What is a gummy smile?
Gummy smile is a condition in which an excessive amount of gum is visible when smiling. In a typical smile, the gum line should be aligned with the top edges of the front teeth. However, in a gummy smile, a significant portion of the gums is visible, which can make the teeth appear smaller and the smile less aesthetic.
This condition can be caused by several factors, such as the high position of the upper lip, the excessive size of the gums, the low position of the teeth in the jaw, or a combination of these. A gummy smile can affect a person’s confidence and self-esteem, and some people seek treatments to correct it, such as gum surgery or orthodontics.
Possible causes of gummy smile
The gummy smile, also known as “excessive gum exposure”, is characterized by showing a higher amount of gum than is considered aesthetically pleasing when smiling. This condition can have various origins, some of them are:
- Overgrowth of the upper jaw (maxilla): A prominent jaw can push the teeth down, exposing more gum tissue.
- Improper eruption of the teeth: When the teeth do not erupt properly, they can become partially covered by the gum, creating the appearance of a gummy smile.
- Genetics: Genetic predisposition can influence the shape and size of the gums, as well as the position of the teeth.
- Gingival hyperplasia: An overgrowth of gum tissue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as chronic inflammation or taking certain medications.
- Overly strong upper lip muscle: An overactive upper lip can rise too high when smiling, exposing an excessive amount of gum.
- Wear of biting surfaces: Tooth wear over time can reduce the height of your teeth, giving the impression of a gummy smile.
Gummy smile treatments
Treatment for gummy smile will depend on the specific cause. In some cases, periodontal treatment may be enough to eliminate inflammation and improve gum health.
Treatment options:
- Orthodontics: It can be used to correct the position of the teeth and improve facial harmony.
- Gingivectomy: It is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess gum tissue.
- Crown lengthening: This is a procedure that modifies the shape of the dental crown so that it appears longer and less gum is visible when smiling.
Tips to improve your gummy smile
Here are some tips to improve your gummy smile:
- Consult a specialist: The first thing to do is to go to a dentist specialized in dental aesthetics or periodontics to evaluate your case and determine the most appropriate treatment.
- Corrects the position of the teeth: In some cases, a gummy smile may be due to a poor position of the teeth. Orthodontic treatment can help correct this situation.
- Gingivectomy treatments: This surgical procedure involves removing some of the gum tissue that covers the teeth to reduce excessive exposure of the gums when smiling.
- Botox: In some cases, the use of botulinum toxin can help relax the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip excessively when smiling, thus reducing the amount of gum exposed.
- Proper oral care: Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical to preventing gum problems. Brushing your teeth after every meal, flossing, and regularly visiting the dentist for professional cleanings are important practices.
- Avoid harmful habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to oral health problems, including gum recession. Avoiding these habits can help improve the health of your gums.
- Stress management: Some people tend to show more gum when they are nervous or stressed. Learning stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help manage this problem.
In our dental clinics, located in Torremolinos and Malaga, Gross Dentistas, we have a team of highly qualified professionals to diagnose and treat the gummy smile.
Request an appointment at our clinic and we will offer you a personalized diagnosis, recommending the most appropriate treatment to achieve a harmonious and aesthetic smile.
Remember:
- Gummy smile is a treatable condition.
- An accurate diagnosis is critical to determining the appropriate treatment.
- In our clinic we offer you personalized solutions so that you can enjoy a radiant smile.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.