“If your gums are more prominent than desired, gummy smile treatments can reduce their appearance. The type of treatment recommended by our dentists depends on the underlying cause of your gummy smile and the aesthetic goals you wish to achieve.”
A “gummy smile” is when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible, typically four millimeters or more, during smiling. This condition is usually cosmetic and does not typically affect oral health. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial before beginning treatment.
Potential causes at Wagin Dental include gums that do not recede with age, incomplete tooth eruption, a short upper lip, or abnormal jaw development. Treatment is often sought for aesthetic reasons, aiming to reduce the gum line and possibly lengthen the teeth for improved facial proportions.Treatment options at Wagin Dental may include:
Laser Reshaping: Reshapes gum tissue and sculpts the gum line in a single visit with minimal recovery time.
Surgical Repositioning: Repositions the upper lip to reduce gum exposure.
Crown Lengthening: Lengthens teeth that appear short due to excess gum tissue.
Orthodontic Treatment: Such as braces or clear aligners to correct teeth position and bite issues contributing to the gummy smile.
Your dentist at Wagin Dental will conduct a thorough examination, which may include dental x-rays and impressions, to create a personalized treatment plan. Recovery times and follow-up care instructions will vary based on the chosen treatment.
Most patients opt for gummy smile treatment primarily for cosmetic reasons. These treatments aim to reduce the visibility of gum tissue and may involve lengthening the teeth to achieve better mouth proportions.
If your gummy smile stems from oral and maxillofacial issues like incomplete tooth eruption or bite problems, your dentist will prioritize addressing these underlying causes to prevent potential future oral health issues.
If you suspect you have a gummy smile and wish to alter its appearance, it’s advisable to consult a dentist or oral surgeon about available treatment options.Your dentist will assess your condition and its causes through a thorough examination, which may include dental x-rays and mouth impressions.Depending on the underlying factors of your gummy smile, treatment may include:
Laser treatment to remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gum line.
Surgical repositioning of the upper lip.
Crown lengthening to address short teeth.
Orthodontic solutions such as braces or aligners to correct tooth position and bite issues.
The outcomes and recovery times vary based on the chosen treatment.
Laser treatment for gum reshaping is often completed in a single dental visit, allowing you to resume normal activities promptly. However, following your dentist’s advice on dietary restrictions can aid in healing.
Procedures like crown lengthening and maxillofacial surgery, which may require sedation, are more invasive.
Orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners are typically long-term, taking a year or more to achieve desired results. Clear aligners, an inconspicuous alternative to traditional braces, can expedite tooth and jaw alignment. Following alignment, your dentist may proceed with gum tissue removal and reshaping to complete your gummy smile treatment.