Gummy Smile Treatment: Solutions for a Confident Smile

 When you flash a big smile, do you notice that a lot of your gums show, perhaps more than you’d like? This is often called a gummy smile, and it’s something many people experience. While it’s perfectly natural and healthy, some people feel a little shy about it and wish their smile showed less gum and more teeth. 

The good news is that there are many great ways to fix a gummy smile, helping you feel much more confident when you grin.

What is a Gummy Smile?

Simply put, a gummy smile is when you smile, and a noticeable amount of gum tissue appears above your upper teeth. There’s no rule for exactly what counts as “gummy,” as everyone’s smile differs. However, if more than a few millimetres of gum are visible, it might be considered a gummy smile. It’s not a medical problem, but for some, it can affect how they feel about their appearance.

Causes of Gummy Smiles

So, why do some people have a gummy smile? It can be due to several things, and often, it’s a mix of a few factors:

  • Gums that are too big or long: Sometimes, the gum tissue can be overgrown, covering more teeth than usual.
  • Small teeth: Your teeth might be a normal size, but if they are covered by too much gum, they can appear shorter than they actually are.
  • A short upper lip: If your upper lip doesn’t come down very far when you smile, it can expose more of your gums.
  • A very strong upper lip muscle: This muscle can pull the upper lip up too high when you smile, showing more gum.
  • The way your jawbone developed: In some cases, the way the upper jawbone grew can make the gums appear more prominent.

Impact of a Gummy Smile on Self-Confidence

Even though a gummy smile is harmless, it can sometimes affect how someone feels about themselves. People might:

  • Feel self-conscious: They might worry about what others think of their smile.
  • Avoid smiling fully: They might try to smile with their lips closed or only a small grin to hide their gums.
  • Feel less confident in social situations: This can make them hesitant to laugh or talk openly.

It’s important to remember that your smile is unique, but if your gummy smile is bothering you, some solutions can help you feel better about it.

Treatment Options for Gummy Smiles

The good news is that there are several ways to treat a gummy smile, ranging from simple fixes to more involved procedures. The best choice for you will depend on what’s causing your gummy smile and what you hope to achieve. 

A dentist, like dentist Garran, can help you figure out the best approach.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

For some people, a gummy smile can be improved without surgery. These options are often quicker and involve less recovery time.

  • Orthodontics (Braces or clear aligners): If your teeth haven’t come down far enough or are positioned to make your gums show more, braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign) can sometimes help. They can move your teeth into a better position, making your gums less noticeable. This is a longer process, usually taking months or even years.

Surgical Treatment Options

When non-surgical options aren’t enough, or for more significant gummy smiles, surgical procedures can offer a lasting solution. A specialist dentist often performs these.

  • Gum recontouring (Gingivectomy): This is a very common and straightforward procedure. It involves carefully removing a small amount of excess gum tissue to reveal more of your natural tooth. It reshapes your gum line to make your teeth appear longer and more proportionate. This can be done with a scalpel or a special laser.
  • Crown lengthening: This procedure is similar to gum recontouring but might also involve reshaping a small amount of bone around the tooth. It’s done to expose more of the tooth structure, especially when the teeth are covered by both gum and bone. This is often done before placing crowns or veneers on teeth to ensure they have enough tooth structure to bond to.
  • Lip repositioning surgery: If a very short upper lip or a very strong upper lip muscle is the main cause, lip repositioning surgery can be considered. This procedure involves making small cuts inside the upper lip to limit how high it can move when you smile. This keeps more of your gums covered.
  • Orthognathic surgery (Jaw surgery): In rare cases, jaw surgery might be recommended if the upper jawbone is positioned too far forward or downward. This is a more extensive procedure performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to correct the jaw’s position, which can significantly improve a gummy smile.

The Gummy Smile Treatment Procedure

The exact steps of your gummy smile treatment will depend on the type of treatment you choose.

For gum recontouring (gingivectomy), your mouth will first be numbed so you won’t feel any pain. The dentist will then carefully remove the excess gum tissue. If a laser is used, it often means less bleeding and quicker healing. The procedure typically takes less than an hour, depending on how many teeth are treated.

Crown lengthening is more involved as it may include reshaping bone. You’ll be numbed, and the dentist will gently lift the gum tissue, reshape the bone if needed, and then put the gum tissue back in place, sometimes with small stitches.

For lip repositioning, small incisions are made on the inside of the upper lip, and a small strip of tissue is removed to limit the lip’s movement. Stitches are then used to close the incisions.

Orthognathic surgery is a major procedure done in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.

What to Expect During the Treatment

Regardless of the treatment, your dental team will ensure you are comfortable.

  • Consultation: First, you’ll have a detailed chat with your dentist. They’ll look at your smile, discuss your concerns, and figure out what’s causing your gummy smile. They’ll also explain all the different treatment options that are right for you. They might take photos and X-rays.
  • Numbing: For most procedures involving the gums, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area so that you won’t feel anything during the treatment.
  • The procedure: As described above, the actual treatment time varies widely depending on the chosen method.
  • Post-treatment instructions: After the procedure, your dentist will give clear instructions on what to do and avoid to help with healing.

Recovery and Aftercare Following Treatment

Recovery time also varies a lot depending on the treatment.

  • Gum recontouring: You might have some mild soreness and swelling for a day or two. Eating soft foods for a short period is often recommended. Pain relief can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
  • Crown lengthening and lip repositioning: These will involve a bit more recovery. You might have swelling and some discomfort for several days. Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication and possibly antibiotics. You’ll need to eat soft foods and be careful when brushing. Stitches, if used, will usually dissolve or be removed after a week or two.
  • Orthognathic surgery: This is the most extensive recovery, often involving a hospital stay and a period of liquid or soft food diet for several weeks.

Good oral hygiene is crucial during recovery from any surgical procedure to prevent infection. Your dentist will tell you how to clean your mouth best and whether you need to use a special mouthwash.

Risks and Complications of Gummy Smile Treatment

Like any medical or dental procedure, gummy smile treatments carry some potential risks, though serious complications are rare. Your dentist will discuss these with you in detail.

  • Swelling and bruising: Common after surgical procedures.
  • Pain or discomfort: Managed with medication.
  • Infection: Possible with any surgery, but usually prevented with good aftercare and sometimes antibiotics.
  • Sensitivity: Your teeth might be sensitive to hot or cold after gum procedures, especially crown lengthening.
  • Numbness: Temporary numbness can occur after surgical procedures.
  • Relapse: In some cases, the gummy smile can return as the effects wear off or if muscles regain strength.
  • Asymmetry: Very occasionally, the gum line might not be ideally even after recontouring, though dentists strive for symmetry.
  • Unsatisfactory results: While unlikely, the final result might not be exactly what you expected. This is why a thorough consultation and clear communication with your dentist are important.

Cost of Gummy Smile Treatment

The cost of gummy smile treatment can vary greatly depending on the type of treatment, the extent of the work needed, and your location.

  • Botox injections are generally the least expensive option per treatment, but they are not a permanent fix and need to be repeated every few months.
  • Gum recontouring (gingivectomy) is moderately priced and offers a permanent change.
  • Crown lengthening and lip repositioning are typically more expensive than simple gum recontouring.
  • Orthodontics (braces or aligners) involves a longer treatment period and a higher overall cost.
  • Orthognathic surgery is the most complex and expensive option, involving a hospital stay and a surgical team.

It’s best to discuss the exact costs with your dentist, like dentist Woden, during your consultation. They can provide a detailed quote and discuss payment options. Dental insurance may cover some parts of the treatment, especially if there’s a functional reason, but cosmetic procedures are often not fully covered.

Long-Term Results and Maintenance

The longevity of your gummy smile treatment depends entirely on the method used.

  • Gum recontouring and crown lengthening: These procedures permanently change your gum line. Once the excess gum tissue or bone is removed, it generally doesn’t grow back.
  • Lip repositioning: The results are usually long-lasting, as the muscle attachment is permanently altered.
  • Orthodontics: Once your teeth are moved into their new position, they should stay there with proper use of retainers as advised by your orthodontist.
  • Orthognathic surgery: The results are permanent.

Regardless of the treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene is always important. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist will help keep your entire smile healthy and looking its best.

Conclusion

A gummy smile is a common concern for many people, but it doesn’t have to hold you back from confidently smiling. With various effective treatment options available, from simple injections to more involved surgical procedures, you can find a right solution. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a permanent change, discussing your concerns with a qualified dental professional is the first step towards achieving the confident smile you’ve always wanted.

Ready to Rediscover Your Confident Smile?

If you’re self-conscious about your gummy smile and want to explore the best treatment options, we’re here to help. Contact Garran Dental today to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team. 

Let’s work together to help you achieve a beautiful, confident smile you’ll love to show off!
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