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Gummy Smile Correction: Causes And Treatment

Date: 16-Sep-2024

A gummy smile happens when too much of your gums show when you smile.




Gummy Smile Correction: Causes And Treatment

A gummy smile happens when too much of your gums show when you smile. Normally, most of your upper teeth should be visible, and your gums should be mostly covered by your upper lip. If more of your gums (around 2-3 mm or more) are visible when you smile, it can make the smile look less balanced or attractive.

Causes a Gummy Smile

  • Tooth Shape and Size: Your teeth may look short because they haven’t fully erupted or are naturally small compared to your gums.

  • Short Upper Lip: If your upper lip is short or lifts too high when you smile, it can expose more of your gums.

  • Gum Hypertrophy: Enlarged gums can occur due to hormonal changes, medications, or certain medical conditions.

  • Vertical Maxillary Excess: This happens when the upper jaw grows too much, causing the gums to bulge and show more when you smile.

  • Mouth Breathing: Breathing through the mouth can cause inflamed gums, making them more noticeable when you smile.

  • Medications: Some medications, such as those for epilepsy or high blood pressure, can cause gum enlargement, leading to a gummy smile.


How Do You Fix a Gummy Smile?

The treatment for a gummy smile depends on its cause. Here are some common treatments:

  1. Gum Surgery/Crown Lengthening: This procedure reshapes the gums, making your teeth appear longer and more proportional. At Cosmodontist Dental Clinic, we use lasers for gum contouring, which is precise, painless, and bloodless. The results are long-lasting and help prevent gum infections.

  2. Lip Lowering/Lip Lengthening: This procedure repositions your upper lip so that it covers more of your gums when you smile. It’s done under local anesthesia and is safe, but results may slightly reverse over time.

  3. Botox Injections: Botox can relax the muscles that lift your upper lip, reducing gum visibility. The procedure is quick, but the effects are temporary, lasting around 4-6 months.

  4. Braces/Orthodontic Treatment: If your teeth are positioned too far forward, braces or Invisalign can move them back, improving your smile by reducing gum exposure.

  5. Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery): For severe cases where the upper jaw has grown excessively, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of your teeth and gums.

  6. Treating Underlying Causes: If gum enlargement is due to hormonal changes, medications, or other conditions, addressing the root cause will help correct the gummy smile.

If you want to know more about the Dental Crown Treatment Procedure and its costs, visit Cosmodontist Dental Clinic. We are conveniently located at 301-D, Third Floor, Supermart 2, DLF Phase-4, Gurugram. For further information or to schedule an appointment, you can also contact us directly through the details provided.


What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is when you see more of your gums than you'd like when you smile. It's also called excessive gum display. It can happen due to how your teeth grow, or if your upper lip is shorter or lifts too high when you smile.

What causes a gummy smile?

A gummy smile can be caused by factors like an upper jaw that is larger than normal, a short or hyperactive upper lip, or teeth that haven't fully erupted.

Is gummy smile correction painful?

Many gummy smile treatments, like gum contouring or Botox, are minimally invasive and done under local anesthesia, making them relatively painless.

Is gummy smile treatment expensive?

The cost of treatment varies based on the procedure. Gum contouring, for example, is generally more affordable, while orthodontic treatments or jaw surgery may cost more.

Can braces fix a gummy smile?

Yes, if the cause of the gummy smile is related to how the teeth are positioned, orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign can help reposition the teeth and reduce gum exposure.

Can a Gummy Smile Be Corrected?

Yes, a gummy smile can be corrected through various treatments. One common option is a gingivectomy or crown lengthening procedure. This treatment removes excess gum tissue, exposing more of the natural tooth, making your smile look more balanced. There are also other options like Botox, orthodontic treatment (braces), or even lip repositioning, depending on the cause of the gummy smile. Your dentist can recommend the best option based on your specific needs.

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