What is a gummy smile? What are the treatment methods?
What is a gummy smile and what are your gummy smile treatment methods? A gummy smile is a condition in which a person’s upper gums are visible when they smile. This can be caused by several factors, including genetics, certain dental conditions, or the shape of the person’s jaw.
Orthodontic treatment to correct a gummy smile usually involves moving the upper jaw forward and down, which can reduce the amount of gum tissue that is visible when a person smiles.
Treatment for a gummy smile typically involves either orthodontic treatment, such as braces, or periodontal treatment, such as gum reshaping or crown lengthening.
Periodontal treatment to correct a gummy smile may involve reshaping or sculpting the gums to reduce the amount of gum tissue that is visible, or crown lengthening, which involves removing some of the gum tissue to expose more of the tooth.
In some cases, a combination of orthodontic and periodontal treatment may be necessary to achieve the desired result.
There is also an option of laser gum contouring which is a minimally invasive and less painful option.
It’s important to consult with a dentist or orthodontist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.
What are the causes of Gummy smile?
There are several possible causes of a gummy smile, including:
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- Genetics: Some people are born with a naturally high upper lip line, which can make the gums appear more prominent when they smile.
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- Dental problems: Certain dental conditions, such as short upper lip frenum (the muscle that connects the upper lip to the gums) or a hyperactive upper lip muscle can cause a gummy smile.
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- Jaw structure: The shape of the person’s jaw can also play a role in causing a gummy smile. A small or recessed upper jaw can make the gums appear more prominent when a person smiles.
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- Medications: Certain medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications and oral contraceptives can cause an excessive gingival display.
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- Excessive gingival tissue: Some people may have excessive gum tissue that covers more of the teeth than normal, which can make the gums appear more prominent when they smile.
- Tumors or cysts in the jaw can also cause a gummy smile.
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It’s important to consult with a dentist or orthodontist to determine the specific cause of your gummy smile, as the treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
What is a crown lengthening operation?
A crown lengthening operation is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping the gum tissue and/or bone around a tooth to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This procedure is typically performed in preparation for a dental crown or bridge, as it creates a stronger foundation for the restoration to be placed on. The operation can also be done to correct a “gummy smile” where too much gum tissue shows when smiling. This procedure is done by a periodontist, a dental specialist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions of the supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants.
How is the gummy smile treatment done with Botox application?
A gummy smile can be treated using Botox (botulinum toxin) injections, which are applied to the muscles that control the movement of the upper lip. When the muscles that lift the upper lip are temporarily paralyzed by the Botox, the lip does not lift as high when smiling, which reduces the amount of gum tissue that is visible. The procedure is relatively simple and can be done in the dental office with a local anesthetic. The Botox is injected into the specific muscle that causes the gummy smile, usually the levator labii superioris muscle, using a very fine needle. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and the effects of the Botox typically begin to appear within a few days, with full results visible within two weeks. The effect of the Botox typically lasts for several months, and the procedure can be repeated as needed to maintain the desired result.
