- What's causing my gummy smile?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- What results can I expect?
- Do you have before/after photos?
- What are the risks?
FAQ
Q: Will Botox make my smile look weird? A: When done correctly, your smile looks natural—just with less gum showing.
Q: How long does gummy smile Botox last? A: Typically 4-6 months, sometimes shorter initially.
Q: Is gummy smile treatment painful? A: Botox is minimally uncomfortable. Surgical options use anesthesia.
Q: Can gummy smile come back after treatment? A: Botox: Yes, it's temporary. Surgery: Generally permanent.
Q: What if I have multiple causes? A: Combination treatment may be recommended for best results.
Q: How much gum showing is normal? A: 1-3mm is considered normal. Over 4mm is typically considered "gummy."
Q: Can anyone get gummy smile Botox? A: Most people can. Consult to ensure it's the right treatment for your case.
Q: Will I be able to smile normally? A: Yes, you'll smile naturally—just showing less gum.
Conclusion
Gummy smile treatment in Korea offers multiple solutions from quick Botox fixes to permanent surgical corrections. With proper diagnosis and treatment selection, you can achieve a balanced, confident smile.
Ready to transform your smile? Consult with a Korean clinic to determine the cause of your gummy smile and the best treatment approach.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about gummy smile treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified practitioners before undergoing any treatment.
Last Updated: January 2025 Prices as of January 2025. Actual costs may vary by clinic and technique.