Do you find yourself smiling less because you’re self-conscious about showing gum tissue? Gummy smiles are a common point of insecurity for people, but there are a variety of surgical and non-surgical solutions that can help you smile with confidence.
If you want to know how to fix a gummy smile, below we’ll discuss the most common causes as well as the treatment options available to you. From Botox and veneers to orthognathic surgery, cosmetic dentists offer a variety of solutions for gummy smiles, and this article will help you understand how to make the most appropriate choice for you.
No matter which treatment option you choose, it’s essential to work with a qualified dental professional like Dr. Phong Tran Cao, D.D.S., at Luminae. Dr. Phong can assess your unique needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. He has experience and expertise performing gum contouring procedures that allow you to achieve a beautiful, confident smile that you’ll be proud to show off. Don’t let a gummy smile hold you back any longer – contact Luminae today.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
There are a variety of factors that cause a gummy smile, and while sometimes it is simply attributed to genetics, in other cases, it has more to do with how you care for your teeth. You may be able to make changes that will prevent and reduce a gummy smile, especially when the cause is any of the following:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Abnormal tooth eruption
- Hormonal imbalances
- Blood disorders
- Hyperactive upper lip
- Side effects of medication
While some causes of a gummy smile cannot be prevented or avoided, there are treatments available to correct them. From simple procedures like gum contouring to more complex orthodontic treatments, there are ways to improve the appearance of a gummy smile and restore your confidence.
Treatment Options for a Gummy Smile
No matter the cause of your gummy smile, there is a solution that is right for you. Cosmetic dentists offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions for gummy smiles, and the expert staff at Lumniae can help you determine which one is best for your specific situation. Below we outline exactly how you can fix your gummy smile.
Non-Surgical Procedures
These minimally invasive procedures can be used alone or in combination to achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. While non-surgical procedures may not be appropriate for severe cases involving underlying upper jaw or skeletal issues, they can be an effective solution for many patients looking to improve their dental health and enhance their smile.
With minimal downtime and quick recovery periods, non-surgical procedures offer a convenient and accessible option for patients seeking to correct their gummy smile.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is a popular solution for correcting gummy smiles, and it typically involves braces or clear aligners such as BRIUS or Invisalign. For mild cases, orthodontic treatment can effectively reposition the upper teeth and improve the patient’s bite, resulting in less gum tissue exposure.
See our article for more information about the cost of Invisalign compared to traditional braces.
However, in more severe cases, an appliance called TADs (titanium anchorage devices) may be recommended by an orthodontist. TADs are mini titanium implants that are temporarily inserted into the patient’s bone to provide additional support during treatment. By using TADs along with braces or clear aligners, orthodontists can move the teeth into their optimal positions and achieve a dramatic reduction in the excess gum tissue.
Botox
Botox, which is often used to treat wrinkles, is also a minimally invasive treatment option for correcting a gummy smile. If your gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive upper lip, Botox is a great solution. The treatment works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip, causing it to rest lower and cover more of the gums. This reduces the amount of gum tissue that is visible when you smile.
Veneers
Veneers are natural looking thin shells that are custom-made from porcelain or composite resin and then placed on the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. To fix a gummy smile, veneers can be used to lengthen the teeth and cover up excess gum tissue that is visible when you smile. This can create a more proportionate smile and improve the patient’s confidence and self-esteem.
Learn more about the costs of veneers and if your insurance will cover your procedure.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical procedures in dentistry can offer effective solutions for patients with gummy smiles caused by excessive gum tissue. While non-invasive treatments such as Botox, veneers, and gum contouring can be effective for mild to moderate cases, surgical intervention may be necessary for more severe cases involving underlying jaw or skeletal issues.
These surgical procedures can provide a long-lasting and often permanent solution for patients looking to correct their gummy smile and achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is a dental procedure that involves reshaping the gum line to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. This treatment can be used to remove excess gum tissue, lengthen the teeth, and create a more balanced smile. Gum contouring is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort during the treatment. The dentist will use a laser or surgical tools to remove excess gum tissue, sculpt the gum line, and reshape the teeth as needed.
Gum contouring is a highly effective treatment option for fixing a gummy smile, and it can be completed in a single appointment. The results are long-lasting and can provide a dramatic improvement in the appearance of the patient’s smile. Gum contouring is a surgical procedure and should only be performed by a qualified and experienced dental professional.
Lip Repositioning
This treatment involves surgically repositioning the upper lip to cover more of the gums, and it’s an effective treatment option for patients with a gummy smile caused by excessive upper lip movement. In some cases, lip repositioning surgery may be combined with other treatments, such as gum contouring or orthodontic treatment, to achieve optimal results.
During the procedure, a dentist will make small incisions in the gum tissue to access the lip muscles. The muscles are then loosened and repositioned to limit the amount of gum tissue that is visible when the patient smiles. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed using sutures. It is a relatively quick procedure that is performed under anesthesia, and it can provide long-lasting results with minimal recovery time.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is a complex dental procedure that can be used to correct excessive gum tissue caused by an underlying jaw or skeletal issue. This treatment involves surgically repositioning the upper jaw to improve the balance between the teeth, gums, and lips, resulting in a more attractive and confident smile.
Before the procedure, the patient will undergo a thorough evaluation, including dental x-rays, CT scans, and 3D imaging, to determine the underlying cause of their gummy smile. The surgery can take several hours to complete, and patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few days following the procedure to recover.
Recovery from orthognathic surgery can be lengthy, and patients may experience swelling, discomfort, and difficulty eating or speaking for several weeks. However, the results can be dramatic and long-lasting, providing a permanent solution to the patient’s gummy smile and improving their overall dental health, and restoring confidence.
How to Choose the Right Treatment for a Gummy Smile
If you are unsure how to fix your gummy smile, scheduling a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist is the best way to find out. Your dentist will evaluate the severity of your gummy smile and recommend the best treatment option based on your individual needs. Then, they will explain the risks and benefits of each treatment option and help you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and goals.
By taking the time to explore your options and choose the right treatment, you can achieve a more balanced, healthy, and confident smile. At Lumniae, we are committed to providing personalized care and helping our patients achieve the best possible results. Whether you are interested in non-surgical treatments such as Botox or veneers, or surgical options like gum contouring, we have the expertise and experience to help you achieve a more balanced smile.
Fix Your Gummy Smile at Luminae
Is there an excessive amount of gum tissue visible below your upper lip? If too much gum tissue is keeping you from smiling wide, Luminae can fix your gummy smile with gum contouring. This effective and minimally invasive cosmetic dental procedure can greatly improve the appearance of a gummy smile, and Dr. Phong has extensive experience performing successful gum reshaping.
Don’t wait any longer to take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation—we’ll help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
