Learning More About Gummy Smiles: Causes, Treatments, and More
Hello, my name is Dr. Harbpinder Shevchenko from Smiles by the Sea Family Dentistry in Hampton, New Hampshire. I'm here to answer some questions regarding gummy smiles.
What is a gummy smile and what causes it?
A gummy smile, as the name suggests, is when someone smiles and instead of seeing the tooth proportion, you see a lot more of the person's gums. This is why it's called a gummy smile. Instead of seeing the teeth, you see more gum tissue.
As for why it happens, it can be hereditary. Some families have a history of gummy smiles that get passed down to children. Another reason could be the way teeth erupt and how the jaw is formed. You might have thicker or longer bone, causing the proportions to be unequal.
Sometimes, it could be due to insufficient upper lip development. Anatomically, our mouth has proportions with the forehead, middle part, and chin. During development, the upper lip might not develop enough.
Another cause could be excessive gum tissue due to heavy inflammation, possibly from gum disease or not seeing a dentist for a long time. This can also lead to a gummy smile.
At what point is a smile considered too gummy?
This is subjective because we all see things differently. From a cosmetic point of view, when someone smiles, we want to see most of their teeth. It's normal to see some gum, but if we see a lot of gum tissue, it might be considered too gummy to some patients.
Does a gummy smile affect dental health or is it just an appearance problem?
This depends on what's causing the gummy smile. If your gums and teeth are healthy, and there are no dental concerns, then it's more of a cosmetic issue. However, if there's inflammation in the gums or gum infection, such as periodontal disease, it needs to be addressed. Make sure your dentist evaluates your teeth and supporting structures.
Our goal is healthy teeth, mouth, and gums. If it's just an aesthetic concern and doesn't affect the person, it's important to ensure there's no health or function concern.
What are the most common treatment options for a gummy smile?
The treatment options depend on the cause of the gummy smile. If it's due to unhealthy gums, treating the gums is crucial. Depending on the severity, there might be non-surgical or surgical options. If your gums are healthy, we can still cosmetically improve the smile.
Options include:
- Reducing gum around the tooth structure for balance or using Botox or fillers to adjust the lip area.
- Increasing tooth length through veneers or crowns.
- Laser treatment can also correct some gummy smiles without surgery.
Can surgery be used to correct the gummy smile?
Yes, surgery can be used to correct a gummy smile depending on its cause. In many cases, surgery is an option based on the severity and amount of gum tissue to be corrected. It's been done successfully for many years.
How effective are the different treatments for gummy smiles?
Treatments for gummy smiles are quite effective. If caused by unhealthy gums, post-treatment maintenance is key. Regular dentist visits and following aftercare instructions are crucial to maintaining healthy gums. If surgery or laser treatment was used, following the dentist's recommendations ensures long-term effectiveness. Just make sure to follow your dentist's instructions to maintain the treatment results.
Is it common for someone's smile to become more gummy as they age?
It depends. Typically, people show more teeth as they age because gums recede. Recession can occur due to a heavy bite, misaligned teeth, or heavy brushing. Unhealthy gums can lead to inflammation, which might make a smile appear gummy.
How do you help patients decide which gummy smile fix is right for them?
Your dentist will help determine the best treatment based on the cause of the gummy smile. They'll discuss available options and explain the positives and negatives of each. The goal is to choose a treatment that maintains the smile in the long run with minimal risk. Trust your dentist's recommendation based on the cause of the problem.
I hope I was able to help with some questions about gummy smiles. If you still have questions, please feel free to call us at (603) 634-9445, or schedule below! Our team is happy to help.