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Gummy Smile Treatment
Gummy smiles occur when you show too much gum when you smile. This condition can affect anyone, young or old, and can cause embarrassment and reduced confidence.
But don’t worry; London Dental Specialists has the expertise to help you overcome this issue and achieve a beautiful, confident smile. With over 50 years of combined experience in providing top-notch dental treatment, London Dental Specialists is dedicated to transforming the lives of their patients by offering the best dental services in a beautiful
Gummy Smile: Key Takeaways
- A Gummy smile is the excessive display of gum tissue above the top teeth while smiling, which can cause embarrassment and reduced confidence.
- It is usually genetic and more common in women than men and can be caused by short teeth, an upper lip that lifts too high, and maxillary excess.
- Treatment options include orthodontic options like braces or clear aligners, surgical procedures such as crown lengthening or jaw surgery, non-invasive treatments like Botox injections or laser treatment, and personalized treatment plans tailored to specific needs.
- Prevention involves good oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and various treatment options available at London Dental Specialists, who use state-of-the-art dental technology to deliver precise, effective treatments that give lasting results.
What is a Gummy Smile?
Gummy smile (also known as excessive gingival display) occurs when there is an excessive display of gum tissue above the top teeth while smiling. it’s not just unattractive but can also hurt self-confidence.
This condition is usually genetic and more common in women than in men. However, other factors can contribute to this issue, such as teeth that appear short, small teeth compared to gums, an upper lip that is too short or lifts too high when smiling, gingival hypertrophy, and maxillary excess.
Cosmetic concerns regarding gummy smiles are valid since they affect people’s confidence when interacting with others. Thankfully, orthodontic options like braces or clear aligners are available to fix this problem. Surgical procedures such as crown lengthening or jaw surgery may also be necessary, depending on the severity of the case.
Non-invasive treatments like Botox injections into the upper lip can help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile temporarily. With so many causes and treatment options available for gummy smiles, it’s important to seek professional advice to determine which method works best for your situation before proceeding with any treatment plan.
Gummy Smile Causes.
Gummy smile causes include an overactive upper lip muscle, abnormal dental eruption, gingival overgrowth, and excessive wear and tear of teeth, which can all lead to the appearance of too much gum when we smile. As they say, prevention is better than cure! Here are some specific causes that contribute to a gummy smile:
- Lip position: When the upper lip is hypermobile or positioned too far forward, it may expose more gum tissue.
- Tooth eruption: If teeth don’t erupt properly through the gums, it can result in an uneven gum line that appears gummy.
- Jaw development: An overgrown or underdeveloped jawbone can cause the gums to be excessively visible.
- Muscle hyperactivity: Some individuals have an overactive muscle in their upper lip that elevates too high when smiling.
As you can see, various factors regarding a gummy smile are at play. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment and other cosmetic dentistry procedures can address these issues and give you a more confident smile. Speaking with a dental specialist about your options is always recommended.
Now that you know what causes a gummy smile, let’s explore the symptoms and complications associated with this common issue.
You may notice that the causes are all related to the teeth, lips, jaws or gums, which happen to be the key components that dictate your smile aesthetics. It’s all about proportion and positioning and when one piece of the smile puzzle isn’t correct, it can throw everything off. In the majority of instances, the condition behind a gummy smile is genetic so there’s nothing you can do to prevent it.
Gummy Smile Treatment Options
Some of the options we offer include:
Laser Gum Therapy (aka gum contouring)
This involves using a dental laser to reshape the gums and create a more aesthetic gumline.
Crown Lengthening Surgery
This essentially involves reshaping gums and bones to create a more aesthetic gumline. In most situations, the results of this procedure last much longer than gum contouring and are usually carried out by a specialist periodontist under local anaesthetic.
Orthodontist Treatment
Sometimes, gummy smiles can be caused by misaligned teeth or an overgrown jawbone. Our orthodontists can provide braces or other devices to correct these issues.
Lip Repositioning Surgery
If overactive lip muscles cause your gummy smile, our specialists may recommend a minor surgical procedure to reposition your upper lip and cover more of your gums.
Botox Injection
For patients who want a non-surgical solution, we can inject botulinum toxin that can reduce muscle activity in your upper lip for up to six months.
Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
In rare cases where other treatments are ineffective, our team may recommend surgery to adjust the position of your jawbone or remove excess gum tissue.
We understand that dealing with a gummy smile can be stressful and affect your confidence. That’s why we take the time to listen to our patient’s concerns and provide empathetic care throughout every step of their treatment journey.
At London Dental Specialists, our team will diagnose the cause of excessive gum display during a smile and recommend the most suitable treatment option for you.
Don’t delay, fill the form below today to begin your transformation towards a flawless grin with London Dental Specialists. We understand that dental anxiety can be overwhelming and prevent many from seeking the orthodontic options or cosmetic dentistry they need to achieve their dream smile.
That’s why our team is dedicated to providing a compassionate and comfortable experience for all of our patients, no matter their level of anxiety. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the best orthodontic options or cosmetic dentistry procedures for your specific needs and concerns.
Our specialists have over 60 years of combined experience and are equipped with the latest technology to ensure optimal results. Plus, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks for maintaining excellent oral hygiene so that you can enjoy your new smile makeover for years to come.
So what are you waiting for? Fill out the form below today and one of the team will contact you very soon. Take the first step towards a brighter, more confident future!
Gummy Smile FAQ
Q: What is a gummy smile?
A: A gummy smile is when a large amount of gum tissue is visible above the front teeth when a person smiles.
Q: What causes a gummy smile?
A: A gummy smile can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, a short upper lip, hyperactive upper lip muscles, and excessive gum tissue.
Q: How can a dentist fix a gummy smile?
A: Dentists can fix a gummy smile through various treatments, including gum contouring surgery, lip repositioning surgery, and Botox injections to relax overactive lip muscles.
Q: What is gum contouring surgery?
A: Gum contouring surgery is a procedure in which a dentist reshapes or removes excess gum tissue to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Q: What is lip repositioning surgery?
A: Lip repositioning surgery is a procedure in which a dentist surgically repositions the upper lip to prevent it from rising too high and exposing too much gum tissue when a person smiles.
Q: How does botox help correct a gummy smile?
A: Botox injections can help correct a gummy smile by relaxing the hyperactive muscles in the upper lip, resulting in less gum tissue being exposed when a person smiles.
Q: What is a smile clinic?
A: A smile clinic is a specialized dental practice that focuses on enhancing the appearance of a person’s smile through a wide range of cosmetic dental procedures.
Q: What is excessive gingival display?
A: Excessive gingival display, also known as a gummy smile, is when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible when a person smiles.
Q: Is it painful to fix a gummy smile?
A: Most gummy smile correction procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, so patients should not experience significant pain during or after the procedure.
Q: What are my options for correcting a gummy smile?
A: Treatment options for a gummy smile include gum contouring surgery, lip repositioning surgery, and botox injections to relax overactive lip muscles.
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