Exploring the Benefits of Gummy Smile Treatment

A gummy smile can be an embarrassing condition that can significantly affect your confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, modern advances in dentistry have made it possible to treat gummy smiles and restore your smile with confidence. 

In this blog article, we’ll explore the causes of gummy smiles, the benefits of gummy smile treatment, the different treatment options, and the risks and costs associated with treatment.

What is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile is a condition in which you can see more of the gums than you should when smiling. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, tooth structure, or gum tissue overgrowth. The effect of a gummy smile can be seen in the way your teeth look when you smile, as well as the way your lips move when you talk.

When you have a gummy smile, you may feel self-conscious when you smile in public or in photos. You may also feel like your smile is unattractive, and you may even be embarrassed to show your teeth when you talk or smile. Fortunately, gummy smile treatment can help restore the harmony and balance of your smile.

Causes of a Gummy Smile

A gummy smile can be attributed to many reasons, and depending on the cause, the treatment options are different as well. Some of the causes of a Gummy Smile include;

1. Short teeth or excess gum. Sometimes a gummy smile is due to an overgrowth of the gum. This is where your teeth should look longer than what they are, but for whatever reason, the gum has overgrown and covers more teeth than it should. This is very common and many people don’t actually realise they have it. Treating this kind of gummy smile can be as simple as recontouring the gum with a soft tissue laser, or a simple oral surgery to remove the excess gum. 
2. A condition known as Hyper-mobile Lip. I’m sure we all know of someone within our circle of friends who may talk naturally, however, when they smile or laugh, all you see is more pink than white. This is due to their lips being hyper-mobile, or in other words, their upper lip recedes too much.  
3. An excess growth of bone in your upper jaw. Excess growth can be treated in different ways. From having a small in-clinic surgery to remove the excess bone, to a more comprehensive procedure to relocate the whole jaw. Both of these commonly performed procedures are highly safe and results can be life-changing.

Also, when we get older, our lips naturally lose elasticity and drop, thanks to gravity. So the gumminess can slowly improve as you age. But if you want to fix the issue now because it’s negatively impacting your life then there are a few treatment options available.

Gummy Smile Treatment Options

Gummy smile treatment can help restore the balance and harmony of your smile, as well as improve your self-confidence and self-esteem. The treatment can help to reduce the amount of gum tissue that is visible when you smile, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking smile.

There are a variety of treatment options available for gummy smiles, including non-surgical and surgical treatments. 

Non-surgical gummy smile treatments

Non-surgical treatments for gummy smiles include;

• Laser gum treatment
• Botox treatments
• Orthodontic treatments

These treatments are minimally invasive and can help to reduce the appearance of gums when you smile.

Laser gum treatment

Laser gum contouring is a minimally-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses a dental laser to reshape and level your gum line. This procedure can be used to correct an uneven gum line, where your gum line is either too high or too low in some areas or to remove excess gum tissue. It is relatively quick and painless and can have an immediate and dramatic effect on the appearance of your teeth and overall smile. 

With laser gum contouring, a laser is used to precisely remove any excess tissue, giving your gum line a smoother, more even appearance. The results, which are nearly instant, can give the smile a more balanced and attractive look.

Botox for a gummy smile

Botox injections can be used to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile by relaxing the muscles around your mouth. This in turn lifts your upper lip and reduces the amount of gum tissue exposed when you smile. 

In most cases, the results can be seen immediately after the injection and can last up to 6 months before needing to be repeated. This is the best solution for when you have a lip with hypermobility as it can be used in combination with other gummy smile procedures. 

Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment can be used to help correct a gummy smile. The most common treatment involves braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, which help move the teeth into the desired position. 

If braces or aligners are not enough, your dentist may recommend other treatments such as jaw surgery or crown lengthening. Each of these treatments has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to discuss them with your dentist before making a decision. 

Additionally, proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist for checkups can also help minimize the appearance of a gummy smile

Surgical gummy smile treatments

Surgical treatments for gummy smiles are also quite common, especially for more complex or severe cases and include;

• Maxilla Impaction
• Crown lengthening

These treatments can be more invasive than non-surgical treatments, but they are highly effective at reshaping the gum line and making your teeth appear larger and more symmetrical.

Maxilla Impaction

Maxilla impaction is a type of facial surgery that is used to correct a gummy smile. This procedure involves surgically repositioning your upper jawbone, or maxilla, in order to prevent your upper lip from rising too high when smiling. 

This procedure helps to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile while also increasing oral function and other aesthetic features. Maxilla impaction surgery can be an effective way to address the problem of a gummy smile and improve the overall look of your smile.

Gum reshaping (Crown Lengthening)

Gum reshaping, also known as gum contouring or aesthetic crown lengthening, is a surgical procedure that is used to improve the appearance of the gum line. 

The procedure involves the removal of excess gum tissue and bone to reduce a “gummy smile” or reshape your gum line. Gum reshaping can also be used to expose more of the tooth, allowing for more uniform teeth, a more pleasing appearance, and improved oral hygiene. 

Benefits of Gummy Smile Surgery

Gummy smile surgery is a great option for patients wanting to improve the appearance of their smile, while also improving their oral health. Benefits of this procedure include;

• A more aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking smile
• A more mature smile
• Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
• Reduced appearance of tooth discolouration
• Reduced risk of gum inflammation and periodontal disease
• Improvements in the overall health of your gums

Risks of Gummy Smile Surgery

Gummy smile surgery is a relatively safe procedure but, like all surgeries, it can carry some risks. As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, pain and potential scarring. It can be avoided when good care is taken after the procedure. 

In rare cases, some people may also experience an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the procedure. This can cause dizziness, vomiting, and nausea. It is important to talk to your dentist about any potential risks before undergoing the procedure.

Cost of Gummy Smile Treatment

The cost of gummy smile treatment depends on your individual case and the type of treatment you choose. 

Non-surgical treatments such as gum reshaping, laser gum contouring, and Botox treatments can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500. 

Surgical treatments such as gum grafting, crown lengthening, and orthodontic treatments generally start from $1,500 depending on which treatment option you choose.

It is important to talk to your dentist about the different treatment options available and the associated costs. Your dentist can help you determine which treatment option is right for you and can help you find the most cost-effective solution.

Which gummy smile treatment is right for you?

A gummy smile can be an embarrassing condition that can significantly affect your confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, modern advances in dentistry have made treatment options possible so that you can smile with confidence. 

If you are considering gummy smile treatment, it is important to talk to your dentist about the options available. Your dentist can help you determine which treatment option is right for you and can help you find the most cost-effective solution. In some cases, diverse treatments can be done together to get the result you would like to achieve.

So if you’re ready to restore your smile and boost your confidence, contact us today to discuss your gummy smile treatment options. With the right treatment, you can have a beautiful and confident smile that you can be proud of.

Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.

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