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A smile flaw can make you feel self-conscious. When you are happy, you smile, which allows for connections with other people. However, a gummy smile can cause you to hold back from smiling to avoid judgment.
A gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, occurs when your gums are prominent when you smile. Understanding the causes of a gummy smile can aid in determining the best treatment options.
Here at SmileBoutique, Wayne Hofflich, DDS, has been providing quality dental treatments to the Plano, Texas, area for years, including gummy smile treatment.
While having a gummy smile can be caused by a variety of factors, many causes are genetic. That means it can be passed down as a family trait. An example is when the gums cover more teeth than normal as they grow in. Another problem is when the front teeth grow in too far, and the upper jaw grows longer than normal.
Gummy smiles can also be caused by shorter upper lips and hypermobile lips (lips that move a lot from their resting position during a smile). Medication for seizures, high blood pressure, or immune system suppression can also alter the gums and cause a gummy smile.
There are many ways to treat a gummy smile, including but not limited to:
A gingivectomy, also known as gum contouring, is a procedure for removing excess gum tissue. It's also used for other dental issues. It's a permanent solution for a gummy smile because the excess gum won't grow back.
It may be necessary to perform this procedure if certain lip conditions, such as a hypermobile lip, are the cause of a gummy smile. By removing some of the connective tissue from the underside of the upper lip, this method will change the position of your lip.
Orthognathic surgery may be required in the case of a gummy smile caused by a longer upper jaw. The length of the upper jaw will be evened, reducing the appearance of a gummy smile. Because this method necessitates extensive planning, it is carefully chosen.
Hypermobile lips can also be treated with Botox, which paralyzes the muscles that cause the condition in the upper lip. It's less invasive than other treatments.
The best treatment for a gummy smile depends on the cause, and Dr. Hofflich offers a variety of options. Make an appointment with us at SmileBoutique today if you have a gummy smile and are ready for the right treatment.
Dr. Hofflich will discuss treatment options after a thorough evaluation, recommending the best approach to address your gummy smile. Reach out to our Mount Vernon, New York, office to schedule a visit with Dr. Hofflich today.
