Gummy Smile An Esthetic Problem?

By Tassos Sfondouris, DDS

Robert J. Kelly, DDS & Associates

. https://www.kellydds.com/

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Gummy Smile An Esthetic Problem?

When you smile, do you feel the appearance of your upper teeth is overshadowed by excessive gum tissue? Are you of the opinion that your upper teeth appear too short compared to the amount of gingival tissue displayed when you smile? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, you may have a condition that is commonly called a “gummy smile” or excessive gingival display.

The optimal smile line appearance should reveal the least amount of gum tissue possible. Gum tissue visible in the smile line should have balanced, even contours that are in harmony with the upper lip. It is for this reason that many people with a gummy smile or excessive gingival display feel their smile to be unattractive, oftentimes feeling reluctant to smile at all.

A gummy smile can have a negative effect on the esthetics of your smile. The good news is that a gummy smile can be corrected through various treatment options.

Causes of a Gummy Smile

There are several possible causes of a gummy smile, including

An excessive display of gum tissue in your upper jaw can result from the abnormal eruption of the teeth. Teeth covered by excessive gum tissue appear short, even though they may actually be the proper length.

The muscle that controls the movement of your upper lip could be hyperactive, causing your upper lip to rise up higher than normal. When this occurs, more of your gum tissue is exposed when you smile.

The manner in which your upper jaw bone grew and developed could cause the appearance of a gummy smile. For instance, if there was an excessive bulging protrusion of the upper jaw within the gum tissue, you would experience an obvious gummy appearance when you smile.

Gummy Smile Treatments

Depending on the nature of your specific clinical condition, treatment for your gummy smile could include one or more of the following

Same-day laser treatments (in minor cases).

Crown Lengthening to correct excess & uneven tissues.

Surgical lip repositioning.

Braces to move the teeth into more suitable positions.

As a result, gummy smile sufferers see more of their teeth when they smile and less of their gums. The American Academy of Periodontology states that the benefits of crown lengthening procedures include increased comfort and confidence when smiling, eating and speaking, as well as improved periodontal (gum tissue) health.