HOW DO YOU FIX A GUMMY SMILE?

If you smile and more than a couple of millimeters of gum tissue shows, you may have a gummy smile. Oftentimes, patients with a gummy smile do not feel confident with their smile and their self-esteem is affected. There are a few things that can cause a gummy smile but fortunately, there are a number of options to fix a gummy smile!

What can cause a gummy smile?

  • when our adult teeth come in and they fail to fully erupt through the gum tissue
  • a hyperactive upper lip that rises more than normal exposing too much gum tissue when you smile
  • the development of the upper jaw bone in which there is an excessive bulging protrusion of the upper jaw
  • excessive wear of the teeth
  • periodontal disease
  • certain prescription medications
  • genetics

How can you fix a gummy smile?

There are actually quite a few options when looking into correcting a gummy smile. Depending on how severe your case is and the cause of your individual case, treatment options range from Botox injections to jaw surgery.

  • Botox: This is the simplest and least invasive way to fix a gummy smile. The only drawback is that it is temporary and will have to be redone every 3 to 4 months. Botox is injected into your upper lip paralyzing the muscle and preventing it from lifting too much when you smile. With this procedure, the risk is minimal and patient satisfaction is high.
  • Lip repositioning: This is a little more invasive and will require some healing time. For this procedure, an incision is made in the upper lip and the lip is then attached to the gum tissue to essentially lower the lip and keep it from rising too much when the patient smiles.
  • Gum contouring/crown lengthening: This procedure involves removing excess gum tissue with a soft tissue laser to expose more tooth structure. The same procedure is used to straighten an uneven gum line. For crown lengthening, the excessive gum tissue is removed but sometimes the underlying jawbone is altered as well.
  • Veneers: Sometimes, teeth experience excessive wear and tear especially if the patient grinds their teeth at night. This can wear down the length of the teeth and give the appearance of a gummy smile. Veneers can be placed To restore tooth structure and reduce a gummy smile.
  • Jaw surgery: In extreme cases of a gummy smile, jaw surgery may be required to fix it. An oral surgeon will re-contour the jar and fix it in place with plates and screws.

With so many treatment options available, there is something for everyone. If money is an issue, Botox injections might be the way to go. If you have such an extreme case that you require jaw surgery, your medical and/or dental insurance may cover some of the costs.

More on Gummy Smiles : How Much Does It Cost To Fix a Gummy Smile?

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