Ever feel like your smile shows too much? You are not alone. I'm Dr. Isela Cantuarias, and today we will be talking about gummy smiles. What are they? What causes them? And how can we fix them? Let's get into it.
What is a gummy smile?
A gummy smile is when too much of your gums show when you smile, making your teeth look smaller. It can happen for a few reasons, like the way your teeth erupted, how your lip moves, or even how much gum tissue you have. A smile is considered too gummy if more than 2 mm of your gum shows when you smile. Anything over that, especially if it makes you self-conscious, could be fixed.
Does a gummy smile affect dental health?
A gummy smile doesn't usually affect your dental health. It's more a cosmetic concern, but if it is caused by gum disease, it is important to get that checked first.
What are the treatments for a gummy smile?
The most common treatments for a gummy smile include Botox, gum contouring, or even surgery. In certain cases, we will decide what is best for you based on what is causing it. For instance, Botox works by relaxing the muscles around your upper lip so it doesn't pull too much when you smile. This can help reduce the amount of gum showing. The results from Botox typically last from 3 to 6 months. Eventually, you will need touch-ups to keep your smile looking just right.
Can surgery correct a gummy smile?
Yes, surgery can be used to correct a gummy smile, but it is more permanent and involves adjusting the gum line or even the jawbone if needed. How effective is a treatment? It depends on the cause of the gummy smile. Botox is quick and easy but temporary, while surgery is more permanent but will require more time for recovery. As with any treatment, there are risks. For Botox, there is a small chance of temporary asymmetry or bruising. Surgery has a longer recovery, but the results will last much longer.
Does age affect a gummy smile?
It is common for smiles to become a bit more gummy with age, especially as the upper lip naturally rises or the gum tissue changes. Temporary treatments like Botox give quick results, but they need to be redone every few months. Permanent solutions like surgery fix the issue long-term with a one-time procedure.
How do patients feel before and after treatment?
Before treatment, patients often feel self-conscious about their smile. After treatment, most people are excited to see how more balanced and confident their smile looks.
How to decide on the right treatment?
I help patients to decide which gummy smile fix is right for them by considering how much gum shows, what is causing it, and what their goals are. We will work together to find the best solution.
If a gummy smile has been holding you back, don't wait. Let's find out the perfect solution for you. I'm Dr. Cantuarias, and I'm here to help you get your smile confident.