COSMETIC DENTISTRY · NEWTON, MA
Gummy Smile Correction in Newton & Boston
A gummy smile can affect your confidence and the overall balance of your appearance. At Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA, Dr. Alex Smolyar offers precise, minimally invasive gummy smile correction using laser gum contouring, Botox, or a combination of both — with natural-looking results that restore harmony to your smile.
Request ConsultationAbout This Service
What causes a gummy smile and how is it corrected?
A gummy smile — clinically referred to as excessive gingival display — occurs when a disproportionate amount of gum tissue is visible above the teeth when smiling. Most patients with a gummy smile show more than 3 to 4 millimeters of gum tissue above the upper teeth, creating an imbalance between the teeth and gums that can make the teeth appear shorter than they are and draw attention away from the smile itself. Gummy smiles are most commonly caused by genetics, but can also result from abnormal tooth eruption patterns, a hyperactive upper lip muscle, or in some cases, certain medications that cause gum overgrowth.
At Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA, Dr. Smolyar evaluates the specific cause of each patient’s gummy smile before recommending treatment. Two primary approaches are available depending on the underlying cause. Laser gum contouring — also called gingivectomy or crown lengthening — removes and reshapes excess gum tissue to expose more of the natural tooth crown, creating a more balanced smile. Botox injections can limit the elevation of the upper lip when smiling, reducing gum visibility without any tissue removal. In some cases, Dr. Smolyar recommends a combination of both approaches for the most complete correction.
The right treatment depends entirely on the cause and severity of the gummy smile. Laser gum contouring provides permanent results by reshaping the gum tissue itself. Botox provides temporary but highly effective correction for cases driven by a hyperactive upper lip, with results lasting approximately three to four months per treatment. Dr. Smolyar evaluates both the anatomical cause and the patient’s preferences at consultation to design the most effective, least invasive correction plan.
“Correcting a gummy smile is one of the most dramatic changes we make for how little tissue we actually move. Patients are consistently amazed at the difference — the teeth look completely different even when the change is measured in millimeters.” — Dr. Alex Smolyar, DMD
Candidacy
Is gummy smile correction right for you?
If you feel self-conscious about how much gum tissue shows when you smile, gummy smile correction may be the right solution. A consultation with Dr. Smolyar at our Newton, MA practice will identify the specific cause and the most appropriate treatment approach.
Often a great fit if you have…
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Feel your smile shows too much gum tissue above your upper teeth
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Have teeth that appear short or stubby despite being otherwise healthy
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Have been told by a dentist that you have excess gum tissue covering part of your tooth crowns
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Want a more balanced, proportionate smile without major surgery
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Are considering porcelain veneers and want to optimize your gum line first
Alternatives may be better for patients with…
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A gummy smile caused by the position of the upper jaw bone, which may require orthognathic surgery
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Active gum disease or inflammation that must be treated before elective gum contouring
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Medication-induced gum overgrowth that may require a change in medication first
Start your new smile story today.
Dr. Smolyar will evaluate the cause of your gummy smile at your Newton, MA consultation and recommend the safest, most effective correction — whether that is laser contouring, Botox, or both.
Request ConsultationWhat to Expect
Gummy smile correction: what to expect
Both treatment options for gummy smile correction at Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA are straightforward, well-tolerated, and can often be performed on the same day as your consultation.
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Step 01
Laser Gum Contouring
1 Appointment · PermanentThe gum tissue is numbed with local anesthesia. Dr. Smolyar uses a soft-tissue laser to precisely remove and reshape the excess gum tissue, revealing more of the natural tooth crown. The laser seals blood vessels as it works, minimizing bleeding and promoting fast healing. Most patients return to normal activities within one to two days. Results are permanent — the reshaped gum line does not grow back.
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Step 02
Botox for Gummy Smile
15–20 Minutes · No DowntimeA small amount of Botox is injected into the muscles that elevate the upper lip when smiling. By temporarily relaxing these muscles, the lip does not rise as high, reducing the amount of gum tissue visible during a smile. No anesthesia is required. Results appear within 5 to 7 days and typically last 3 to 4 months. Repeat treatments maintain the effect over time.
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Step 03
Combined Approach
1 AppointmentFor patients whose gummy smile has both a tissue and a muscular component, Dr. Smolyar may recommend combining laser gum contouring with Botox. This delivers the most comprehensive result — a reshaped gum line plus controlled lip elevation. The two treatments complement each other and can be performed on the same day at our Newton, MA practice.
Why Choose Dr. Smolyar
Expert gummy smile correction in Newton & Boston
Gummy smile correction requires both clinical precision and an artistic eye for facial proportion. Here is why patients from across greater Boston choose Dr. Smolyar for this highly personal cosmetic procedure.
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AAFE-Certified Botox Provider
Dr. Smolyar is a certified member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE), with advanced training in facial anatomy, muscle function, and Botox injection technique. His dental background gives him a uniquely precise understanding of the structures involved in gummy smile correction — far beyond the scope of a general aesthetic provider. Patients receive safe, targeted treatment with natural-looking results at our Newton, MA practice.
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Laser Gum Expertise
Laser gum contouring at Smolyar Dental uses advanced soft-tissue laser technology that provides far greater precision than traditional gum surgery. The laser minimizes bleeding, reduces post-procedure discomfort, and promotes faster healing. Dr. Smolyar’s 25+ years of experience with gum tissue aesthetics ensures that every millimeter of the reshaping is deliberate and proportionate to the patient’s overall facial structure.
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AACD Member — Cosmetic Dentistry at Its Highest Level
Dr. Smolyar is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). His multispecialty Newton, MA practice integrates cosmetic expertise with restorative and specialty care, meaning complex cases are handled with full coordination under one roof rather than fragmented across multiple providers.
Patient Reviews
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Dr. Alex Smolyar is the best dentist in the world. He is so talented and professional but above all he is an amazing human being. I have been his patient since 2015 and he does a phenomenal job. I appreciate everything he does.
Comprehensive Dental Care · Google Review -
Dr. Smolyar was tremendous. He, Ronit, and his whole team completely exceeded my expectations. Alex is a skilled and meticulous professional. In every sense, a great experience.
General Dental Care · Google Review -
Dr. Smolyar is an Einstein in the field of dentistry. After suffering for years with chronic migraines and visiting multiple specialists, Dr. Smolyar diagnosed and treated my migraines without medication. No more pain.
TMJ & Headache Dentistry · Facebook Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions worth asking.
Questions patients frequently ask about gummy smile correction at Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA.
Ask Dr. Smolyar-
Laser gum contouring is performed under local anesthesia at our Newton, MA practice, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Post-procedure soreness is mild and typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients return to normal activities within one to two days. Botox for gummy smile requires no anesthesia and has no downtime — most patients describe the injections as a brief, minimal sensation.
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Laser gum contouring provides permanent results. Once the excess gum tissue is removed, it does not grow back. The reshaped gum line is stable long-term. Botox for gummy smile provides temporary results lasting approximately 3 to 4 months per treatment. Repeat Botox sessions maintain the effect ongoing. Many patients choose to start with Botox and later transition to laser contouring for a permanent solution.
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Gummy smile correction is a cosmetic procedure performed to improve the aesthetics of the smile by removing excess, healthy gum tissue. Gum disease treatment addresses infection and inflammation of diseased gum tissue to restore oral health. The two are entirely different in purpose, method, and indication. Gum disease must be resolved before elective cosmetic gum contouring can be performed.
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Yes — and this combination is one of the most transformative treatments we offer at Smolyar Dental. Laser gum contouring is typically performed first to establish the ideal gum line, then porcelain veneers are placed to perfect the color, shape, and size of the newly revealed tooth crowns. The result is a beautifully balanced smile that addresses every element of the aesthetic picture.
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Botox for gummy smile correction typically requires a very small amount — generally 2 to 6 units injected into the levator labii superioris muscles on each side. The exact amount varies by individual muscle strength and the degree of correction desired. Dr. Smolyar determines the appropriate dosage at your consultation at our Newton, MA practice.
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Laser gum contouring reveals more of the natural tooth crown, making the teeth appear longer and more proportionate. It does not change the color, shape, or alignment of the teeth themselves. Many patients combine gum contouring with teeth whitening or porcelain veneers to complete the aesthetic transformation. Botox correction changes only how high the lip rises, not the teeth or gums themselves.
Serving Newton & Greater Boston
Gummy smile correction near you.
Smolyar Dental is located at 71 Needham Street in Newton, MA, minutes from Newton Centre, Chestnut Hill, and the Route 9 corridor. Patients seeking gummy smile correction in the Boston area choose Dr. Smolyar for his dual expertise in laser gum treatment and facial aesthetic injections — a combination available at very few practices in greater Boston.
We serve patients from Newton, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Needham, Wellesley, West Newton, Waltham, Weston, Natick, and across the greater Boston metro area. On-site parking is available and the practice is accessible from the Newton Highlands MBTA Green Line D stop.
- Phone
- (617) 712-2770
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: 9am to 4pm · Friday: 9am to 2pm · Saturday & Sunday: Closed
71 Needham Street, Newton, MA 02461
Route 9, Route 128/95, and the Mass Pike. Most patients within 20 min.
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Ready for a smile you’re proud of?
Your consultation with Dr. Smolyar begins with a conversation. He listens, he evaluates, and he tells you honestly what is possible and what will look best for your unique smile. There is no pressure and no obligation — just the information you need to make the right decision for yourself.
- Dr. Smolyar personally conducts every consultation — not a sales coordinator
- Digital smile preview before any treatment begins
- Newton, MA office — serving Boston, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Wellesley and beyond
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