A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, occurs when a significant portion of the gums are visible when smiling. For many people, this can cause self-consciousness or dissatisfaction with their smile. The good news is there are several treatments available to correct a gummy smile, depending on its cause. Treatment options range from minimally invasive procedures to surgical interventions, all designed to enhance your smile and boost your confidence.
At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we understand the appearance of your smile can have a significant impact on your overall self-esteem. Dr. Nancy Herbst and our skilled team are here to help you find the best solution for your gummy smile. With a thorough evaluation, we can determine the underlying cause of your condition and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Several factors can contribute to the appearance of a gummy smile. One common cause is an overgrowth of gum tissue, which can make the teeth look shorter than they actually are. This overgrowth can be due to genetics or certain medications that stimulate gum growth. Another reason for a gummy smile could be the way your teeth developed. If your teeth did not erupt properly and remain partially covered by gums, it can create the appearance of shorter teeth.
The positioning of your upper jaw can also play a significant role. Some people have what’s known as a “hyperactive upper lip,” meaning the muscles that control the lip movement lift it higher than normal when smiling. Alternatively, a gummy smile may be the result of how your jawbone grew, particularly if there is excessive vertical growth of the upper jaw. Understanding the root cause of the gummy smile is crucial in determining the right course of treatment.
Gum Contouring and Crown Lengthening
Gum contouring, also known as gingivectomy, is a common and minimally invasive procedure for treating a gummy smile caused by excessive gum tissue. During this procedure, the excess gum is carefully removed and reshaped to expose more of your natural teeth. This process results in a more balanced ratio of gums to teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile. Healing time is relatively quick, and patients usually experience only mild discomfort following the procedure.
Crown lengthening is another option, particularly if the teeth are covered by both gum tissue and bone. This surgical procedure removes both gum and bone tissue to expose more of the tooth structure. Crown lengthening is ideal for patients whose gummy smile is due to teeth that have not fully erupted or those needing extra tooth surface for restorative dental work, such as crowns. In both cases, these treatments offer a straightforward way to improve the appearance of your smile and provide long-lasting results.
Lip Repositioning Surgery
For patients whose gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive upper lip, lip repositioning surgery is an excellent solution. This procedure involves reducing the movement of the upper lip so it does not rise as high when you smile, limiting the exposure of the gums. It’s a relatively simple procedure that can be completed in about an hour. Recovery is quick, with most patients returning to their normal activities within a few days.
Lip repositioning surgery offers a less invasive alternative to more complex jaw surgeries, making it a popular choice for patients with mild to moderate gummy smiles. While it does not alter the structure of the gums or teeth, it significantly improves the overall balance of the smile by lowering the position of the upper lip. This treatment is especially effective for those who want to avoid more invasive surgical procedures.
Orthodontics and Jaw Surgery
In some cases, a gummy smile may be the result of jaw misalignment or other structural issues, such as a vertically overgrown upper jaw. For these patients, orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Braces or clear aligners can help realign the teeth and bite, improving the appearance of the smile while correcting any underlying dental issues that may have contributed to the gummy appearance.
For severe cases, orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, may be recommended to adjust the position of the upper jaw. This surgical procedure moves the jaw into a more balanced position, reducing the visibility of the gums when smiling. Jaw surgery is typically reserved for more extreme cases, but it offers a permanent solution to those with significant jaw alignment issues.
Why Choose Union City Oral Surgery Group for Your Gummy Smile Treatment?
At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we are committed to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Nancy Herbst is well-versed in the latest treatments for correcting gummy smiles. Whether you need a simple gum contouring procedure or more extensive treatment like jaw surgery, we provide the highest standard of care in a comfortable and compassionate environment.
Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure the best possible results. If you’re ready to improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence, contact us today. Call us at (201) 601-9262 or fill out our contact form.
