Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix A Gummy Smile

One of the frequent dental problems that can impact a smile is excessive gum tissue, better known as a gummy smile. A gummy smile exists when the teeth look very small, and the gums have the appearance of being excessive. You could be said to have a gummy smile when your gums are more prominent then your teeth.

Very often, a gummy smile or excessive gingival display, can be the result of the wearing down of the teeth. People who grind their teeth in their sleep, also known as bruxism, can wear down their teeth quicker. Some people may have a long upper jaw bone, causing the teeth to appear small, and the gums to seem larger than normal. Other persons may suffer from a short upper lip, which can also cause the illusion of excessive gums and short teeth. 

A gummy smile may be esthetically displeasing. It may impact a person's self confidence, causing him to avoid smiling and showing his teeth.

The procedure to correct a gummy smile is fairly common. Typically, dentists use a procedure called a gingivectomy, to correct a gummy smile. This procedure is also known as a gingivoplasty and involves the removal of excessive gum tissue. A gingivectomy is performed in case a smaller amount of gum tissue is to be removed, as in cases where a gummy smile is mild and does not reveal too much gum tissue. Previously, this procedure involved excising the excessive tissue surgically.  Many dentists these days use a procedure called radiosurgery to remove the gum tissue. Here, the dentist uses a dental laser to remove a small amount of gum tissue. The procedure involves no pain, and most importantly, there are no sutures involved. The gum tissues heal on their own in a couple of weeks, leaving the patients with markedly reduced gums, and teeth that are now visible.  
In case of a gummy smile involving excessive gum tissue, your dentist may use a procedure called crown lengthening. In this procedure, the tissue is lifted and replaced in a new position. The tissue is thus shaped around each tooth, and then sutured. The sutures are removed after 10 days.  After this, the dentist will perform other procedures like porcelain veneers or crowns to brighten the smile. This is a more intensive and complex procedure, but can achieve dramatic results. 

Often, a gummy smile is the result of a high lip line. This can be corrected by reattaching the gum tissue located under the lip, and limiting the movement of the upper lip that contributes to the gummy smile. There is no surgery performed on the lip. Rather, this surgery limits the upward movement of the lip, thereby preventing too much gum tissue from being seen. This procedure can’t be performed in every case. Your dentist will recommend the kind of treatment that is necessary for your condition, and suits your needs best.