If you find yourself hiding your smile because it shows too much of your gums, you’re not alone. Many people are self-conscious about their smiles; it could be anything from discoloration to crooked teeth to having a “gummy” smile.
Luckily, there are several effective ways to fix a gummy smile without resorting to surgery. In this post, we’ll explain what causes a gummy smile in the first place, and describe the non-surgical options available to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is characterized by an excessive display of gum tissue when smiling. Several factors can contribute to this, including:
- Genetics
Some individuals naturally have more gum tissue covering their teeth.
- Misaligned Teeth and Jaw
Gum tissue can become more pronounced when the lower and upper jaw or teeth are misaligned.
- Medications
Certain prescriptions, such as epilepsy medications and some blood pressure medications, can cause excessive gum tissue growth.
- Hyperactive Upper Lip Muscles
Overactive muscles in the upper lip can cause it to lift too high, revealing more gum tissue.
- Short Upper Lip
Having a short upper lip also exposes more gum tissue when smiling.
Four Non-Surgical Options for Gummy Smile Correction
1: Botox
Botox isn’t just for making wrinkles disappear, it’s also commonly used in dentistry. In fact, it’s one of the go-to options for fixing a gummy smile. Botox is made from safe amounts of botulinum, a toxin that temporarily paralyzes the facial muscles. Strategically injecting small amounts of Botox into the upper lip weakens the muscles responsible for excessive lip lifting. That means much less of your gums will show when you smile.
When administered by a professional, Botox for a gummy smile is completely safe and effective. You can typically notice an improved smile within two weeks, and the results can last up to three to four months.
2: Dermal Fillers
Another effective, non-surgical solution for hiding excessive gum tissue is dermal fillers. This type of treatment adds volume to the upper lip so that it covers more of the gums when you smile. Dermal fillers are an especially effective solution for gummy smiles caused by thin upper lips. Typically composed of hyaluronic acid, dermal fillers make the lips look fuller and improve the balance of your smile. Dermal fillers can last around 6 to 12 months, depending on the procedure.
3: Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy, a crown lengthening procedure, is another popular option. A gingivectomy is a minimally invasive treatment where the excess gum tissue covering the teeth is removed and the gums are re-shaped to make the teeth appear longer. The results of a gingivectomy are typically permanent.
4: Veneers or Crowns
If there aren’t any underlying issues like thin lips or hyperactive muscles, veneers or crowns are also excellent solutions. A veneer is a thin, tooth-shaped covering that is attached to the front of the tooth, while a crown fits over the entire tooth. Both veneers and crowns can make the teeth appear longer and reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. Veneers can last around 10 to 20 years with the right care, while crowns typically last up to 15 years.
We’ll Help You Transform Your Smile
A gummy smile doesn’t have to hold you back from laughing with friends and smiling for family photos. And luckily, there’s no need for surgical intervention. At Copper Creek Dental, we’re dedicated to helping people in the South Jordan, Utah community feel confident in their smiles. We offer botox, dermal fillers, gingivectomies, veneers, crowns, and more to help you achieve the smile you’ve been wanting. To schedule a consultation at our Daybreak office, give us a call at 801-280-1911 today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/5/2024). Photo by Alena Shekhovtcova on Pexels (cropped)