What Are the Treatment Options for a Gummy Smile?
Every day, we meet, greet, and comfort one another with smiles and laughter, but what about those of us who feel self-conscious about their smile? There are many reasons why someone may feel insecure about their smile, and a gummy smile is one of them.
A gummy smile, sometimes referred to as Excessive Gingival Display (EGD), is when excess gum tissue is visible when you smile. Although not a medical issue, it can make individuals feel insecure, shy, or even embarrassed.
One effective approach to addressing a gummy smile is a targeted treatment that helps relax the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip too much. This can reduce the appearance of excess gum tissue and create a more balanced, natural-looking smile.
A qualified practitioner can perform this treatment in a quick, non-invasive way, typically with minimal downtime. It’s a simple option that can help enhance confidence and achieve a more harmonious smile.
What Is Considered a Gummy Smile?
On average, 3-4 millimetres of exposed gumline when smiling is regarded as disproportionate. However, determining a gummy smile often comes down to personal perception and aesthetics.
This can be affected by a few natural factors including:
- The shape and height of your teeth
- The angle of your jaw
- The way your lips move
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
There is no singular cause of a gummy smile; yet natural factors such as the growth of your teeth, the size of your lips and even genetics can play a part in highlighting the excess gum.
What Gummy Smile Treatments are Available?
If you’re unhappy with your smile, there are a range of treatment options available, both non-surgical and surgical. Some of the most commonly chosen non-surgical options are designed to help create a more balanced and natural-looking smile.
One approach works by targeting the muscles that control upper lip movement, helping to reduce excessive lifting when you smile. This can help limit how much gum is visible and improve overall facial balance.
These types of treatments are typically quick, involve minimal downtime, and can be tailored to suit your natural facial features. Results usually develop over the following days and can last for several months, depending on the approach used.
A consultation with a qualified practitioner will help determine the most suitable option for your individual needs.
Dermal Fillers for Gummy Smile
Another non-surgical option is dermal fillers. This treatment plumps your upper lip to reduce the amount of gum shown. Much like Botox, this procedure is non-invasive and can be entirely modified to suit your face structure and personal needs.
If you are looking for a more permanent fix, you may want to consider surgical treatments such as:
Orthodontics
If your gummy smile is caused by an orthodontic issue, this can be fixed using orthodontic appliances. This option is usually recommended to patients experiencing other, additional issues with their teeth.
Considering the condition of your teeth, a dentist may recommend veneers or dental crowns; or you may be offered treatments such as gum contouring, which involves removing extra gum tissue.
Jaw Surgery
The most invasive of the options is to undergo jaw surgery. This procedure involves balancing the length of your upper and lower jaw.
Due to the scale of the surgery, you would be required to remain in hospital following the procedure and must wear a brace to hold the jaw in position as it heals.
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