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Gummy Smile
Overview
Gummy smile is a condition where a person’s smile shows an excessive amount of gum tissue, making the teeth appear shorter than they actually are. It is often considered a cosmetic concern and can lead to self-consciousness and a lack of confidence.
Causes
Gummy smile can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Genetics: Some people are born with a higher lip line, which can expose more gum tissue when they smile.
- Hyperactive Upper Lip Muscles: When the muscles that control the movement of the upper lip are overactive, they can pull the lip up too high and expose more gum tissue.
- Short or Small Teeth: If a person’s teeth are shorter than normal or smaller than they should be, it can cause the gum tissue to appear more prominent.
- Abnormal Eruption: If a person’s teeth don’t erupt properly, they can appear shorter and expose more gum tissue.
Problems
While treatment for gummy smile can improve the appearance of a person’s smile, there are some potential problems to be aware of:
- Sensitivity: Some treatments, such as gum contouring, can cause temporary sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Maintenance: Depending on the treatment received, a person may need to take extra steps to care for their teeth and gums and maintain their new smile.
- Risks: Any dental procedure comes with some risks, such as infection, discomfort, or complications from anaesthesia.
Diagnosis
To determine the best treatment options for a gummy smile, a dentist or periodontist will evaluate the amount of gum tissue that shows when a person smiles and the underlying cause of the condition. They may take x-rays or use other diagnostic tools to get a better understanding of the teeth, gums, and bone structure.
Treatment
There are several treatment options available for gummy smile, depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Here are a few options:
- Botox Injections: Injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into the muscles that control the upper lip can relax them and prevent the lip from rising too high.
- Lip Repositioning Surgery: This procedure involves repositioning the upper lip to cover more of the gum tissue.
- Crown Lengthening: This involves removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface.
- Orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners can be used to move the teeth into a more ideal position, which can reduce the amount of gum tissue that shows when a person smiles.
- Gum Contouring: This involves reshaping the gum line to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Prevention
There are a few things a person can do to help prevent gummy smile:
- Practice good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing regularly and seeing a dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups.
- Avoid habits that can damage the teeth and gums, such as smoking and chewing on hard objects.
- Manage stress, as stress can cause muscle tension that may contribute to gummy smile.
- Consider orthodontic treatment early in life to correct any alignment issues that may contribute to gummy smile.
Start Your Treatment Now
Our specialist for
Gummy Smile / Excess Gums
Dr. Datta Malyavantham
BDS, DDS, FICOI (USA)
30+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Cosmetic Dentistry and Veneers, Smile Design, Implants & Oral Surgery
Dr. Akshay Nigam
BDS, MDS – Periodontics & Oral Implants
10+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Wisdom Tooth Extraction, Dental Implants, Laser Dentistry, Micro Surgery, Flap Surgery, Esthetic Dentistry
Dr. Rajesh Patnaik
BDS, MDS – Periodontics & Implantology
4+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Dental Implants, Gum related problems, Laser Dentistry
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