People who care about their appearance place major importance on their smile. But some individuals may be bothered by excess gums showing over the upper teeth when they smile. We then speak of a “gummy smile” with a vertical maxillary excess.
Fortunately, thanks to advances in maxillofacial surgery and modern dental techniques, the treatment of gummy smile is now possible. Read on to get the answers to the questions what a gummy smile is and how to treat it?
What is a gummy smile?
Definition
A “gummy smile” is a characteristic of a smile where there is too much amount of gum visible. In other words when there is an excessive gingival display.
As a general rule, when you smile, the teeth are the main visible part, while the gums remain discreet. However, with a gummy smile, the gums take up more of the smile, which can make the teeth appear short or out of proportion to the gums.
The gummy smile can be more or less pronounced, ranging from slightly increased gum exposure to excess gum tissue where a large portion of the teeth are concealed by the gums.
This can create aesthetic asymmetry and affect some people’s self-confidence.
How does a gummy smile occur?
The gummy smile can be caused by several factors.
In some cases, it may be due to hyperactive upper lip lifter muscles, which raise the lip excessively when smiling. Poor upper jaw position can also result in a gummy smile, as it exposes more of the gums.
Sometimes an impaired passive eruption of the teeth can be the root of the problem, where the teeth are not positioned correctly in relation to the gums.
Understanding the cause of the gummy smile is key to determining the proper orthodontic treatment.
How to correct a gummy smile?
When it comes to treating a gummy smile, there are different options depending on the severity of the case. The most easy and least complicated procedures are laser gum contourings.
In mild to moderate cases, injections of botulinum toxin (botox injections) may be used to temporarily relax the levator muscles of the upper lip. Thus, the part of the gums visible when smiling is reduced. This procedure, the effects of which can last for several months, is usually performed under local anesthesia.
For more severe cases, orthognathic surgery may be recommended. This type of jaw surgery, performed by a maxillofacial surgeon, aims to reposition the upper jaw in order to obtain a harmonious balance between the teeth, gums and lips. This procedure requires a recovery period and is usually performed under general anesthesia. This case is sometimes followed by a lip repositioning surgery to achieve the best possible result.
Finally, in some cases, the placement of dental veneers in Turkey or crowns can also be considered to correct a gummy smile. These thin porcelain shells cover the surface of the teeth, creating a uniform and harmonious appearance with the gums. Dental doctors also try to avoid surgical plates and screws by using a crown lengthening procedure.
Final result after treatment
Once the gummy smile treatment is complete, the results can be dramatic. Patients generally see a significant improvement in the appearance of their smile, with less visible gums and an aesthetic balance between teeth, gums and lips.
However, it is important to note that each case is unique, and results may vary depending on the severity of the initial gummy smile and the treatment chosen.
What should be considered before and after gum correction?
Before the treatment
Before embarking on treatment, schedule a consultation with a dentist specializing in dental aesthetics or a maxillofacial surgeon, such as those at the Cosmedicadental Clinic – a dental clinic in Turkey – to analyze your case, discuss your concerns and define your goals. This way, he will be able to determine the best treatment options.
Before choosing the option that suits you, also compare the prices of the services so that they suit your budget. The associated costs vary depending on the complexity of the case, the type of treatment chosen and the geographical region.
After the treatment
After the treatment, it is essential to follow the recommendations of the oral health professional in order to ensure optimal healing. This may include postoperative care such as taking medication, a specific diet, or regular follow-up visits. Recovery time varies depending on the type of treatment performed.
Maxillofacial surgery can require several weeks of recovery, while patients who have opted for botulinum toxin injections can return to normal activities almost immediately.
Thus, the treatment of the gingival smile offers an effective solution to correct the excess of visible gums when smiling. Thanks to advances in maxillofacial surgery and modern dental techniques, patients can regain confidence in their smile. Whether through botulinum toxin injections, orthognathic surgery or the placement of veneers, there are options adapted to each case to obtain aesthetically satisfactory final results.