Gummy smiles are usually more common among women, mainly those in their 20s and 30s. They not only create an unpleasant appearance but also signifies bad dental health that requires immediate medical care from the dentist in Phoenix, AZ. The condition puts you at a high risk of gum inflammation and pain, bad breath, gum diseases, etc.
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is known as an excessive gingival display. It typically occurs when more than 4mm of gums gets visible above the upper teeth when you smile.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Below are the most common causes of a gummy smile:
- Too large or long gums.
- Too short upper lip.
- Teeth that look short because they developed improperly and are partially covered by gum tissue.
- Overgrowth of the upper jaw, which makes gums swell.
- A hyperactive upper lip that lifts too much high when you smile.
- Teeth that look small than gums.
Gummy Smile Treatment
The dentist will typically suggest a suitable gummy smile treatment, depending upon its cause. Below are the most common treatments:
Lip Repositioning Surgery
Lip repositioning surgery is a surgical procedure to fix a gummy smile. It works by limiting the pull of elevator lip muscles. This helps to minimize the gummy smile when you smile. This surgery is mainly beneficial for people with excess gingival display due to hyperactive or short upper lip.
Crown Lengthening Surgery
Crown lengthening surgery is also known as a gum lifting procedure or Gingivectomy. It is a surgical treatment that minimizes excessive gum tissue and treats gum problems. The expert will remove the additional gum tissue and reshape it to enhance the smile aesthetics.Firstly, the expert will numb your mouth. Then, he/she will take the gum tissue and reflect temporarily. Now, the professional will get rid of the bone down to the level it should be and shift the gum tissue to its suitable place. Finally, the dentist will suture it.
Laser Gum Contouring
Another way to get help with a gummy smile is laser gum contouring. The surgery reshapes the gum lining and enhances the proportion between teeth and gum tissues. During this, the professional will reshape the leftover tissue to expose more teeth and prevent excess gingival display.BotoxThe dentist also sometimes uses botox to treat a gummy smile. This minimally invasive treatment is fast. During the procedure, the dentist injects two or more botox units into the region between the upper lip and nose. It helps to minimize the excess gingival display and create a more attractive appearance.The best part of botox is that the outcome usually lasts three months and recovers immediately after the procedure finishes. Botox treatment is especially beneficial if you have a hyperactive upper lip.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is also known as jaw surgery. It is ideal for patients with moderate to serious protrusion. The oral surgeon will use general anesthesia to numb the affected area. Then, reshape the upper jaw and then shift it upward into its appropriate place.Now, he/she will use screws and plates to secure it. Therefore, if you have a serious orthodontic condition and are unhappy with the length of your face, consider gummy smile jaw surgery.
Orthodontics
If the professional finds the gummy smile mild and caused by teeth or jaws, he/she will perform orthodontics treatments. It helps the expert move the bite into its appropriate place to make the gums appear more. In a few cases, orthodontic treatment will help to enhance the excess gingival display, or the professional will use the treatment as the first step before carrying out the other treatment.
Am I the Right Candidate for Gum Smile Treatment
To find out if you are the perfect candidate for excess gingival display treatment, the expert will conduct a radiographic and clinical examination. Gum smile reduction is suitable for people unsatisfied with the look of teeth or gums.The best candidates for the gummy smile reduction include:
- They have healthy teeth and gums.
- That is not happy with their excess gingival display.
- That sticks to perfect dental hygiene.
- That has realistic expectations.
Fix a consultation with our gummy smile specialist at All In One Benso Family Dental today.
