A gummy smile, also known as “excessive gingival display,” is where too much gum tissue is visible above the top teeth when you smile or open your mouth
There are many different causes of a gummy smile, so let’s take a closer look at the more common ones:
Teeth that appear short due to premature eruption and remain partially covered by gum tissue
Teeth that are small in comparison to the gums due to genetics or wear and tear
An overgrowth of the upper jaw, called vertical maxillary excess, makes gums bulge out
A hyperactive upper lip that is normal in length when the face is resting but raises too high when smiling
Gums that are long or enlarged, known as gingival hypertrophy
A short upper lip
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One of the most common gummy smile procedures is a gingivectomy—also known as gum contouring.
During this procedure, the existing gum is separated from the underlying bone of your teeth. The excess gum is trimmed away through the use of a dental laser.
Then, the remaining gum tissue is resituated back onto the tooth at a higher level than it was before.
If the cause of your gummy smile is a hyperactive upper lip or naturally thinner lips, you might find the solution to your gummy smile lies outside of gum surgery.
Botox has been found to be just as effective a solution to certain types of gummy smiles.
Through the careful administration of Botox, your gums won’t be as exposed as they once were, leaving you with just your beautiful toothy grin.
Contact us today to set up a consultation appointment.
Whether your needs are better suited for Botox treatment or gingival surgery,
Discover how wonderful your smile can be with Chase Inspired Dentistry.