Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure for a Gummy Smile

A radiant smile can boost your confidence, but some feel self-conscious when excess gum tissue takes over their smile. A ‘gummy smile’, or excessive gingival display, is an aesthetic concern that happens when three or more millimeters of upper gums show when smiling, rather than the usual one to two millimeters. A gummy smile is harmless, but it can give the appearance of short or uneven teeth. Thankfully, with modern cosmetic dentistry, you can have tailored solutions to help improve your smile and boost your self-esteem.

Understanding The Causes Of A Gummy Smile

Identifying the root cause of a gummy smile is the first step toward deciding the right treatment. A gummy smile comes from various factors:

• Genetics: Inherited traits like an overgrown upper jaw or enlarged gums.
• Tooth Development: Teeth that appear disproportionate because they are smaller by nature and haven’t fully erupted.
• Lip Placement: A hyperactive or short upper lip that lifts higher than usual when smiling.
• Gum Health: Inflammation from gum disease, hormonal shifts, or medication side effects.
• Jaw Structure: Misalignment or an overbite, contributing to uneven gum visibility.

Using Cosmetic Dentistry For A Gummy Smile

Modern cosmetic dentistry gives tailored, minimally invasive surgical options that address excessive visual gums. Here’s a look at some of the most effective treatments available:

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring uses lasers or precise surgical tools to reshape the gum line by removing excess tissue. This is a quick, in-office procedure that reveals more of the natural tooth structure, making it ideal for patients with healthy teeth that have been obscured by disproportionate gums. Laser methods minimize discomfort and recovery time, usually only requiring a few days of healing.

Crown Lengthening

When short teeth are hidden beneath overgrown gums or bone, crown lengthening surgically repositions the gum tissue and underlying bone. The results of this procedure give the appearance of longer, more balanced teeth, and only take one to two weeks of healing after one single session. It works well for patients who need both aesthetic and functional improvements.

Porcelain Veneers or Crowns

Short or uneven teeth can be covered by custom porcelain veneers or crowns to give the appearance of a longer, more symmetrical smile. Veneers are bonded to the surface of the natural teeth after they have been gently reshaped, allowing them to blend in perfectly with your smile. This approach works best for patients who want an immediate visual correction without having to alter their gum tissue.

Botox 

Botox injections are a non-surgical option that relaxes the muscles that cause the upper lift too high when smiling. This is administered in just a few minutes, and is a temporary solution that minimizes gum visibility for three to six months. Botox can work well for those testing out cosmetic changes and who want to avoid surgery.

Lip Repositioning Surgery

By modifying the lip’s resting position, this minimally invasive surgery can reduce the amount of visible gum tissue. Repositioning connective tissue allows the upper lip to sit lower, which offers a permanent fix for patients with a hyperactive lip or excess gum exposure caused by the lip’s movement.

Orthodontic Treatment

Braces or clear aligners can correct misaligned teeth or jaw positioning gradually, which addresses gummy smiles caused by bite issues like overbites. While this is a slower option in comparison to other solutions, orthodontics provides long-term improvements to both smile aesthetics and oral function.

Orthognathic Surgery

With more severe cases that are linked to jaw structure, corrective jaw surgery repositions the upper jaw to reduce gum visibility. This solution is often paired with orthodontics and does have a longer recovery time.

Scaling and Root Planing

If gum disease is what is contributing to overgrown gum tissue, deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar below the gum line. This reduces inflammation, allowing the gums to recede naturally, and improves overall gum health.

Choosing The Right Cosmetic Dentistry Solution For You

You can achieve a confident, radiant smile, no matter what the cause of your gummy smile. With the advanced cosmetic dentistry options available today, tailored solutions can help harmonize your smile, boost your self-esteem, and even improve long-term oral health. Most treatments are minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia. You’ll want to talk to a skilled cosmetic dentist to find out which cosmetic dentistry solution is best for you.

At Carrie Muzny D.D.S., we blend artistry and cutting-edge techniques to transform gummy smiles into more balanced, dazzling smiles. We specialize in personalized care for residents in Benders Landing, Woodforest, Spring, North Houston, and Conroe/Montgomery. Our skilled cosmetic dentists are here to help you based on your unique needs and goals, whether you need something simple like gum contouring or a more comprehensive treatment plan.

Why wait? Take the first step towards a more confident you! Schedule with us today.