Author: PV Smiles Reem Kidess | Posted on with comments
A “gummy smile” is when your gums appear too prominent in proportion to the length of your teeth. People with gummy smiles often feel embarrassed and self conscious and try to hide their smile. Twice as many women as men suffer from a gummy smile.
An attractive “ideal” smile is more about how the smile is in harmony with the entire face. The upper lip will sit above the top of the teeth, with symmetry right to left.
Most Common Causes of a Gummy Smile
- Gums out of proportion to your teeth. Teeth normally erupt through gums during childhood and development continues until early adulthood, gums shrinking back from the tooth until stabilizing in place.
- A hyperactive upper lip where your upper lip appears normal while resting but lifts excessively when smiling exposing too much gum.
Treatments for a Gummy Smile
Gingival Recontouring or gingival sculpting, removes the excess gum tissue, therefore allowing more of the natural tooth surface to appear.
Crown Lengthening reshapes the excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of the tooth. This can be done to one tooth or multiple teeth, to even your gum line to expose a natural smile.
Botox Treatment can be used to treat a hyperactive upper lip. Botox weakens the hyperactive muscles so that the lip will not lift up and expose nearly as much of your gums.
The cause of a gummy smile is much more complicated and it is important to see a dentist that understands each of the different reasons and the best treatment for your situation.
Dr. Kidess approaches each patient with a unique perspective, which ensures that all patients receive the personalized treatment they deserve. Contact our office today for an evaluation and recommended course of treatment.
