High smile teeth
A high smile line shows more gum above the upper front teeth and may reflect tooth length, lip movement, gum position, or jaw structure.
The short answer
A high smile line is a smile display pattern in which the upper lip exposes a noticeable band of gingiva above the front teeth.
Why might a smile show more upper gum than expected?
The visible balance depends on incisor crown height, gingival margin position, upper-lip length and movement, tooth wear, and the vertical position of the upper jaw. The same appearance can therefore have different anatomical causes.
How can a dentist assess the causes of a high smile line?
A dentist may photograph the smile at rest and in motion, measure tooth and gum proportions, assess enamel and gum health, and use digital planning. Options can include orthodontics, periodontal crown lengthening, restorative reshaping, or selected lip or jaw procedures, depending on the cause.
When should you seek advice before changing a gummy smile?
Seek an assessment before cutting gum tissue or placing veneers, especially if teeth are short from wear or gums are inflamed. Care is more urgent if the display is accompanied by pain, swelling, bleeding, or a changing bite.
What should you ask about treating a high smile line?
Ask which structure creates the high gum display and whether treatment changes gum, tooth, lip, or jaw anatomy. Ask how much healthy enamel and gum tissue would remain and whether orthodontic or periodontal assessment is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Could this be caused by something other than the obvious explanation?
Yes. The examination should separate local irritation from tooth disease, infection, medication effects, and conditions outside the mouth.
What happens at the dental visit?
The clinician reviews the history, examines the tissues and teeth, and uses targeted measurements or imaging when those findings are needed.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.