What is a Gummy Smile?
Unlike some dental issues, there’s no single definition for a gummy smile. It’s more about how much gum shows when you smile. Generally, a smile that exposes 2 millimeters (or less) of gum tissue is considered ideal. If you show more than that when you smile, it might be considered “gummy.”
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can be caused by various factors, including:
● Genetics
Sometimes, gummy smiles run in the family. This means your jawbone might be a bit bigger, your teeth a bit smaller, or your upper lip a bit shorter than average. These factors can all contribute to showing more gum when you smile.
● Overactive Muscles
A surprising cause of gummy smiles can be overly active muscles in your upper lip. These muscles control how much your lip lifts when you smile, and if they’re too strong, they can reveal more gum tissue than desired. Injections (like Botox) can help relax these muscles and reduce the amount of gum that shows.
● Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene can lead to plaque buildup under your gums. This can make them inflamed and swollen, showing more gum tissue when you smile. So, brushing and flossing regularly are important for a healthy smile in more ways than one.
6 Ways to Fix a Gummy Smile
Correcting a gummy smile has many ways, but the right treatment depends on the primary cause. Here are 6 treatment options to fix a gummy smile:
1. Orthodontic Treatment
If your gummy smile is mild and caused by orthodontic issues, such as a bad bite or minor jaw problems, orthodontic treatment can help. Getting braces or Invisalign can make your gums appear less noticeable when you smile.
2. Veneers or Crowns
If your teeth are short and show too much, gum, dental crowns, or veneers can be bonded to your teeth to make them look longer and balance out your smile.
3. Gum Lift Surgery
If your teeth haven’t fully grown in, gum lift surgery can remove some gum tissue, revealing more teeth and creating a less gummy look.
4. Lip Surgery
If your upper lip is short or too active, causing your gums to show more, lip surgery can reposition your lip for a less gummy smile. This is often easier than jaw surgery.
5. Gingivectomy
If you have a lot of extra gum tissue, gum removal surgery can be done. This cuts away the excess and reshapes the remaining gum to show more of your teeth.
6. Laser Gum Contouring
Want to ditch the surgery? Laser gum treatment can painlessly remove excess gum tissue for a more balanced and beautiful smile.
In Short
Flashing a confident, healthy smile is not that complicated after all!
At Citrus Smiles Dental Studio, we understand your dental needs and offer solutions for all sorts of smile concerns, including gummy smiles. Give us a call at our Murphy dental clinic at (972) 472-8862, our Wylie dental clinic at (972) 474-3849, or our Heath dental clinic at (972) 433-6500.