A gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, occurs when too much gum tissue is visible above the teeth when you smile. At South Florida Periodontics & Dental Implants, we offer effective treatments to enhance your smile.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can result from several factors, including gum overgrowth, a hyperactive upper lip, or structural issues in the jaw. Each cause requires a tailored treatment plan to address the underlying issue and achieve optimal results.
Common causes of gummy smiles include:
- Overgrowth of Gum Tissue: Excess gum tissue partially covering the teeth
- Hyperactive Upper Lip: Overactive muscles that lift the lip higher than normal when smiling
- Short or Worn Teeth: Teeth that appear smaller due to natural size or wear
- Jaw Misalignment: Structural irregularities in the jaw
Understanding the cause of your gummy smile is the first step toward finding the right solution.
Who Is a Candidate for Gummy Smile Correction?
You may be a good candidate for gummy smile correction if you have gum tissue when smiling, and you’re in good oral health. Patients often seek treatment to improve the aesthetic balance of their smiles, or address functional concerns caused by gum or jaw irregularities.
Ideal candidates should also be free of untreated gum disease or other oral health issues. When you come in for a personalized consultation at our office, we can confirm which type of treatment is best for you.
Procedures for Gummy Smile Correction
Treatment options for a gummy smile range from minimally invasive procedures to more advanced surgical approaches:
CROWN LENGTHENING
Crown lengthening involves removing excess gum tissue and reshaping the gum line to expose more of the natural tooth. This procedure is ideal for individuals with short teeth or excessive gum coverage, enhancing the look of your smile.
LIP REPOSITIONING SURGERY
Lip repositioning is a minimally invasive procedure that adjusts the position of the upper lip to limit gum exposure when smiling. By reducing the upward movement of the lip, this treatment offers immediate aesthetic improvement with minimal recovery time.
BOTOX INJECTIONS
For patients with a hyperactive upper lip, Botox injections can temporarily relax the muscles responsible for excessive elevation. This non-surgical approach is ideal for mild cases and provides a quick solution with no downtime.
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
When jaw alignment issues are the cause of a gummy smile, orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners may be used. In some cases, orthodontics is combined with surgical treatments.
What to Expect During the Treatment Process
The first step toward a healthier smile begins with a consultation. Your doctor will evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw using advanced imaging techniques to pinpoint the cause of the issue. From there, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to address your unique needs.
Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia or sedation to ensure your comfort. Recovery timelines vary based on the treatment, but your provider will guide you through post-procedure care to promote proper healing.
Benefits of Gummy Smile Correction
Treating a gummy smile offers more than just aesthetic improvements. Patients often experience:
- A confidence boost
- Enhanced functionality
- Better oral health
Why Choose Us for Gummy Smile Correction?
At South Florida Periodontics & Dental Implants, we combine expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care to deliver exceptional patient results.
Our team specializes in minimally invasive techniques that are designed to enhance your smile and restore your confidence. We tailor every treatment to meet your individual goals.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Don’t let a gummy smile keep you from feeling your best. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a confident smile.
