A stunning smile will enhance your confidence, but if you do not like your gummy smile, you can hide your teeth. Excessive gingival display or gummy smile occurs when too much gum is exposed above the top teeth when you smile. Fortunately, there are several solutions to correct a gummy smile, and you can simply have a smile that will enhance your confidence.
Why Does a Gummy Smile Happen?
Before discussing the effective treatments available to correct a gummy smile, it’s crucial to know the potential causes:
- Genetics: Some individuals naturally possess too much gum tissue as a result of genetic attributes.
- Hyperactive Upper Lip: The upper lip may be too active and elevate too high when smiling and, therefore, show more gum than normal.
- Jaw Development Problems: The top jaw might have developed too far downwards, making the gums look more prominent.
- Tooth Eruption Issues: Teeth that did not erupt properly can be hidden under too much gum tissue, causing them to appear shorter.
Now that we know the reasons, let’s discuss six effective ways to correct a gummy smile.
1. Orthodontic Treatment
Braces or clear aligners can correct jaw alignment and reposition the teeth, minimizing the appearance of the gums. One popular option is orthodontic treatment if the gummy smile results from jaw or teeth positioning. With better alignment, your smile can look more proportionate.
2. Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy in Marietta is a small surgical process that eliminates unnecessary gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This procedure is very fast, with only local anesthesia usually needed. The recovery period is short, and the effect is instantaneous, making it one of the most sought-after ways to fix a gummy smile.
3. Lip-Lowering Surgery
For those with a hyperactive upper lip, lip repositioning surgery is a good solution. The surgery restricts how high the lip elevates when smiling, limiting the amount of gum exposure. The procedure is non-surgical and provides a permanent solution.
4. Botox Injections
Botox is a non-permanent method used to relax, temporarily, muscles that lift the upper lip. This keeps the lip from moving too high, exposing too much gum tissue. Botox injections are of 3–6 months duration and are an ideal short-run solution for the patient who desires to try before buying, with permanent treatment afterward.
5. Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening requires reshaping both the gum and underlying bone to reveal more of the structure of the tooth. Crown lengthening is commonly utilized when the teeth look too short because they have too much gum covering them. Crown lengthening can improve the aesthetics of your smile as well as your dental function.
6. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
If, in extreme conditions, the top jaw is unduly long, orthopedic surgery would be necessary. This surgery adjusts the top jaw to achieve an improved facial aesthetic and minimize gum prominence. This is a more complicated procedure, but it’s permanent and extremely dramatic.
Selecting the Proper Treatment
If you are unhappy with your gummy smile, then the most ideal solution is a visit to a periodontist or a dental specialist, who will determine the most suitable treatment for your particular condition. Whether you would like an option that does not require surgical intervention, such as Botox, or a definitive surgical procedure, there are various options available to beautify your smile.
Transform Your Smile with Expert Care
If you need professional treatment to fix a gummy smile, Kennestone Periodontics is here to assist. Our experienced periodontist in Marietta is an expert in advanced procedures, such as gingivectomy, to reshape your smile with precision and compassion.
Book an appointment today to discuss the most suitable solution for your gummy smile and gain the confidence to smile openly!