Gummy smile correction is a commonly requested cosmetic procedure that can help improve the appearance of your smile. This corrective treatment involves reducing the amount of gum tissue visible when you smile, giving you an aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking result. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how gummy smile correction works and what you can expect from the procedure.
What is Gummy Smile?
A Gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, is a condition in which excessive gum tissue is visible when you smile, making your teeth appear too small or out of proportion. A smile with 3 to 4 millimeters of visible gumline is usually considered unbalanced and can result in a gummy appearance.
What Causes Gummy Smile?
Gummy smile can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Gingival enlargement: When excess gum tissue grows over the teeth, covering more of the teeth than is normal and giving you a “gummy” appearance. Gum enlargement may occur for several reasons, such as poor oral hygiene, gum disease, certain medications, or genetic factors.
- Short lips: When your upper lip does not cover the gum area properly, making it more visible
- Jaw problem: When the upper jaw protrudes outwards or larger than it should, making the gum area more visible
- Small teeth: When your teeth are very small in size, making the gum tissue more visible
- Misaligned teeth: when the teeth do not line up properly, making it easier to see more of the gum tissue
- Hyperactive lip: When your upper lip is overactive and moves higher than normal while smiling, causing the gum area to show
Gummy smiles can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment when smiling, but fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available for gummy smile correction.
How Does Gummy Smile Correction Work?
Gummy smile correction can be achieved with a combination of treatments, depending on the cause of your gummy smile and the desired results. For example, your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment to correct bite problems that contribute to your gummy smile.
Gum disease can also contribute to a gummy smile by causing gum tissue to overgrow. If this is the cause, your dentist may recommend periodontal treatments such as gingivectomy surgery to remove the overgrown gums, followed by scaling and root planing.
Some patients may not prefer the idea of surgery and could benefit from non-surgical approaches such as Botox injections to relax the muscles around the mouth. However, all these treatments depend on the cause of your gummy smile and must be customized to provide the best results.
Treatment Options
The following are some of the most common treatments for gummy smile correction:
- Scaling and Root planing: If you have excess or overgrown gum due to gum disease, scaling, and root planing may be recommended to remove built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth and reduce the inflammation in your gums.
- Orthodontics: If you have a malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth or jaw), your orthodontist may recommend orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign to correct bite problems.
- Gingivectomy: Also known as gum contouring or crown lengthening, this procedure involves removing excess gum tissue from the area around your teeth to create a more even-looking smile.
- Lip Repositioning: For some people, lip repositioning surgery may be recommended if their gummy smile is caused by a short and/or hyperactive upper lip. During the procedure, the upper lip is repositioned in a lowered position to reduce the visibility of the gums while smiling.
- Botox: Tiny injections of Botox into the upper lip can help relax the muscles and reduce hyperactivity, allowing the lips to cover the gums properly when you smile.
- Crowns and veneers: If your teeth are too short, crowns or veneers can be used for gummy smile correction by adding length to your teeth.
- Jaw surgery: In some cases, a maxillofacial surgeon may recommend jaw surgery if the cause is related to the structure of your jaw.
Depending on the severity and cause of your gummy smile, several different treatments may be recommended to correct it. Your dentist can assess your condition and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
Non-surgical Options for Gummy Smile Correction
Some people may not prefer surgical options to correct a gummy smile or may not qualify for surgery due to certain medical conditions. In such cases, there are non-surgical options available to help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile and improve overall aesthetic appeal.
These treatments usually involve the use of muscle relaxants or Botox injections into the lip muscles to make them less active when smiling.
Also, orthodontic treatment can be used to correct the alignment and positioning of the teeth, which in turn can make teeth appear longer and reduce the visibility of the gums.
Finally, cosmetic dentistry treatments such as veneers may also be recommended to add length to your teeth and restore a more balanced and even smile.
Remember that the treatment depends on the underlying cause, so it’s important to consult your dentist and find the right solution for you.
Gummy Smile Correction with Laser
Gingivectomy, also known as gum contouring, is one of the most popular treatments for gummy smile correction. It’s a surgical procedure that involves removing the excess gum tissue and reshaping the gums to achieve a more symmetrical and aesthetic appearance.
The procedure can be performed by scalpel (traditional way) or laser. Gingivectomy with laser offers many advantages over scalpels, such as more precise, less bleeding and swelling, and quicker recovery time. However, laser gingivectomy is more expensive.
Conclusion
Gummy smile correction is possible with a variety of treatments. Depending on the cause, your dentist will determine which option is best for a healthy, beautiful smile.
Non-surgical solutions include orthodontic treatment, muscle relaxants, and veneers. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases to reduce the amount of gum tissue and reshape the gums, such as gingivectomy.
Discuss with your dentist the best treatment options for you, taking into consideration some factors, such as the invasiveness of the procedure, the cost, and the expected outcome.
