How Can I Fix a Gummy Smile?

general dentistry

Do you notice when you smile you see gum tissue more than your teeth? This is known as a gummy smile, and many patients are bothered by how their smile looks. There are treatment options to correct a gummy smile, and we are here to help you find a treatment that works best.

What Can Cause a Gummy Smile?

  • Your Bite

Your bite can be genetic and your top jaw may not align properly with your bottom jaw. If your bite causes the upper jaw to protrude this can cause a gummy look.

  • Hyperactive Upper Lip

If your lip raises up too high gum tissue may be exposed, and this results in a gummy smile.

  • Excess Gum Tissue

The most common cause of a gummy smile is having too much gum tissue. In many cases gum tissue can over grow when permanent teeth erupt in the mouth.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Crown Lengthening

Crown Lengthening helps to reshape the gum tissue around the tooth and correct a gummy smile. This procedure exposes more of the patient’s natural tooth and make the teeth look longer.

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring can help change the shape of your gum, and this can be done if you have excess gum tissue. This procedure also helps if the gum line is uneven. Gum contouring removes the excess gum tissue and exposes more of your teeth. This helps to give patients a beautiful even looking smile.

Scaling and Root Planing

If a gummy smile is caused by inflamed gums a deep cleaning treatment may be recommended. Scaling and root planing reach down deep into the gum pockets to remove bacteria. This can help the gummy appearance subside.

Lip Lowering

This procedure involves removing a section of gum tissue to reveal a shorter looking lip. This keeps the upper lip from rising too high and exposing your gum tissue.

Orthodontics

If you have an issue with your bite orthodontics may help correct your gummy smile. Orthodontic treatment can help adjust your bite to avoid gum tissue showing when you smile.

Looking To Take the Next Step to a Beautiful Smile?

If you are looking to correct your smile we encourage you take the first step and schedule a consultation in our office. This will give our team the opportunity to evaluate your concerns, and discuss possible treatment options that work for you. We want you to be proud of your smile, and we are here to help you get the smile you have always wanted.

If you are interested in scheduling a cosmetic consultation, contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.

Is a Smile Makeover Really Beneficial?

smile makeover

You might wonder if a smile makeover is beneficial, and our dentists will tell you that a full-mouth restoration can help you in a variety of ways. Consider these great benefits from our smile makeover procedures.

Benefit 1: Repairing Dental Health Issues

When you have diseased or damaged teeth, it is difficult to chew food, and the inflammation in the teeth can spread to the gums. Fixing dental health issues is the first step involved in a smile makeover. Our dentist will collect X-rays and examine your teeth or gums to find problems that require treatment, including filling cavities, performing root canals or cleaning your teeth. Some of these procedures are performed right away while other treatments will require multiple visits to our dental office.

Benefit 2: Replacing One or More Missing Teeth

If you have missing teeth, then it can lead to an unattractive smile along with making it impossible to eat certain types of foods. Today, our dentists can replace missing teeth in a variety of ways, such as making a customized dental bridge or ordering dentures for your mouth. You can also undergo dental implant surgery to have a metal post inserted into your gum tissue and alveolar bones so that a beautiful crown is placed on the device to create a strong bite and a gorgeous smile.

Benefit 3: Gum Surgeries

It is possible to have gum health issues that include gingivitis or receding tissues. Our dentists can eliminate the infections from gum disease with additional deep-cleaning processes, and we are also able to perform gum surgeries to repair the receding gum tissue that is exposing the roots of your teeth to food debris and bacteria.

Benefit 4: Better Nutrition

When your teeth and gums hurt, you may avoid eating nutritious foods that include fruits and vegetables along with meats, such as beef and poultry. This can lead to eating soft junk foods that offer fewer minerals and vitamins. After your teeth are repaired and your gums are healthier, you can chew harder foods without experiencing any discomfort in your gums or teeth.

Benefit 5: Improvements in Your Self-confidence

If you have bleeding gums or lack self-confidence, then you may avoid smiling or talking. This can lead to having poor self-confidence at work or at school. However by calling our office assistants, you can schedule a dental examination to learn more about a smile makeover.

Looking for a Smile Makeover Near You?

If you are looking to improve the appearance of your smile, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team! Our dental office is always looking for new patients and is happy to take walk-ins. Reach out to our dentist by calling our team today! We look forward to improving your smile!