a gummy smile
refers to a smile where a significant amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth, often when smiling. This is also known as excessive gingival display. While not a medical issue, many find it aesthetically unappealing, and it can lead to self-consciousness about smiling. Fortunately, various treatments are available to correct a gummy smile.
Causes of Gummy Smiles:
A gummy smile can arise from several factors, often in combination:
Excessive gum tissue:
The gums may be proportionally larger than the teeth, covering more of the tooth surface.
Short upper lip:
A short upper lip may rise too high when smiling, exposing more gum.
Abnormal tooth eruption or jaw development:
In some cases, issues with how the teeth and jaw develop can lead to a gummy smile.
Muscle overactivity:
The muscles that elevate the upper lip may be overactive, pulling the lip too high when smiling.
Skeletal issues:
Conditions like skeletal canting (uneven jaw alignment) can contribute to a gummy smile.
Treatments for Gummy Smiles:
Several treatment options exist, depending on the cause:
Lip Repositioning:
A surgical procedure to reposition the upper lip, reducing the amount of gum shown.
Gingivectomy/Crown Lengthening:
Surgical removal of excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface. This can be done with a scalpel or a laser.
Botox Injections:
Botox can relax the muscles that elevate the upper lip, reducing gum exposure.
Fillers:Injections of dermal fillers can add volume to the lips and change the way they drape over the teeth, potentially reducing the appearance of a gummy smile