Gummy Smile

What Is A Gummy Smile?

Excessive gingival display is characterized by the upper teeth appearing too short compared to the amount of gingival tissue displayed when they smile. In fact, many people have teeth that are simply too short for their gums, creating what is commonly referred to as a "gummy smile." Gum contouring can fix a gummy smile by removing extra gum tissue to expose more of the crown of the tooth.

What Causes A Gummy Smile?

• As the teeth grow out of the gums, the gums typically recede upwards. In some cases, the gums remain and cover part of the teeth, making normal-sized teeth look short even though they may actually be the proper length.
• The shape of the patient's mouth can sometimes bare more of the gum tissue than is visible in the average person's mouth.
• Nasal problems can lead a patient to breathe through the mouth, especially at night. This habit dries out the gum tissue, leaving it susceptible to disease and overgrowth.
• Medication such as Diclatin and Cyclosporine can lead to gum tissue overgrowth.
• The muscle that controls the movement of your upper lip could be hyperactive, causing your upper lip to rise up higher than normal. When this occurs, more of your gum tissue is exposed when you smile.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Most people with gummy smiles feel embarrassed in social situations as they are worried about who notices their large gum line. Through the artistry of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Williams can help you achieve your desired smile. Treating a gummy smile does not mean extensive surgery and a great deal of pain; in fact, it's one of the easiest dental flaws to fix.

Gum contouring generates a more balanced smile with an even gum line. When your gums are well-contoured, they look healthy, giving you a more attractive smile. Using a diode laser, Dr. Williams can accurately sculpt your gum line, crafting the right fraction between gum tissue and tooth surface.

Gum contouring with the diode laser usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes if only a small quantity of tissue needs to be removed. For larger quantities, gum surgery called crown lengthening is required. A periodontist, who specializes in gum and teeth restructuring, will surgically remove the extra gum tissue and relocate the bone to show more of the tooth and less of the gum. This surgery is done on more than one tooth to create a uniform gum line and a normal look.

Once your gum line is reshaped, you can also receive porcelain veneers to further improve the appearance of your smile.