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Gummy Smile: A Comprehensive Guide
Everyone deserves to feel good about their smile, but sometimes, small issues like a gummy smile can make us feel a bit self-conscious. If you think you have a gummy smile and are worried about how your smile looks, this article’s for you. The good news is there are ways to improve how you look when you smile and restore your confidence.
What Is Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is when your smile shows more of your gums than you would like. This can make some people feel self-conscious about their appearance. It’s a common issue that can be caused by various factors, such as how your teeth grew, the shape of your upper jaw, or the way your lips move when you smile.
Causes of Gummy Smiles
A gummy smile can result from various factors, including issues with your teeth, gums, lips, or jaw. Let’s take a look at the possible causes behind a gummy smile:
Tooth Issues
Tooth issues can play a big role in causing a gummy smile. Sometimes, the way our teeth develop can affect how much gum shows when we smile.
Abnormal Tooth Eruption
Sometimes, teeth do not come through the gums as they should. When this happens, more gum tissue may cover the teeth and make them look shorter. This can lead to a smile that shows more gums than usual. This condition, known as altered passive eruption, is common and can affect how your smile looks.
Improper Tooth Proportions
In some cases, teeth may be smaller than average or have unusual shapes. If your teeth are unusually shaped or are smaller than normal, it can cause your gums to be more noticeable when you smile. Genetics can affect your tooth size and shape. When teeth are too small compared to the gums, it can make the smile appear unbalanced.
Gum Issues
Gum issues can also lead to a gummy smile. Let’s read about two common gum-related causes of a gummy smile:
Excess Gum Tissue
Some people naturally have more gum tissue covering their teeth. This can make teeth look shorter and cause more gums to show when they smile. Factors like genetics or certain medications can lead to this extra gum growth. While it doesn’t usually harm your health, it can affect how you feel about your smile. Treatments are available to remove the extra gum tissue and improve your smile’s appearance.
Altered Passive Eruption
Normally, as teeth come in, gums pull back to reveal the full tooth. In some cases, gums don’t recede as they should and leave more gum covering the teeth. This condition, known as altered passive eruption, can make teeth appear shorter and your smile look gummy.
Lip Issues
The position and movement of your lips can affect how much of your gums show when you smile.
Hyperactive Upper Lip
In some people, the muscles that control the upper lip are overactive. This causes the lip to lift higher than usual when the person smiles and reveals more gum tissue. While a hyperactive upper lip does not affect oral health, it can impact the appearance of your smile.
Short or Hypoplastic Upper Lip
A shorter upper lip may not fully cover the upper teeth and gums, even when the face is at rest. As a result, you may show more gum when you smile. Lip length is usually determined by genetics, so having a shorter upper lip is quite common.
Jaw Issues
The structure of your jaw can play a role in your smile’s appearance. A common jaw issue that can lead to a gummy smile is vertical maxillary excess.
Vertical Maxillary Excess
Vertical maxillary excess occurs when the upper jaw (maxilla) grows more than usual in the vertical direction. This overgrowth can lead to a longer facial appearance and more gum tissue showing when you smile. People with this condition may also experience an open bite, where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly.
Other Factors
Several other factors can lead to a gummy smile. Here are two other factors that may be contributing to a gummy smile:
Genetic Factors
Your genes play a significant role in your smile’s appearance. Traits like small teeth, a large jaw, or a short upper lip can be inherited and contribute to a gummy smile. Additionally, some rare genetic conditions, such as hereditary gingival fibromatosis, cause an overgrowth of gum tissue and lead to excessive gum display.
Medications
Certain medications can cause gum overgrowth, known as gingival hyperplasia. Drugs used to treat seizures, immunosuppressants, and some blood pressure medications may cause gum overgrowth. This overgrowth can make your gums more prominent when you smile. If you notice changes in your gums after starting a new medication, it’s important to discuss this with your dentist or healthcare provider.
Gummy Smile Treatment Options
If you have a gummy smile, there are several treatment options to help improve its appearance. Your Perth dentist will evaluate your situation and suggest the best treatment option based on what’s causing your gums to show more than you’d like.
Gingivectomy or Gum Contouring
A gingivectomy, also known as gum contouring, involves removing excess gum tissue to expose more of your teeth. This procedure can make your smile look more balanced and is often done with a laser to achieve precise results. Recovery from gingivectomy is usually quick, and many people can return to their normal activities within a few days.
Lip Repositioning Surgery
Lip repositioning surgery moves your upper lip downward so it covers more of your gums. During this procedure, the surgeon moves the lip downward and secures it in place to limit its movement when you smile. This way, your smile looks more natural, and less gum tissue is visible. The procedure is minimally invasive, and most people recover quickly.
Orthodontic Treatment
In some cases, orthodontic treatments may help improve a gummy smile by shifting teeth into their proper positions. This can reduce the appearance of excessive gum tissue when you smile. Orthodontic treatment can be a treatment option for those whose gummy smiles are caused by misaligned teeth or improper bites.
Maxillofacial Surgery
For more severe cases of gummy smiles, maxillofacial surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying bone structure of the upper jaw. During the procedure, the dental surgeon repositions the upper jaw to reduce how much gum shows and create a more balanced smile. While maxillofacial surgery is a more invasive procedure compared to other treatments, it can offer permanent results for people with major jaw issues. Recovery typically takes a few weeks, and the outcome often leaves patients with a more natural and confident smile.
Crown Lengthening Surgery
During a crown lengthening surgery, the dentist removes extra gum tissue to reveal more of your teeth and make them look longer. Dentists often use lasers for this procedure, so patients will experience less discomfort and quicker healing. After the treatment, your teeth will appear longer, and your smile will show less gum tissue.
Botox Injections
Botox can help if your upper lip lifts too much when you smile. A dentist injects Botox into the muscles that raise your upper lip, which can cause it to relax. This means your lip won’t lift as high, so it will show less gum when you smile. The treatment is quick, and results usually last three to six months.
Laser Treatments
Lasers can reshape your gums by removing extra tissue precisely. This method is less invasive than traditional surgery, and patients often experience faster healing. It’s done with local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. After the treatment, your smile shows more teeth and less gum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gummy smile? A gummy smile happens when too much gum tissue is visible above your upper teeth when you smile.
What causes a gummy smile? It can happen because of genetics, how your teeth grow, the length of your upper lip, the position of your jaw, or some medications.
Is a gummy smile genetic? It could be because your genes can affect how your smile looks, including the appearance of a gummy smile.
Is a gummy smile considered unhealthy? While a gummy smile is often more of a cosmetic concern, it can sometimes interfere with oral hygiene, making it challenging to properly clean the teeth and gums.
Are there risks associated with gummy smile treatments? Most treatments are safe, but the risks can vary depending on the method. It’s important to talk to your dentist about any possible complications.
How much does it cost to fix a gummy smile? The cost varies widely depending on the treatment method, the extent of the procedure, and geographic location. It’s best to consult with a professional for a specific price estimate.
Note: Always consult with a qualified dental professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual circumstances.
Crafting A Perfect Smile at Acts Dental in Perth
Feeling self-conscious about a gummy smile? At Acts Dental, we’ve helped many patients improve their gummy smiles, boosting their appearance and confidence. Our array of gummy smile treatment options can address concerns like small teeth, teeth size, or the need for lip surgery or orthodontic treatment. Our experienced professionals are eager to guide you towards the best solution tailored to your unique smile.
When dental emergencies strike, trust our emergency dentist Perth to deliver expert care right away. Our Perth dental team offers wisdom teeth removal services to help you avoid future oral health issues.
Furthermore, we are proud to be a Bupa-preferred provider, HBF-preferred provider, NIB-preferred provider, HCF-preferred provider, and Medibank-preferred provider dentist in Perth.
Let’s uncover that smile you’ve always wanted to show off; schedule your consultation today by calling us on (08) 9474 5083.