Do you have a gummy smile? This common aesthetic dental concern can be treated with often safe and effective treatment: a ‘Gum-lift”. In this article, we will take you through how to fix a gummy smile, gummy smile before and after images and key treatment information
What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile, technically called excessive gingival display, is an excess of gum tissue seen above the top teeth. This can cause a large portion of gum tissue to be visible while smiling.
While typically a gummy smile is not a health concern, it can impact the aesthetics of your mouth and smile. If your gummy smile is a concern to you, we recommend booking a Cosmetic Consultation with our expert Cosmetic Dentists to discuss your concerns and treatment options.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics, muscle activity and poor dental hygiene.
Genetics
Most commonly, gummy smiles are caused by genetic factors and may run in the family. If your mouth is formed with a large jaw, small teeth or a small upper lip, this can cause the appearance of a gummy smile. In some cases, during the eruption of adult teeth, gum tissue can overgrow and cover too much of the teeth, resulting in a gummy smile.
Overactive muscles
Sometimes, a gummy smile can be caused by overactive muscles attached to your lips. Treatments for this cause of a gummy smile include gummy smile botox injections. Here at Brisbane Smiles, a qualified medical practitioner can perform this treatment for you.
Poor Dental Hygiene
If you are neglecting your oral health, plaque can build up under the gums. This can cause infection and inflamed or enlarged gums.
While typically a gummy smile is not a health concern, it can impact the aesthetics of your smile. If your gummy smile is a concern to you, we recommend booking a Cosmetic Consultation with our expert Cosmetic Dentists to discuss your concerns and treatment options.
Can You Correct a Gummy Smile?
Luckily, gummy smiles can be treated by experienced Cosmetic Dentists. The best treatment option will depend on the cause of your gummy smile. A common gummy smiles treatment is a Gum Lift using technology such as lasers or electro-cauterising units or surgically. In most cases, a Gum Lift heals painlessly within just a few days and provides instant results.
How to Fix a Gummy Smile
In many cases, the best gummy smile treatment is a Gum Lift performed by an experienced Cosmetic Dentist. In other cases, a gummy smile reduction may involve a combination of a Gum Lift and Porcelain Veneers. The Porcelain Veneers will cover the exposed part of the root where the Gum Lift has taken place.
In gummy smiles with greater than 4mm of extra gum display, orthodontic and jaw surgery may be the best option. These patients will typically have an overdeveloped upper jaw, requiring a more major procedure than a Gum Lift.
Gum Lift Treatment for Gummy Smiles
A Laser Gum Lift is often the best and most simple procedure for a gummy smile. At Brisbane Smiles, our state-of-the-art laser gum lifts service can treat your gummy smile.
How a Gum Lift Works
A Gum Lift works by reshaping the natural gum line. This removes excess tissue so the dental tooth structure previously hidden is now in plain view. The technology seals the tissue as it works, promoting comfort and fast healing. After your Gum Lift, there will be fewer gum-line displayed in the smile.
Are Gum Lifts Painful?
Gum Lifts are often a safe and painless treatment. Gum Lift procedures are performed using Local Anaesthetic for a painless experience. Following the Local Anaesthetic, the procedure involves a Laser or Electro-surgical unit, along with a piezo-sonic instrument and recovery is often quick.
Gum Lift Results
Gum Lift areas should heal to look and feel completely normal. You should experience stable gum lines within a 1-2 week period.
Gummy Smile Before and After
See how our Gum Lift Treatment can transform smiles. Our Gummy Smile Before and After Gallery shows how treatment can treat the aesthetics of gummy smiles.
