Quick Answer: Gummy smile treatment in Dubai costs AED 800–5,000 depending on the cause and method. Botox gummy smile correction (non-surgical) costs AED 800–1,500 and lasts 4–6 months. Surgical gum contouring (gingivectomy) costs AED 1,500–3,500. Crown lengthening for severe cases costs AED 3,000–5,000. All options are available at DHA-licensed clinics in Dubai.

A “gummy smile” — where too much gum tissue shows when you smile — is one of the most common cosmetic dental concerns in Dubai’s clinics. The good news: there are multiple effective treatments ranging from a quick Botox injection to a minor surgical procedure, and most cases can be resolved in one or two visits. This guide covers the causes, treatments, costs, and what to realistically expect from each option.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

Gummy smiles have different root causes, and the cause determines the best treatment:

Hyperactive upper lip: The lip lifts too high when smiling, exposing more gum. This is the most common cause and the easiest to treat (Botox injections).
Excessive gum tissue (gingival hyperplasia): Too much gum covers the teeth, making teeth appear short. Treated with gum contouring (gingivectomy).
Short upper lip (anatomical): Less common — the lip is anatomically short, exposing the gum regardless of muscle activity.
Vertical maxillary excess: The upper jaw itself is positioned too low. This is a skeletal cause requiring orthognathic surgery — rare, but important to diagnose correctly.
Delayed passive eruption: Gum tissue has not receded to its normal position after the teeth emerged. Treated with gum contouring.

Gummy Smile Treatment Dubai — Cost by Method 2026

Treatment	Dubai Cost (AED)	Duration	Best For
Botox gummy smile injection	AED 800–1,500	4–6 months	Hyperactive upper lip
Laser gum contouring	AED 1,500–3,000	Permanent	Excessive gum tissue
Surgical gingivectomy	AED 2,000–3,500	Permanent	Moderate to severe gum excess
Crown lengthening (osseous surgery)	AED 3,000–5,000	Permanent	Gum excess involving bone
Lip repositioning surgery	AED 4,000–8,000	Permanent	Anatomical short lip — permanent alternative to Botox

Botox for Gummy Smile — What to Expect

Botox gummy smile correction is the most popular treatment in Dubai due to its minimal downtime, low cost, and no permanent commitment. The process:

Assessment (15 min): The dentist measures how much gum shows when you smile and assesses lip mobility. 2–4mm of gum showing is the typical Botox candidate range.
Injection (5–10 min): 2–4 units of Botox are injected into the levator labii superioris muscle on each side, just above the upper lip. Tiny needle, minimal discomfort.
Result (3–5 days to show): The lip’s upward movement is reduced, revealing less gum when smiling. The smile itself remains natural — the effect is subtle, not frozen.
Duration: 4–6 months, then retreatment needed.

Botox gummy smile treatment is available at both dental clinics and aesthetic clinics in Dubai. When performed by a DHA-licensed dentist, the anatomy-specific expertise adds value — dentists understand the underlying muscles from clinical training. Cost: AED 800–1,500.

Laser Gum Contouring — Permanent Gummy Smile Fix

For gummy smiles caused by excessive gum tissue (not hyperactive muscle), laser gum contouring (also called a laser gingivectomy) removes and reshapes the gum line permanently. The laser seals the tissue as it cuts, minimising bleeding and speeding healing. Procedure time: 30–60 minutes under local anaesthetic. Recovery: 1–2 days of mild soreness. Final result visible within 2–4 weeks as tissue heals. This is a permanent solution — no retreatment needed. Cost in Dubai: AED 1,500–3,000.

Crown Lengthening — When It’s Needed

If excess gum involves the bone beneath (as in delayed passive eruption), soft tissue contouring alone is not sufficient. Crown lengthening involves gum surgery that also reshapes the bone to expose more of the natural tooth. This is done by a periodontist (gum specialist) under local anaesthetic. Recovery is longer (1–2 weeks) but the result is permanent and highly effective. Post-treatment, veneers or crowns can be placed to optimise the final smile appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions — Gummy Smile Treatment Dubai

How much does gummy smile treatment cost in Dubai?

Gummy smile treatment in Dubai costs AED 800–1,500 for Botox injections (lasts 4–6 months), AED 1,500–3,000 for laser gum contouring (permanent), AED 2,000–3,500 for surgical gingivectomy (permanent), and AED 3,000–5,000 for crown lengthening (permanent, for cases involving bone). The right treatment depends on the cause — a DHA-licensed dentist or periodontist should assess your specific case before recommending a method.

How many mm of gum is normal when smiling?

0–2mm of gum showing when smiling is considered within the normal aesthetic range. Showing 3–4mm is mildly excessive and typically treatable with Botox. Showing 4mm or more is a more pronounced gummy smile that may benefit from laser contouring or surgery. The exact threshold depends on facial proportions, tooth length, and the patient’s preference — there is no absolute clinical cutoff.

Is Botox or surgery better for a gummy smile?

Botox is better if the cause is a hyperactive upper lip — it is lower cost, no downtime, and reversible. Surgery (laser contouring or gingivectomy) is better if the cause is excessive gum tissue — Botox will not help with a gum tissue problem. The correct choice requires diagnosis first: a DHA-licensed dentist or periodontist should assess whether your gummy smile is muscle-related, tissue-related, or a combination of both.

Does insurance cover gummy smile treatment in Dubai?

Generally no — gummy smile treatments are classified as cosmetic procedures by most UAE health insurance plans (Daman, AXA, Bupa, MetLife) and are therefore not covered. Crown lengthening performed for functional reasons (restoring a broken tooth) may be partially covered as a dental procedure. Check your plan’s specific exclusions before treatment.