Gummy Smile Solutions: Find the Right One for You

Have you ever caught a glimpse of your smile and felt bad about how much gum is visible? Or is your search history filled with questions like “how to correct a gummy smile”? You are not alone. A gummy smile leaves many feeling insecure, but rest assured that effective solutions exist.

What is a gummy smile?

An excessive gum display, typically 2-3mm or more above the teeth, defines a gummy smile. This can negatively impact one’s confidence, especially in social settings. It has been found that women tend to be more affected, though heredity also plays a role. Parents often pass the trait to their children.

So, what causes this issue? 

There are several factors that contribute to the gummy smile, such as a short upper lip, teeth placement issues, strong muscle movement, or vertical facial bone structure. As a result, a gummy smile draws too much attention upward. Thankfully, modern dentistry has proven that with the proper treatment, a happy smile can shine through naturally.

How to Correct a Gummy Smile?

In India, several procedures cater to gummy smile correction. Laser gum reshaping, involving the removal of excess gum tissue with a laser, shows promising results, albeit with limited long-term data. On the other hand, gummy smile surgery, a more invasive option, repositions the gums over the teeth, requiring general anaesthesia and a longer recovery period.

The introduction of gummy smile implants, small titanium implants placed in the gums to reduce gum exposure, provides another promising avenue, although research on long-term effects is ongoing. Alternatively, non-invasive Botox injections can reduce muscle movement in the upper lip, effectively reducing gum exposure, though they necessitate repeated sessions every few months.

Treatment Options for Gummy Smile Correction

Several treatment options cater to different gummy smile causes. 

• Lip Surgery

When dealing with a short upper lip or hyperactive lips that may reveal more gums while smiling, lip reattachment surgery is recommended to minimise gum exposure.

• Veneers or Crowns

In cases where genetics or ageing contribute to shorter teeth, leading to increased gum visibility, quick solutions such as veneers or dental crowns can be effective.

• Orthodontic Treatment

For those with a gummy smile, various treatment options like orthodontic appliances, braces, Invisalign, and more can enhance one’s appearance. These methods work by aligning the teeth and jaws, ultimately enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the gums.

• Crown-Lengthening / Gum Reduction Surgery

When teeth remain partially concealed due to bone-level obstructions, the removal of gum tissue or bone is recommended to expose more of the tooth, thus improving the overall smile.

• Crown-lengthening or gum reduction surgery

It is employed when teeth remain partially hidden due to bone-level obstructions, where removal of gum tissue or bone exposes more of the tooth, enhancing the smile’s aesthetics.

Choosing the Right Gummy Smile Correction Procedure and Expert

Selecting the most suitable gummy smile correction procedure requires consultation with a qualified dentist like Dr. Sween Kathuria. Understand the risks and benefits of each treatment option to make an informed decision.

Trust Dr. Kathuria’s Dentistry for a better smile and healthy teeth!

Are you tired of searching for ways to get a perfect smile? If so, you can book a consultation with Dr. Sween Kathuria at Dr. Kathuria’s Dentistry. She is a well-qualified dentist who has always ensured a seamless and comfortable treatment journey for her patients. To book an appointment, connect with our team today!