People generally think of a beautiful smile as displaying perfectly aligned white teeth with minimal gum tissue showing. Whether due to genetics or excessive gum growth, a gummy smile can be remedied in several ways.
Danny Jeon, DMD, offers several options to manage this condition, found in approximately 10-30% of the population, through cosmetic procedures and more at Tucker Family Dental in Tucker, GA.
When your smile reveals more than two millimeters of gum above your teeth, it’s generally considered a gummy smile. Showing too much gum may also make your teeth appear shorter and out of proportion to your face.
Your teeth and lip size, facial muscles, and gum tissue determine the look of your smile. Gummy smiles arise for several reasons, including:
This occurs when your upper lip muscles expose too much of your gumline as you smile.
When your upper jawbone (maxilla) grows too far downward, it may reveal an excess of gums.
If your four front teeth grow too far down to display more gum than desired.
Certain medications, such as those that suppress your immune system or treat high blood pressure, may result in too much gum growth around your teeth.
Various periodontal problems, such as gingivitis inflammation, overgrowth of gums due to gingival hyperplasia or grinding your teeth (bruxism), may cause a gummy smile.
Fortunately, Dr. Jeon offers a variety of options for a more dazzling smile.
Dr. Jeon and our expert team employ a range of treatments to rectify your gummy smile, such as:
Made from porcelain, thin veneers cover your front teeth to correct smile flaws. When crafted longer than your normal teeth, they make your gums appear shorter.
Reshaping gum tissue to reveal more of your tooth’s surface fixes a too-gummy appearance.
ClearCorrect and other invisible aligners straighten your teeth and adjust any gaps or overbite to help perfect your look. Over time, aligners reduce gum exposure for a more beautiful smile.
Deep teeth cleaning removes bacteria and any infection that may be inflaming your gums. Scaling and root planing smooths tooth roots and removes plaque and tartar beneath your gum line. This relieves inflammation, resulting in tighter and healthier gums.
Injecting Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles controlling your upper lip movement to create a less gummy-looking smile.
A minimally invasive laser periodontal procedure reshapes your gums to transform your smile. It takes less downtime and discomfort than traditional gum surgery.
Dr. Jeon helps you choose the best treatment to reduce your gummy smile.
Your smile should ideally reveal minimal gum tissue, creating a harmonious balance between your upper lip and teeth.
If too much gum exposure is affecting your self-esteem, we can help. To discuss how to improve your gummy smile or other dental issues, simply call our office at (678) 233-2945 or book an appointment online with Tucker Family Dental today.
