Understanding Your Gummy Smile and How Your Dentist Can Help
Ever feel like your smile shows too much? You are not alone.
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is when too much of your gums show when you smile, making your teeth look smaller. A smile is generally considered “too gummy” if more than 2 mm of gum tissue shows when you smile. Anything over that, especially if it makes you feel self-conscious, can often be improved.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can happen for a few different reasons, including:
- How your teeth erupted
- The way your upper lip moves when you smile
- How much gum tissue you naturally have
A gummy smile usually does not affect your dental health and is more of a cosmetic concern. However, if it is caused by gum disease, it is important to address that first before cosmetic treatment.
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.
Treatment Options for a Gummy Smile
The most common treatments for a gummy smile include:
- Botox
- Gum contouring
- Surgical procedures
In certain cases, we will decide what is best for you based on what is causing your gummy smile and what your goals are.
Botox for Gummy Smiles
Botox works by relaxing the muscles around your upper lip so it doesn’t pull up as much when you smile. This helps reduce the amount of gum that shows.
The results from Botox typically last 3 to 6 months, so you will eventually need touch-ups to keep your smile looking just the way you like it.
Surgery and Gum Contouring
Yes, surgery can be used to correct a gummy smile. It is a more permanent option and may involve:
- Adjusting the gum line (gum contouring)
- In some cases, adjusting the jawbone if needed
How effective a treatment is depends on the cause of the gummy smile. Botox is quick and easy but temporary, while surgery is more permanent and will require more time for recovery.
Risks and Considerations
As with any treatment, there are some risks:
- Botox: There is a small chance of temporary asymmetry or bruising.
- Surgery: Longer recovery time, but the results last much longer.
Does a Gummy Smile Change With Age?
It is common for smiles to become a bit more gummy with age, especially as the upper lip naturally changes position or the gum tissue changes over time.
Temporary treatments like Botox can give quick results but need to be repeated every few months. Permanent solutions like surgery can fix the issue long-term with a one-time procedure.
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
Before treatment, many patients feel self-conscious about their smile. After treatment, most people are excited to see how much more balanced and confident their smile looks.
I help patients decide which gummy smile treatment is right for them by considering:
- How much gum shows when they smile
- What is causing the gummy smile
- Their personal goals and expectations
We will work together to find the best solution for you.
My Special Tip
If you are not sure about committing to something permanent like surgery, I strongly suggest trying Botox first as a “trial run.” See if you like the way your smile looks with this change. If you love the result, you may eventually decide to move forward with a more permanent option like surgery.
Ready to Feel Confident About Your Smile?
If a gummy smile has been holding you back, don’t wait. Let’s find the perfect solution for you.
Want to learn more? Call Complete Dental Works at (551) 377-3646 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.