Will I Need Surgery to Correct My Gummy Smile?

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Will I Need Surgery to Correct My Gummy Smile?

Gummy smile is a condition in which the gum tissue covers more of the crowns of the teeth than necessary, or a patient’s smile exposes too much gum tissue. People who have gummy smiles have what is called excessive gingival display, which can impact their self confidence.

Some patients may have gum tissue that covers too much of all their teeth, or a select few teeth may be affected, giving the patient an uneven smile line. Fortunately, there are multiple treatments available for gummy smile.

Will you need surgery to correct your gummy smile? Surgery is not always indicated—here are a few treatments you may qualify for depending on your unique smile.

When Surgery Is Necessary

During surgery for gummy smile, the gum tissue is gently reshaped to correct the smile line and expose more of the teeth. Periodontal surgery may be done with a laser, which can minimize any discomfort after the procedure [1].

Surgery is generally necessary when the patient does not have other factors causing their excessive gingival display, such as overactive upper lip muscles or a misaligned bite or teeth. In cases such as these, treatments such as orthodontics or Botox injections would not resolve the problem.

A gingivectomy is the most common surgical procedure used for gummy smile. A gingivectomy can be done manually or with a laser to remove excess gum tissue and expose more of the tooth. However, some patients may need to have surgery to correct the position of their upper lip, which can also cause gummy smile [2].

Gum surgery is a safe procedure that can help reveal your true smile and remove excessive gum tissue to improve your self-confidence.

Other Treatments for Gummy Smile

Not every patient will need surgery to improve their gummy smile. Patients may also qualify for treatments such as:

  • Crowns or veneers to change the appearance of teeth
  • Botox injections to treat lip muscles that can cause excessive gingival display
  • Orthodontic treatment to fix crooked or crowded teeth that may cause gummy smile

Some patients may need a combination of treatments to fully resolve excessive gingival display [3]. For example, surgery may be necessary along with orthodontic treatment, or a patient may opt for veneers and Botox injections.

The treatment you need will depend on the potential causes of the excessive gum tissue. Your dentist will explore all your options with you to determine which would be the best fit based on your smile goals, budget, and preferences.

Find Out Your Treatment Options for Gummy Smile

Do you have a gummy smile? If so, there are several treatment options available to help you have the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact a dentist experienced in treating patients with excessive gingival display to discover your treatment options and fall in love with your smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4672859/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158599/
3. https://meridian.allenpress.com/angle-orthodontist/article/82/1/170/181241/Gummy-
smile-and-facial-profile-correction-using

Summary
Will I Need Surgery to Correct My Gummy Smile?
Article Name
Will I Need Surgery to Correct My Gummy Smile?
Description
Will you need surgery to correct your gummy smile? Surgery is not always indicated—here are a few treatments you may qualify for depending on your unique smile.
Author
Elite Prosthetic Dentistry