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Gummy Smile Correction
Surgical and non-surgical solutions
Discover effective treatment options to address excessive gingival display and achieve a confident smile.
What is a gummy smile?
Impact of excessive gingival display on smile aesthetics
An excessive display of gingiva can have a negative impact on the overall appearance of a smile. The teeth may appear shorter or square-shaped, which can detract from their natural beauty. However, many people are unaware that they have a set of good-quality teeth hidden beneath their gummy smile, just waiting to be revealed.
Importance of gummy smile correction
Correcting a gummy smile is crucial for those who wish to improve their smile and regain confidence. Excessive gingival display can be addressed to achieve a more harmonious smile that highlights the natural beauty of the teeth.
Beyond aesthetics, gummy smile correction may be needed where uncovering additional ‘hidden’ tooth structure is required to allow for bonding in the process of tooth reconstruction.
Causes of gummy smile
There are various underlying factors that can cause a gummy smile, such as:
- Abnormal tooth eruption, either as a result of the way your jaw developed, or, improper eruption of your teeth. When the teeth do not emerge completely from their gums, they can appear short or square, and will cause more to gum show when speaking or smiling.
- Another common cause of a gummy smile is the overgrowth of gum tissue. This may be a result of genetics, hormonal fluctuations, or specific medical conditions. The excessive gum tissue covers a substantial portion of the teeth, resulting in a smile that appears gummy.
- Excessive lifting of the upper lip during smiling can expose more gum tissue than intended, surpassing the gum line of the upper teeth. The lifting of the upper lip can either be a natural occurrence or it can be caused by hyperactive muscles that control the movement of the lip.
Identifying the reason behind a gummy smile is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Dental Crafted will evaluate your unique case and determine the underlying causes of your gummy smile. This will ensure an accurate and long lasting solution.
Gummy smile correction options
There are several treatment options available for correcting a gummy smile, including:
Gingivectomy: A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess gum tissue. Lasers or scalpels are generally used to precisely reshape the gums. This procedure helps to reveal more of the tooth surface and reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
Aesthetic crown lengthening, or ACL is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess gum tissue and, more importantly, the underlying bone which has caused the low gingival position. Requiring proper diagnosis and planning, this minor surgical procedure can provide long lasting and natural results.
Orthodontics: Orthodontic treatment, including braces or aligners, may be recommended to correct the dental misalignment causing the gummy smile. Orthodontics can assist in reducing the excessive display of gum tissue and creating a more balanced smile by correctly aligning the teeth and jaws.
Orthognathic surgery: In severe cases where underlying jaw or skeletal issues cause a gummy smile, dental professionals may recommend orthognathic surgery. This procedure aims to improve the aesthetic and functional aspects of the smile by repositioning the jaws to achieve proper alignment.
Lip repositioning: Lip repositioning is a surgical technique that is used to treat gummy smiles resulting from excessive lip elevation. It is possible to limit the movement of the upper lip by modifying or repositioning the muscles and tissues around it, resulting in a less gummy appearance when smiling.
Botox injections: Botox injections provide a non-surgical approach to addressing a gummy smile. Injecting botulinum toxin into the muscles that control the movement of the upper lip can temporarily relax these muscles and reduce the amount of gum tissue visible when smiling. Botox treatment is a fast and minimally invasive solution that offers results that can last for several months.
Considerations of age and timing of treatment
The diagnosis and treatment for a gummy smile are typically performed starting at the age of 16, as this is when gum growth stabilises. The timing and suitability of treatment may differ depending on individual factors.
We will evaluate several factors, including dental development, facial growth, and the underlying causes of the gummy smile. By evaluating these factors, we can establish the optimal timeline to start treatment, guaranteeing the most favourable results for our patients.
In some circumstances, early intervention might be necessary, especially if the gummy smile is a result of serious jaw or skeletal issues that could benefit from early correction.
Gummy smile correction aftercare
While the talk and thought of gum work sounds scary, the reality of treatment is usually very comfortable, not to mention satisfying. We will provide you with appropriate aftercare instructions and products, to ensure predictable and long lasting results. Aftercare is generally needed for 1-2 weeks post procedure, and is quite simple. For most people, it does not involve much more than being cautious around the treated teeth.
Do you feel worried about your gummy smile?
If you think that you have a gummy smile and would like to explore your treatment options, Dental Crafted can help. Let us offer you world class diagnosis and practical, long lasting treatment options. Book an appointment with us now to begin your journey towards a more confident smile.