Dental Health

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix a Gummy Smile?

September 5, 2024

Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers several solutions for correcting a gummy smile, allowing patients to achieve a more balanced and attractive smile that aligns with their aesthetic goals and preferences.

Understanding Gummy Smiles

To understand the treatments available for gummy smile, it’s important to first understand the causes of this condition, which include:

Excess gum tissue. Some people naturally have more gum tissue than others, which can make their teeth appear shorter.
Lip position. The position and movement of the upper lip can also contribute to how much gum tissue is visible when a person smiles [1].
Tooth eruption. In some cases, teeth may not have erupted fully, leading to a disproportionate appearance between the gums and teeth.
Genetics. Family traits can also play a significant role, with some individuals inheriting a tendency for excessive gum tissue.

Regardless of the cause of your gummy smile, there are cosmetic dentistry options that can help improve your appearance.

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring is a popular procedure for treating gummy smiles. In this minimally invasive surgical option, a cosmetic dentist reshapes the gum line by removing excess gum tissue. This can be done using a scalpel or laser technology and results in a more proportionate balance between the gums and teeth. Patients usually experience minimal discomfort and can return to normal activities relatively quickly [2].

Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers can be an effective option for people with gummy smiles or those who have already had their gums treated but still feel their teeth appear short. These thin shells of ceramic are custom-made to fit over the front surfaces of teeth, allowing teeth to appear longer. This option can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile while masking any imperfections.

Orthodontics

In some cases, positioning of the teeth may be contributing to the appearance of a gummy smile. Traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign can help align the teeth properly and improve the appearance of excessive gum tissue.

Orthodontic treatment can adjust the position of the upper lip if there is excessive vertical movement. By repositioning the teeth and jaws, orthodontists can alter the balance and position of the surrounding soft tissues, including the upper lip, to improve function and aesthetics in people with gummy smile [3].

Botox Treatments

Another innovative approach to addressing a gummy smile is the use of Botox. When injected into specific muscles around the upper lip, Botox can limit movement, reducing the amount of gum visible when a person smiles. This non-surgical solution is becoming increasingly popular due to its quick application and minimal recovery time.

However, most patients who opt for Botox will need to continue getting treatments every few months to maintain the effect, typically every four to six months, meaning it’s not a long-term solution like other treatment options for gummy smile [4].

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface. This gummy smile treatment option can be particularly effective for teeth that appear too short due to too much gum tissue. After the procedure, the tooth structure appears longer, leading to a more balanced smile.

Ask Your Dentist About Treatment for Gummy Smile

Cosmetic dentistry offers patients several options for treating gummy smile, some of which can be used together for a comprehensive treatment solution. Each case is unique, so schedule a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist to explore your treatment options that can help improve your smile, confidence, and quality of life.