COST TO FIX A GUMMY SMILE
A gummy smile is sometimes rather simple to fix, depending on the severity and the cause. Patients can expect to spend between $300 for the simplest procedure and up to $8,000 for more complex surgeries. As with all dental procedures, the fee schedule of an individual office can often be affected by the geographical location of the office, metropolitan places being more expensive than rural, and the expertise of the doctor.
Does dental insurance cover gummy smile surgery?
Dental insurance is not likely to cover gummy smile surgery unless it can be deemed medically necessary. Most insurance companies will likely consider this procedure to be cosmetic and therefore will not cover any of the costs. to find out if your dental insurance will cover any of your surgery costs, it is important to reach out to your insurance company before you have anything done.
What does the total cost for gummy smile surgery include?
As with any dental treatment, your first visit will involve a consultation and evaluation to determine why you have a gummy smile and what is the best way to correct it. Any x-rays that your doctor needs will likely be taken at this visit.
Also included with her overall cost will be the anesthesia fees, hospital fees if applicable, any facility fees and of course all follow-up visits.
What is the procedure for gummy smile surgery?
Typically, going to smile surgery is performed by either an oral surgeon or a periodontist. If a simple gingivectomy will correct the problem, a periodontist can perform the procedure in the office in about 15 minutes to an hour.
If your gummy smile requires a more invasive surgical procedure, you may require an oral surgeon. An oral surgeon can reshape your upper jaw and reposition it to reduce the amount of gum tissue that shows when you smile. This surgery will require a hospital stay and is the more expensive treatment option.
After your surgery, your doctor will provide you with a list of postoperative instructions and pain medications and antibiotics as needed. Your post-op instructions will include modifications that you need to make to your diet and oral hygiene routine for a couple of weeks. If you have a more invasive surgery, your diet and hygiene routine may extend beyond a week or two.
With less invasive procedures, patients are usually able to return to work or school the day after surgery though there will also be restrictions on physical activity.
Are there any additional costs associated with gummy smile surgery?
Sometimes, gummy smile surgery is required to prepare a tooth for additional work. Crown lengthening is a gum contouring procedure that exposes more tooth structure, the crown of the tooth, and removes gum tissue so that a veneer or crown can be fitted properly.
If you have a gummy smile, your confidence and self-esteem may be affected. If the cost of surgery is overwhelming, your doctor may provide in-house financing or third-party financing. Discuss options with your doctor before beginning any treatment. Your doctor is there to help and wants you to have the best smile possible!
More on Gummy Smiles : Causes of Gummy Smiles