A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, is a condition in which a large amount of gum tissue shows above the upper teeth when you smile. This is not a health concern and is typically corrected only to match a patient’s cosmetic preferences. In this article, we discuss the most common methods that can correct a gummy smile.
What Can Correct a Gummy Smile?
Gummy smile treatment methods depend on the cause of the condition. The most common gummy smile causes may include:
- Extra gum tissue covering the teeth
- Naturally short-looking teeth
- A hyperactive or short upper lip
- The position of your teeth
- The shape or position of the upper jaw
Let us look at the main treatment options and in what cases they work best:
Orthodontic Treatment
An orthodontic treatment can help correct a gummy smile when the underlying cause is related to the position of the teeth or the bite. Depending on the specific issues you have, orthodontic treatment may involve moving the upper front teeth upward to reduce the amount of gum visible when smiling, or making the gum line appear more even and harmonious by correcting the bite and tooth alignment.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is suitable when extra gum tissue covers the teeth. This procedure can be performed using traditional surgical methods or lasers. It reshapes the gum line to expose more of the tooth’s length. Sometimes, gum contouring is combined with other procedures, such as crown lengthening or orthodontic treatments.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a periodontal surgical procedure that exposes more of a tooth’s surface by reshaping the gum tissue and, if needed, a small amount of underlying bone. The aim of the procedure is to balance the proportions between your gums and teeth. It is often used when there is a risk that the gum tissue will grow back after gum contouring alone.
Dental Veneers and Dental Bonding
Both gum contouring and crown lengthening are often used in combination with dental veneers or bonding for gummy smile correction. Once the gum position is stable after gum contouring or crown lengthening, veneers or composite bonding can be used to improve tooth shape (make teeth look longer or more proportionate), close gaps between the teeth, or fix asymmetry.
Lip Repositioning Surgery
Lip repositioning surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is aimed at limiting how far the upper lip can move upward when you smile. During this procedure, your surgeon will adjust the inner lining of the upper lip (the labial mucosa) to a lower position. This procedure is typically recommended when the gummy smile is mild to moderate and is caused by a hypermobile or short upper lip.
Botox Injections
Botox injections are a non-surgical way to reduce the amount of gum that shows when you smile. It works by relaxing specific upper lip muscles, preventing the lip from lifting too high. The results of this procedure typically last for 3 to 4 months. Botox injections work best for people with mild to moderate gummy smiles, especially when the gummy smile is caused by an overactive upper lip.
Correct Gummy Smile at Perfect Smile Garden Grove
If you are considering gummy smile correction procedures, do not hesitate to make an appointment at the Perfect Smile Garden Grove dental clinic. We offer a wide range of procedures and will develop a treatment plan best suited for your goals and needs. We are looking forward to your visit.
