Gummy Smile Reduction: What Causes It and How to Fix It

Does your smile ever feel like it is showing too much gum and not enough teeth? Many people do, and there is a term for it: gummy smile. While it is entirely normal and poses no health threats, many people feel that it compromises their confidence when smiling or laughing.

Not to worry—a number of safe yet effective modern cosmetic dentistry procedures can alter it. But first, let us see what is a gummy smile and what could possibly be triggering yours.

What is a Gummy Smile?

If a smile exposes more than 3-4 millimeters of gum tissue above the upper teeth, it is known as a gummy smile. Instead of focusing on just the teeth when one smiles, the gums take the main focus. This can make the teeth look shorter or give the face an asymmetrical expression.

Every smile is different, but many people carry their natural smile with pride. Some, however, feel self-conscious or may even avoid showing their full smile in pictures. If that sounds too familiar, the first step would be to educate oneself on why it occurs, leading one to the right course of action.

What Are the Common Causes of Gummy Smiles?

A gummy smile can happen for various reasons, often a combination. The more common reasons are:

• Excess of Gum Tissue (Gingival Hypertrophy)

In certain cases, the gums will cover too much of the teeth, thus making them look small.

• Hypermobile Upper Lip

This means that when you smile, your lip goes up too high and exposes more gum than you would want.

• Vertical Maxillary Excess

Overgrowth of the upper jawbone allows more gum tissue to show.

• Worn Down or Small Teeth

The smaller the teeth are, or if they have been worn down due to age, the more able the gums will be to become highly visible.

• Genetics

Yup: Blame it on your folks! If a gummy smile exists in your family history, it could just be part of your natural look.

Whatever the cause of your gummy smile, your next step will be to find a suitable remedy for gummy smile reduction in Richmond.

How to Fix a Gummy Smile: Treatment Options

Thankfully, various treatments are available, ranging from quick, noninvasive fixes to more advanced procedures. Here’s a breakdown of what your dentist might recommend:

• Gum Contouring / Laser Gum Reduction

This procedure reshapes the gum line using laser or surgical tools to show more of the tooth surface. It’s most appropriate for individuals with an excess of gum tissue and offers instant results with little downtime.

• Botox Injections

If the reason for this is a hypermobile upper lip, a slight dose of Botox will relax the muscles and lower the extent of the lip lifting when smiling. The treatment is very quick and effective and lasts for several months.

• Orthodontic Treatment

Braces or aligners sometimes can shift teeth into better positions, thereby making a gummy smile appear less gummy, especially if it has to do with the general positioning of teeth and jaw.

• Crown Lengthening

This procedure removes some gum tissue and may sometimes involve bone to make more tooth structure visible. It can create an even and more symmetrical smile.

A gummy smile should not hide in the shadows anymore. Technology and treatment have now reached the point where one can easily afford to have the balanced, confident smile one has always wanted. A little laser procedure or slight tweak with Botox might be as simple a solution to it as possible. Your perfect smile is closer than you think. 

Are you ready to explore your options? Let’s talk about how to turn the spotlight on the best in your smile because everyone on this earth deserves to feel good.