If your smile looks uneven because of excessive gum tissue, you’re not alone. Many patients struggle to speak or pose for the camera because of their appearance. When a gummy smile prevents you from embracing opportunities and meeting new people, it’s time to consider how your dentist can help. But before discussing different treatment options, it’s helpful to learn why this problem occurs. Read on to discover the causes of a gummy smile and what your dentist can do to improve your aesthetics.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Several reasons are often attributed to gummy smiles, including:
- Genetics: If your mother or father has small teeth or a large jaw, it may be passed down to you, resulting in your genes being the culprit for your gummy smile.
- Hyperactive Upper Lip: If you have what is known as a hyperactive upper lip, it means that it rises higher than normal when you smile. This leads to more of your gums being exposed.
- Jaw Misalignment: When your jaw protrudes too much because of its development, your teeth may erupt in a way that causes misalignment between the upper and lower rows, causing a gummy smile.
- Gum Disease: If you do not take proper care of your teeth and gums, you can develop periodontitis, which causes gum recession or the pulling away of your gums from your teeth. This can result in a gummy smile.
How Can Your Dentist Treat Your Gummy Smile?
One of the most effective ways to treat your gummy smile is to meet with your dentist to discuss gum recontouring. Considered a cosmetic treatment option, this procedure is safe and highly effective when performed by a skilled professional.
The goal is to create a balanced gumline, so your dentist will need to remove the excess tissue surrounding your teeth. Using a soft tissue laser, they can carefully shape the gumline so that teeth appear elongated and your smile as a whole looks even.
The laser’s optimal precision reduces bleeding and swelling, so your recovery phase is much quicker. Also, because the laser sterilizes the treated area immediately, your risk of infection decreases significantly.
A similar process, known as crown lengthening, can be just as effective; the goal of this procedure is to remove excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth structure so you can receive a custom restoration.
If you’re unhappy with your gummy smile, let your dentist know so they can create a personalized treatment plan to give you a more balanced, beautiful, and healthy appearance.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Townsend has been practicing dentistry since 1985. After graduating from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry with his doctorate, he remains devoted to continuing education to expand his skills and knowledge. As one of two lead dentists at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, he works closely with patients who desire a healthier, more balanced smile. With gum recontouring, he can help individuals feel better about their appearance by removing excess tissue, revealing an even gumline that helps make a great first impression. Visit our website or call (904) 285–7711 to schedule an appointment.