Gummy smile..........................

 

A "gummy smile," or excess gingival display, is a condition where too much pink tissue can be seen when a person speaks or smiles. Approximately 7% of men and 14% of women have excess gingival display in full smile. A gummy smile is usually associated with an enlarged upper jaw, a short upper lip, short upper front teeth, or a forward position of the front teeth. This condition may also result from disproportionate lip length or tooth height.

A gummy smile can be corrected by orthodontic treatment, periodontal surgery, jaw surgery, or a combination of these procedures. In general, active treatment time with orthodontic appliances ranges from 1 to 3 years. The actual time depends on the growth of the patient's mouth and face, the cooperation of the patient, and the severity of the problem. Custom-made appliances are designed by the orthodontist according to the problem being treated. They may be removable or fixed (cemented and/or bonded to the teeth), and made of metal, ceramic or plastic. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces can slowly move teeth through their supporting bone to a new desirable position.

The actual cost of treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of the patient's problem and the treatment approach selected. You will be able to thoroughly discuss fees and payment options prior to beginning treatment. Most orthodontists offer convenient payment plans to patients. Generally, treatment fees may be paid over the course of active treatment. Arrangements commonly offered in orthodontic offices may include an initial down payment with monthly installments, credit card payment, finance company agreements, and other innovative ways to make treatment affordable.

 

 

Periodontal Gingiva Reshaping

 

The adjacent preoperative treatment photo represents the extent to which our patient's gum tissues had grown over the course of his treatment.

Crown Lengthening and tissue recontouring procedures were performed on a tooth by tooth basis.

IV sedation was used to assure absolute comfort during treatment, along with Valium and Versed. The medications were very successful in creating an almost ideal treatment environment for the sensitive patient.

The adjacent picture shows the natural appearance of normally sized tooth structure relationships on both the upper and lower arches.

The crown lengthening, gingival reshaping and recontouring treatments were performed shortly before orthodontic treatment ended to assure a great looking cosmetic result after the braces are removed.

Performing this procedure too early, for some patients, can result in the overgrowth condition to occur again.

 

Gum Contouring with Dental Lasers to fix Gummy Smiles

Some people possess teeth that simply look too “short” for their gums, creating what is commonly called a “gummy” smile. Gum contouring can fix that problem by removing extra gum tissue to expose more of the crown of the tooth.

Using a diode laser, your dentist can accurately sculpt your gum line, crafting the right fraction between gum tissue and tooth surface. First, your dentist applies a local anesthetic to the gums and removes the extra gum tissue. Then, your dentist will use the laser to reshape the edges of your gums that form a smile. The laser vaporizes and closes the excess gum tissue, avoiding cutting and bleeding.

Gum contouring generates a more balanced smile with an even gum line. When your gums are well-contoured, they look healthy, giving you a more attractive smile.

Gum contouring with the diode laser usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes if only a small quantity of tissue needs to be removed. For larger quantities, then gum surgery called crown lengthening is required and is accomplished in one to two hours. This surgery involves a four to six week healing period.

Once your dentist reshapes your gum line, you can also receive porcelain veneers to further improve your appearance.

If your dentist trims too much gum tissue, the mouth may fail to heal properly, leading to swelling and more treatment.

Gum contouring ranges in cost depending on the complexity of the case.

 

Gummy Smiles - Visit with your cosmetic dentist today

Most people with gummy smiles feel embarrassed in social situations as they stress over who’s focusing on their large gum line.
Cosmetic dentists have made things easier. You can achieve your desired smile in a couple simple visits. Treating a gummy smile does not mean extensive surgery and lots of pain. In fact, it’s one of the easiest dental flaws to treat.
When you’re ready to make-over your smile, schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist to discuss your dream smile and your concerns.
Most cosmetic dentists state that when you smile, your upper lip should fall where your gum and two front teeth join.
To get a healthy, attractive smile, techniques such as lip repositioning and crown lengthening are used.

Cosmetic Dental Techniques to Treat a Gummy Smile

Repositioning your lips

As one of the techniques used to treat a gummy smile, lip repositioning is most often used with crown lengthening but can also be used on its own.
To treat, your cosmetic dentist takes out some of the tissue on the inside of your upper lip. After removal, your cosmetic dentist stitches the lip to your gums. Stitching prohibits the muscles that lift your lip from revealing an excessively large gum line.
Lip repositioning is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Pros and Cons of Lip Repositioning

Pros

- Fast
- Easy
- Visible results

Cons

- Usually has to be done with crown lengthening
- Your cosmetic dentist can only remove a small amount of your lip

 

Crown Lengthening

As one of the procedure in treating a gummy smile, crown lengthening consists of gum tissue removal. While you’re under anesthesia, your cosmetic dentist eliminates some of the gum tissue. This removal lengthens your teeth.
Usually done in just one visit, crown lengthening only requires about two hours to complete.
With advanced technologies and higher training, treating gummy smiles has never been easier. Consult your cosmetic dentist and discuss your treatment options.

Pros and Cons of Crown Lengthening

Pros

- Quick
- Easy
- Inexpensive

Cons

- If the procedure shows the root of your tooth, you may have to get veneers.