CarolinasDentist Blog

Ways to Make Your Smile Less Gummy

Brunette woman with a gummy smile

Are you self-conscious about how your gums look when you smile? Do they seem too prominent? Here are some cosmetic dental treatments that can make your smile appear less gummy:

Orthodontic Treatment

Sometimes a gummy smile is caused by a misaligned bite or crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment like Invisalign® clear aligners or braces can straighten your teeth and bite and help change how much your gums show when you smile. Having a straighter smile is good for your oral health too because your teeth and gums are easier to keep clean! You will be less likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease.

Gum Contouring

If your gums are too high on your teeth, a cosmetic surgery known as gum contouring can help. Using tools like scalpels and lasers, a dentist can reshape your gums and fix uneven gum lines. You will be given a local anesthetic and dental sedation so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Recovery can take a few weeks, during which you should use over-the-counter pain medications as directed, eat softer foods, and carefully follow our instructions regarding brushing and flossing.

Veneers

Prominent gums can make your teeth look short. Dental veneers is a way to permanently change the shape and length of your teeth! These are thin custom-made shells that bond to the front of your teeth after we remove a portion of your tooth enamel. With daily oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, your veneers can last 15-20+ years before needing to be replaced.

Transform Your Smile at CarolinasDentist!

If you don’t love your smile, CarolinasDentist can help. In addition to several cosmetic services that can address a gummy smile, we also offer services to keep your smile healthy, such as routine cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, and periodontal therapy. Please contact us today with any questions about our services or to schedule an appointment at one of our many locations!

Contact Us

Related Posts

Back To Top

Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

Choose your location:      

Select Office To Make Payment To