A gummy smile is when you show off more gum than teeth while smiling. It’s like your gums are trying to steal the show, and your teeth are wondering, “Hey, what about me?” It’s cute for a few, but we’ve got you in case you feel self-conscious about it. Don’t worry, it’s totally normal, and there are multiple ways to fix your gummy smile.
How To Get Rid of Your Gummy Smile?
The good news is there are multiple treatments to choose from for treating a gummy smile. These include procedures like gum contouring where excess gum tissue is removed to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Orthodontic treatments, like braces or aligners, also correct the position of your teeth and jaws to reduce the amount of gum tissue visible when you smile.
Here are the top 3 ways to deal with overpowering gums:
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring, also known as gingival contouring or gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental procedure involving the removal of excessive gum tissues to improve the appearance of your gums and teeth (smile).
If you have a “gummy smile,” your teeth look shorter or uneven, which can be a source of self-consciousness. In such a case scenario, gum contouring comes to the rescue. It can help correct this issue by getting rid of the excess, revealing more parts of your tooth’s surface.
A periodontist or your dentist will perform this procedure. Since it is somewhat of an invasive surgery, a local anesthetic numbs the area, and reduction takes place via a laser or scalpel.
After the procedure, your gums may be a little sore and swollen for a few days; however, with time, they will heal, making your smile look aesthetically pleasing.
Veneers or crowns
If you see that your upper set of teeth appears to be shorter than normal, exposing too much gum, veneers, or crowns can help. They can make your teeth look longer and hide some of the extra gum that peeps every time you smile.
Maxillofacial surgery
Sometimes, jaw repositioning does wonders for a gummy smile. So, do not get scared or shy away from this surgery. You never know; this might be the life-changing turn you are waiting for.
Gummy Smile – Causes
The most obvious cause of this issue is an overgrowth of gum tissue, a condition called gingival hyperplasia. In this condition, the gums grow too much, covering most of the teeth area than they should. Some medications, such as anti-seizure drugs, can also contribute to this condition.
Another reason why you might have a gummy smile is the position of your upper lip. If the muscles that control them are overactive or simply longer than normal, they expose more of the gums when you smile.
The size and shape of your teeth and jaws also play a role in this regard. If you have shorter than average teeth, or your upper jaw is longer than the lower, it can create an illusion of excess gums peeking through.
Final Words
One of the most effective ways to deal with your excessive gum trouble is a contouring procedure. You can get in touch with dental experts from The Smile Artisans for more information on this. Dial (832) 220-6087 to connect with us.