Smile Too Gummy? Here’s Why

To make a lasting first impression in public, one must have an attractive personality. Oral health and hygiene play a significant role in building confidence and should never be overlooked. For some individuals, self-consciousness about their smile may stem from issues like decayed, crooked, or chipped teeth—or even a gummy smile. With DentSpa’s expertise and team of highly skilled dentists, advanced treatments and personalized solutions are available to ensure a smile that radiates confidence and charm.

This article will explore the concept of a gummy smile, its causes, and the advanced treatments available to help patients achieve a harmonious and radiant smile.

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile also referred to as “excessive gingival display,”  occurs when a person smiles and at least three millimetres of gum tissue is visible above their top teeth. When there is little gum tissue visible, the teeth seem proportionate to the lips and gums in a balanced smile.

Individuals who have gummy smiles may believe that the overall harmony of their face is compromised, as their teeth seem too small or because their gums cover up their teeth.

Causes of Gummy Smile:

It can be a result of various factors, be it dental or non-dental. A few are discussed below:
Gingival hypertrophy: It’s the excessive development of the gum tissue, giving an impression of gummy teeth. It can be as a result of genetics, bad oral hygiene, certain medications, or inflammations like gingivitis.
Excessive maxillary: it’s an imbalance between the gum, teeth, and upper lip, commonly called vertical maxillary excess. 
Short or hyperactive upper lip: for some individuals the upper lip may be short due to which, when smiling, the gum is exposed way more than usual. While for some the upper lip may be hyperactive, which pulls the lip up excessively, displaying the gum more. 
Altered passive eruption: this may occur due to delayed dental growth. When the teeth do not erupt properly from the gum tissue, the teeth appear shorter than usual. 
Positioning and alignment of the teeth: another factor is misaligned or over-erupted teeth. A condition in which the teeth are erupted more, as if they overlap the lower teeth, making the gum more prominent. 

Treatment Options for Gummy Smile:

In today’s advanced era of dentistry, there are numerous ways to address a gummy smile, ranging from non-invasive techniques to more advanced surgical options. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of your gummy smile and your desired results, with options ranging from minimally invasive procedures to more comprehensive solutions.
To better understand which option suits you best, discussing your concerns with an experienced dentist is essential. You can contact DentSpa via WhatsApp to discuss your case further.
Here are some of the most effective treatment options available:

Orthodontic treatment:

The use of braces or aligners can be a better option for misaligned and over erupted teeth. Once the teeth are properly positioned and aligned the gums tend to be less visible. In some cases, orthodontic treatments can also treat vertical maxillary excess.

Gingivectomy (gum contouring):

Dentists used this minimally invasive procedure to reshape or contour the excessive gum tissue. A laser or knife can be used to contour the gum, resulting in instantaneous outcomes.

Lip repositioning surgery:

For individuals with a hyperactive upper lip or a short upper lip, lip repositioning surgery can be an effective solution. This procedure involves lowering the upper lip to limit how much it moves when smiling, thereby reducing the gum display. The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, and recovery is typically quick.

Botox Injections

Botox injections offer a non-surgical option for those with a hyperactive upper lip. By injecting Botox into the muscles that control the movement of the upper lip, the lip’s range of motion can be reduced. This procedure  prevents the lip from lifting too high when smiling. Botox is a temporary solution, lasting around 3 to 6 months, but it is a quick and painless procedure.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that removes excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of the tooth. It is typically recommended for cases where the teeth appear too short due to altered passive eruption. The procedure can also be done for a single tooth or a group of teeth to create a more harmonious smile.

Orthognathic Surgery

For severe cases of vertical maxillary excess, orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be required. This surgery repositions the jaw to correct the alignment of the teeth and reduce the gum display. It is a more complex procedure often recommended for patients with significant skeletal issues and may involve collaboration between orthodontists and oral surgeons.

Factors to Consider Before Treatment

Consulting a dentist before undergoing the treatment is wise, as they may help you identify the situation and help you opt which procedure best suits your conditions. Some factors to consider also include:

  • The exact cause of the gummy smile (gums, teeth, jaw, or lips) will determine the best treatment option, which your dentist will help you identify.
  • Some treatments, such as orthodontics or surgery, can be costly, while others, like Botox, are more affordable but temporary. 
  • Surgical treatments may require a longer recovery time compared to non-invasive options like Botox or gum contouring.
  • Some treatments provide permanent results (e.g., orthognathic surgery), while others, like Botox, need repeated sessions.

Eligibility Criteria for Gummy Smile Surgery

Those who are eligible are:

  • Candidates with more than 3 millimetres of visible gum tissue when smiling.
  • Good oral health, free of infections or significant periodontal disease.
  • Individuals with vertical maxillary excess or jaw misalignment that requires correction.
  • A commitment to maintaining oral hygiene post-surgery is necessary.
  • People with a hyperactive lip or short upper lip may benefit from lip repositioning surgery.
  • Patients with teeth positioning issues that contribute to excessive gum exposure.
  • Most surgeries are recommended for adults or those whose facial growth has stabilized.
  • Candidates must have a clear understanding of the surgical outcomes and potential risks.

Conclusion:

A gummy smile is a common aesthetic concern that can be addressed with a variety of treatments, depending on its cause. Whether caused by excessive gum tissue, jaw alignment issues, or a hyperactive upper lip, there are both surgical and non-surgical options available to help create a more balanced smile. Consulting with a dental professional can help determine the most effective course of action to restore confidence and achieve the desired smile.

Why Choose Dentspa for Gummy Smile Procedures?

Dentspa is the top choice for addressing gummy smiles. Here’s why:

  • Expert Care from a Professional Team
    Our highly qualified team includes experts in cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery, with advanced knowledge in treating gummy smiles. Whether you need gum contouring, lip repositioning, or orthognathic surgery, our specialists use the latest techniques to ensure optimal results. Our team includes PhD-holders, professors, and associate professors experienced in complex aesthetic dental treatments.
  • Cutting-Edge Technology
    At Dentspa, we use state-of-the-art technology, such as 3D imaging and digital smile design, to plan your gummy smile procedure with precision. Computer-guided surgery ensures that every step is tailored to your unique facial structure and dental anatomy, achieving a balanced and natural-looking smile.
  • Personalized and Comprehensive Care
    From your initial consultation through post-procedure follow-ups, Dentspa offers complete and personalised care. We thoroughly evaluate the cause of your gummy smile and create a treatment plan designed specifically for your needs. Our aftercare services ensure that you receive continued support to maintain your results.
  • High-Quality, Lasting Results
    We use high-quality materials and advanced techniques to deliver long-lasting results for gummy smile treatments. Whether it’s gum reshaping, lip repositioning, or jaw surgery, our focus is on providing you with results that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable.
  • Consult Our Experts Now!
    Get in touch with DentSpa today if you’re concerned about your gummy smile or want to learn more about effective solutions! Schedule an appointment with our friendly staff and receive exceptional dental care at our luxurious clinic in Istanbul, Turkey.
Frequently asked questions

How long is recovery from gummy smile surgery?

Recovery time varies, but most surgical procedures take a few weeks to fully heal. Non-invasive treatments have minimal downtime.

Can a gummy smile be fixed without surgery?

Yes, non-surgical options like gum contouring or Botox can be effective in some cases.

What treatments are available for a gummy smile?

Treatments include gum contouring, lip repositioning, orthodontics, Botox, and orthopaedic surgery.

Is a gummy smile harmful?

No, it’s primarily a cosmetic issue and doesn’t typically affect dental health.

What causes a gummy smile?

A gummy smile can result from excessive gum tissue, short teeth, over-erupted teeth, a hyperactive upper lip, or jaw misalignment.