A gummy smile can be aesthetically unpleasing for several reasons, and those who are self-conscious about their grin often try to cover their mouths when they laugh or smile to avoid showing their teeth. Don’t let a gummy smile prevent you from being the most confident version of yourself, and find a solution with aesthetic crown lengthening.
What Classifies as a Gummy Smile?
A smile in which the gums appear prominently and make the teeth look small in comparison is considered a “gummy smile” or excessive gingival display. A gummy smile can be a result of the gums, teeth, or jaw being out of proportion with the other sections, or due to the upper lip being hypermobile. A gummy smile is commonly linked to genetics, though it can also surprisingly be the result of certain medications.
A smile that is less more than three millimeters is typically considered to be gummy, while anything less than two millimeters is considered to be typical. Often, a gummy smile can affect a person’s overall confidence and well-being, leading many patients to look for simple solutions to make their smile more balanced in appearance. There are several easy fixes available to address and correct a gummy smile, and determining which option is right for you is mainly dependent on the root cause. Your dentist can help you in determining your cause to find the best solution for you.
Advantages of Aesthetic Crown Lengthening
Unlike many other cosmetic dental treatments to correct a gummy smile, aesthetic crown lengthening only needs to be performed once. Crown lengthening is an oral surgery treatment that involves the removal of excess gum tissue, and potentially some bone if necessary around the upper teeth to make them appear longer. This standard procedure can correct an uneven gum line to produce a more symmetrical smile.
In addition to creating a broader, more symmetrical smile, crown lengthening can provide patients with additional benefits, including reduced tooth decay and more accessible oral hygiene care.
Other Corrective Solutions
While correcting a gummy smile can be expensive and involve some recovery time, the corrective solutions offered provide more than just a beautiful smile. An improvement in your overall confidence and well-being are also two benefits that patients can expect to achieve.
Other treatment options for correcting a gummy smile include:
Gingivectomy. This treatment reshapes excess gum tissue to expose the natural shape of your teeth. It creates a balance between the gums, which are shortened, and the teeth lengthened. The procedure is relatively painless, and patients typically experience minor post-operative discomfort.
Botox. The least invasive and most short-term option for correcting a gummy smile is by use of botox. By temporarily paralyzing the elevator muscles so that they don’t drastically raise your upper lip, Botox is the fastest and often most affordable solution. Results typically last around three to four months, making Botox a short-term solution for most.
Lip Repositioning. This procedure may help if your gummy smile is caused by either a short or hypermobile upper lip. This simple and safe treatment can restrict the pull of the elevator muscles in your upper lip. No external scarring is expected due to the procedure being performed on the inner lip.
Orthognathic Surgery. The most intensive procedure that tackles a gummy smile caused by an excessively long upper jaw is orthognathic surgery. During the operation, the upper jaw is recontoured to the proper shape and then secured into a new position that reduces the amount of gumminess in your smile. Orthognathic surgery requires general anesthesia and is performed in a hospital environment.
Finding the Right Solution For Your Smile
Hinsdale Dentistry can help if you are suffering from a gummy smile and want to look into potential ways to correct it. Our dental experts will help to diagnose the root cause of your gummy smile and discuss your best options for correcting it. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on your journey to a more confident smile.