Reduce a gummy smile

Chances are good that you know someone who has a gummy smile. Perhaps you’ve noticed an excessive amount of visible gum tissue when someone smiles, and it detracts from the rest of their face. If you have a gummy smile and you are bothered by it, take comfort in the knowledge that there are treatments and solutions. While there aren’t precise measurements to determine whether a smile is technically considered “gummy,” aesthetics are often based on unconscious measurements and the perception of balance and symmetry. According to generally accepted aesthetic guidelines in orthodontia, the idea smile reveals the smallest amount of gum tissue, with the upper lip sitting just at the top of the teeth, where the teeth meet the gum line. If you are unhappy about the appearance of your gummy smile, your first step is visiting your dentist. Your dentist can help you figure out why you have a gummy smile, which is the first step in determining a course of treatment. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gum tissue, diagnosing the reason, or reasons, for your gummy smile and suggesting some possible treatment options. In most cases, a gummy smile has a genetic cause, which means that, while there are solutions, there is no way to prevent a gummy smile from arising in the first place. Some people have excessive gum tissue, small teeth, a hyperactive upper-lip muscle, a small or short upper lip, or an improper bite. Any of these conditions can lead to a gummy smile, and all of them can be repaired, though some solutions are more invasive than others.

The simplest treatment for someone who has a hyperactive lip muscle is Botox injections. Botox injections provide a temporary solution, relaxing the muscle of the upper lip and allowing it to ease into place over the gum tissue. Because the effects of Botox are temporary, if you choose this treatment, you will need to get new Botox injections every few months, and then the muscle will return to its normal hyperactive state. If you aren’t certain that you want to change your smile, Botox can be a good temporary solution to help you “try on” a new smile. Lip filler injections, such as Juvederm, may also help remedy a gummy smile by increasing the fullness of the upper lip and allowing it to cover more of the gum tissue. These are also temporary, and are more expensive than Botox. Permanent solutions include surgery that may be done either with a laser, or with a traditional scalpel. The most common surgical procedure is a gum-lifting procedure, which involves removing gum tissue to expose more of the surface of the teeth. The remaining gum tissue is then sculpted, creating an attractive gum line and natural smile. Another surgical procedure involves repositioning or lowering the upper lip. With this surgery, a small piece of tissue from the upper lip is removed and then sutured to the top of the gums, which prevents the upper lip from excessively rising when you smile. This procedure may also contribute to the fuller appearance of the upper lip, which many people find to be a pleasant side effect. Finally, in the most severe cases, patients must undergo corrective jaw surgery, which moves the upper jaw into a more streamlined position. This surgery is usually done to correct a larger collection of issues and is not often a solely cosmetic procedure.

More information on Gummy Smiles : What causes gummy smiles?