Gummy Smile Treatment

What is gummy smile treatment?

If you feel that your gums are more visible than you would like while smiling, it is called a gummy smile. Having a gummy smile is a common cosmetic issue. Approximately 10% of 20-30 years old adults consider their smiles “gummy”. There are several options to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. Visit your dentist and he will recommend a treatment from many available options including re-aligning teeth, a gingivectomy, crown lengthening, orthognathic surgery, and lip repositioning, even use of anti-wrinkle injections to relax the lip muscles.

What is considered a gummy smile?

Whether or not you consider yourself to have a gummy smile is largely a matter of personal aesthetics. However, the following could be the possible symptoms of a gummy smile.

While smiling excessive upper gums are shown
The shape and height of your teeth is not balanced
Upper lips move too much
Smile negatively alters your facial aesthetics

Generally, if you show 3 to 4 millimeters of the gum line while smiling then it is considered out of proportion.

What causes a gummy smile?

Several factors cause a gummy smile. Some of those are the following.

Hyperactive upper lips that lift too high while smiling
Short upper lips
Overgrowth of the upper jaw
Excessive gum tissues
Gingival hypertrophy
Genetics
Abnormal dental eruption i.e short teeth
Side effects of medication
Poor dental hygiene

What to expect before and during gummy smile treatment?

If you consider yourself to have a gummy smile then visit your dentist and they will discuss the best options available for you. You should expect the following from the dentist.

The dentist will examine your mouth and oral condition thoroughly and will ask about your dental history. He might also refer you to a periodontist (a gum specialist)
Your treatment will be determined either there is a need for simple laser treatment or surgery is necessary. Ease case is unique sometimes several options may be required
For a minor gummy smile, you will go through a laser treatment that can be done in a very short time
If lip repositioning or bone surgery is required then the
Depending on what is required, the excessive gum tissue will be removed, the lips will be repositioned, and/or bones will be trimmed to balance the shape

If you don’t want surgery then you can also see your dentist for a Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD). It helps to pull your teeth into a position that may reduce your gummy smile or consider anti-wrinkle injections to relax the effect of the upper lip muscle.

What to expect after gummy smile treatment?

Once the gummy smile treatment is complete, it will take a few weeks for the recovery. You will have to take extensive care of your oral health. However, the following things may happen.

You will experience mild bleeding and soreness for a week
Take a soft diet for the first 7-10 days
Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy food for at least two weeks
For the first two weeks, don’t brush or floss directly
Take the prescribed medicine regularly
Visit your dentist regularly

How much does gummy smile treatment cost?

The cost of gummy smile treatment depends on the nature of the treatment. If it needs a laser treatment for a minor issue then it will cost less. However, if there is a need for surgery or multiple treatments then the fees will be higher. Usually, the cost ranges between £300 and £5000. Having this treatment can have a profound effect on your confidence in smiling and we feel can be a very conservative treatment to produce a significant improvement in your smile.

If you feel you have a gummy smile then book an appointment with one of our dentists for a consultation to see how we can restore your beautiful smile.