Is Your Smile Holding You Back This Summer? There’s Still Time to Fix It.

Summer in the western suburbs of Chicago is something to look forward to—Memorial Day cookouts in Wheaton, outdoor festivals in Lombard, Fourth of July celebrations with family, and impromptu backyard parties that turn into photo albums. It’s the season when everyone seems to be smiling, laughing, and snapping pictures.

Except, maybe, you.

If you’ve spent years instinctively covering your mouth when you laugh, angling your face away from a camera, or flashing a tight-lipped grin to hide how much gum shows when you smile freely—this post is for you. Because here’s something most people don’t know: a gummy smile is one of the most treatable cosmetic concerns in dentistry, and May is genuinely the ideal month to do something about it.

At Smile Glen Ellyn, Dr. Thomas Gibbs and Dr. Jessica Gibbs offer laser gum lifts, crown lengthening, and Botox-based gummy smile correction right here at 26 North Park Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Call our Glen Ellyn dental practice at (630) 858-8800 to schedule your smile design appointment. We welcome patients from Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, and Winfield, IL. And right now — in May — the timing couldn’t be better.

Here’s why.

Why Timing Actually Matters for a Gummy Smile Treatment

When patients ask about getting a laser gum lift, one of the most common questions is, “How long until I see results?” The answer is part of what makes May such a smart window.

A laser gum lift at Smile Glen Ellyn delivers visible results the same day your procedure is completed. You’ll leave the office with a more balanced, proportional smile before you even get to your car. However, like any tissue procedure, there’s a brief healing period—typically 2 to 4 weeks—during which mild swelling and tenderness resolve and your final gumline definition becomes fully apparent.

Do the math: book your consultation and treatment in May, and you’re fully healed, fully confident, and fully ready for summer. By the time June weddings, summer parties, graduation dinners, and Fourth of July celebrations roll around, your smile is already at its best.

Compare that to waiting. If you put it off until July, you’re healing during the exact weeks you wanted to be smiling freely in photos. If you wait until fall, you’ve lost an entire summer of confidence.

There’s also a practical recovery consideration. The first week after a laser gum lift, we recommend sticking to soft foods and avoiding strenuous activity for about 48 hours. May’s schedule — between the already-passed Mother’s Day and the approaching Memorial Day weekend — offers a natural window to have the procedure done and recover comfortably before the social calendar fills up.

What Patients From Glen Ellyn and the Western Suburbs Are Saying

The most convincing case for a gummy smile treatment isn’t a statistic — it’s the experience of patients who spent years covering their mouth in photos and now smile without thinking about it at all. At Smile Glen Ellyn, that transformation happens regularly.

Patients travel from throughout the western suburbs of Chicago — from Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, and Winfield — specifically for Dr. Gibbs’s level of diagnostic care and the practice’s laser technology. We encourage you to read our patient reviews to hear their stories in their own words.

What Is a Gummy Smile — And Are You Sure You Have One?

A gummy smile, clinically called “excessive gingival display,” is diagnosed when more than 2 to 3 millimeters of gum tissue are visible above the upper front teeth when smiling naturally. A balanced smile typically shows the full length of the upper front teeth with just 1 to 2 millimeters of gum visible at the gumline.

It’s more common than people realize. Research indicates that gummy smiles affect between 10% and 29% of the population, occurring more frequently in women than men. And while it carries no inherent risk to your oral health, the confidence impact is very real. A survey found that nearly 1 in 3 adults say they would be more likely to smile openly in photos if they were happier with their smile—and a disproportionate gumline is one of the most frequently cited concerns.

The issue isn’t vanity. It’s that your smile is one of the first things people notice, and research has shown that patients who improved their smiles through cosmetic dental procedures reported meaningful gains in self-confidence and quality of life. When you smile freely—without thinking—it shows. And people notice that too.

What’s Actually Causing Your Gummy Smile?

This is where many patients are surprised. A gummy smile isn’t always the same problem with the same fix. At Smile Glen Ellyn, Dr. Thomas Gibbs and Dr. Jessica Gibbs evaluate each patient individually because identifying the root cause is what determines whether your result is good or genuinely transformative.

Here are the most common causes:

• Altered Passive Eruption. This is the most frequent cause. Normally, gum tissue recedes to the base of the tooth crown as permanent teeth come in during childhood. In some patients, that recession doesn’t complete—the gums stop short and continue covering part of the tooth. The teeth are full-sized; they’re just hidden. A laser gum lift or crown lengthening reveals their true length.
• Hyperactive Upper Lip Muscles. Some patients have unusually strong levator muscles that pull the upper lip significantly higher than average during a smile. Even with perfectly normal gum levels, this creates the appearance of a gummy smile. In these cases, Botox injections into the elevator muscles are the most targeted and effective solution—no tissue removal needed.
• Medication-Induced Gum Overgrowth (Hyperplasia). Certain medications—including some anti-seizure drugs, immunosuppressants, and blood pressure medications—list gum overgrowth as a known side effect. Studies suggest this affects up to 50% of long-term users of certain medications like phenytoin (Dilantin). If you’ve noticed your gum line changing over time alongside a medication change, this may be the cause—and laser gum contouring is an effective, lasting solution.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding). When teeth are physically worn shorter from chronic grinding, the gums can appear proportionally larger even if the tissue itself is completely normal. In these cases, restoring tooth length (through porcelain crowns or dental veneers) combined with gum recontouring addresses both elements of the problem.
• Post-Orthodontic Gum Enlargement. Braces can sometimes cause gum tissue to swell and enlarge around the teeth during treatment. For patients who’ve completed orthodontics and still feel their smile looks gummy, a laser gum lift is a common and highly effective finishing step.

Getting the diagnosis right is the most important step, which is exactly why a consultation with Dr. Gibbs is the place to start.

How Smile Glen Ellyn Treats a Gummy Smile

Once Dr. Gibbs has identified the cause of your gummy smile, she’ll recommend the approach — or combination of approaches — that will give you the best, most lasting result.

Laser Gum Lift (Laser Gum Recontouring)

This is our most requested gummy smile treatment, and the results speak for themselves. Using a state-of-the-art diode soft-tissue laser, Dr. Gibbs carefully reshapes the gum line—removing excess tissue and sculpting a new contour that reveals more of each tooth’s natural crown. The precision of laser technology means no scalpels, no stitches, and virtually no bleeding during the procedure.

Most patients are genuinely surprised by how comfortable and fast it is. Local anesthesia ensures you feel nothing during the procedure, which typically takes one to two hours, depending on how many teeth are involved. You’ll see a dramatically improved gumline before you leave the office.

Laser gum procedures also reduce healing time by up to 50% compared to traditional surgical methods, according to periodontal literature, which is a meaningful difference in your comfort and recovery experience. Once the tissue is removed, it does not grow back in the treated area, making results permanent with proper oral hygiene.

Botox for Gummy Smile Correction

When a hyperactive upper lip is the culprit, Botox is the most effective and targeted treatment available. Small, precise injections into the elevator muscles temporarily reduce how high the lip rises during a smile—without altering the teeth or gum tissue at all.

The procedure takes less than 15 minutes, requires no downtime, and results typically last 3 to 6 months. It’s a genuinely elegant solution for the right patient.

Dr. Thomas Gibbs brings exceptional expertise to facial Botox treatment. He is a mentor at the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) — one of the most respected credentialing organizations for dental Botox in the country. This level of training is rare among general dentists, and it means you’re receiving specialist-level care in a familiar, trusted environment.

Crown Lengthening

For cases where excess gum tissue extends alongside underlying bone tissue, crown lengthening goes one step further than a soft-tissue laser lift. This procedure addresses both layers — gum and bone — to expose a greater portion of the natural tooth crown and create a fully balanced, proportional result. Crown lengthening can also be used restoratively when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to support a crown without first exposing more of its structure.

Combination Smile Makeovers

For many patients, the most dramatic and complete results come from pairing gum lift treatment with other cosmetic procedures. Common combinations include:

• Laser gum lift + porcelain veneers: removes excess gum AND enhances tooth color, shape, and uniformity for a full-smile transformation
• Laser gum lift + teeth whitening: reveals more enamel AND brightens it — one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade a smile
• Crown lengthening + CEREC same-day crowns: addresses gum architecture and tooth restoration in minimal visits
• Botox + Invisalign: corrects lip elevation while simultaneously improving alignment

Dr. Gibbs can design a full smile makeover plan that sequences everything correctly and fits your schedule and budget.

What Does Gummy Smile Treatment Cost?

Pricing varies based on the procedure, the number of teeth involved, and whether additional treatments are combined. As a general reference:

• Laser gum recontouring: typically $200–$400 per tooth, or $1,000–$3,000 for a full smile line treatment
• Botox for gummy smile: typically $150–$400 per treatment, depending on the number of injection sites
• Crown lengthening: varies based on complexity — your consultation includes a precise estimate

Most gum lift procedures are considered cosmetic and are not covered by dental insurance. However, if crown lengthening is performed for restorative reasons (such as to allow a crown to be properly placed on a damaged tooth), a portion may be covered by your plan. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and explore financing options to make treatment as accessible as possible.

Your Next Step: A Consultation at Smile Glen Ellyn

Every gummy smile is unique, and every treatment plan should be too. At your consultation, Dr. Gibbs will conduct a complete clinical evaluation — assessing your gum-to-tooth ratio, lip position, jaw structure, and overall oral health — and present a clear, honest treatment plan before anything begins.

There’s no pressure, no obligation, and no guesswork. Just a thorough conversation with an expert about what’s possible for your smile — and how to get there before summer arrives.

Don’t Let Another Summer Go By Hiding Your Smile — Call Smile Glen Ellyn Today

Summer is almost here, and your smile should be part of it—not something you hide from it. A laser gum lift at Smile Glen Ellyn is one appointment, one to two hours, and a change that lasts a lifetime. With only a few weeks between now and Memorial Day weekend, there’s still time to heal, recover, and step into summer with a smile you’re proud to show off.

Call us today at (630) 858-8800 to schedule your gummy smile consultation with Dr. Thomas Gibbs or Dr. Jessica Gibbs at Smile Glen Ellyn. We proudly welcome patients from Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, Winfield, and all surrounding communities in DuPage County.

Your best smile is closer than you think — and this summer, it’s ready to show up.