A gummy smile is an orthodontic condition in which the gums are shown too prominently when a person smiles. It can be a sign of an underlying condition, or simply an aesthetic concern. Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize a ‘gummy’ smile, and prevent any long-term damage to the teeth and gums. Dentists specialize in helping patients manage their gummy smiles and can recommend treatments like orthodontic braces, laser gum reshaping, crown lengthening, and Botox injections. Each treatment has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the options before making a decision. With the help of a qualified dental professional, you can find the best solution to minimise a ‘gingival’ smile and get the smile you deserve.
Definition of Gummy Smile
A “gummy” smile is a mild condition in which the gums around the teeth show too prominently when a person smiles. It is sometimes called a “showing gum line” or a “gingival smile” (the latter term is a play on the word “gum”). A “gummy” smile is not a disease or a dental problem, and simply refers to the amount of gum tissue that is visible when a person smiles. While some amount of gum tissue is normal, people with a “gummy” smile have more gums showing when they smile than most people do. It is a cosmetic condition that is typically corrected with orthodontic braces, lasers, or other minor treatments.
Common Causes of Gummy Smile
Improper bite alignment
If your upper teeth are too far behind your lower teeth, they may appear “gummy” when you smile. So the teeth don’t meet the way they’re supposed to, and the gums show at the front. Bad bite alignment can be caused by misaligned or missing teeth, or an incorrect bite pattern that was inherited. Because the teeth are out of alignment, it may be hard to clean all of the teeth properly. This can lead to early tooth decay and gum disease.
Underbite: An underbite refers to when the lower jaw is too far in front of the upper jaw.
Dental crowding: A crowded mouth refers to when the teeth are too close together, causing them to overlap.
Overgrown teeth: Teeth that have grown too long can cause them to overlap one another and the gums.
Malocclusion: This refers to improper alignment of the teeth, often caused by a problem in the jaw such as an underbite or overbite.
Orthodontic Braces
Orthodontic braces are one of the most popular treatments for correcting a “gummy” smile. The most common type of braces are an
Invisible: Invisible brace that uses clear brackets and wires that are barely visible in the mouth.
Gummy smile: A gummy smile can be corrected with braces by repositioning the teeth, thus reducing the amount of visible gum tissue. Correcting bite alignment and crowding are two other possible reasons for wearing braces.
Braces: Braces are typically worn for about two years, but may take longer depending on the severity of the condition.
Laser gum: Laser gum reshaping is a relatively new treatment that is sometimes used in conjunction with braces. A laser is placed against the gum tissue, which is heated and destroyed, causing a reduction in the amount of gum tissue. Gum reshaping may cause some discomfort, and is more likely to cause short-term side effects such as pain and swelling, while braces produce no long-term side effects.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a treatment that is sometimes used with braces to correct a “gummy” smile. A dental technician is employed to grind down the visible portion of the upper teeth, thus reducing the amount of visible gum tissue. This can be a costly option, and due to high costs it is not as widely used for correction of a “gummy” smile. Crown lengthening also has a relatively high risk of gum damage and infection.
Botox Injections
Botox injections are sometimes used to treat a “gummy” smile. It is a commonly used drug that is injected into the gums to paralyze the muscles that cause the gums to show. Although Botox is relatively safe, it is an irreversible treatment that cannot be undone.
Benefits and Risks of the above Treatment
Orthodontic Braces
Benefits: Braces are one of the most effective treatments for correcting a “gummy” smile. They have been used for decades and have a high success rate. They also have few short-term side effects, which is important to keep in mind when considering other treatments like laser gum reshaping. Braces are also extremely cost-effective, even compared to other treatments. And the long term effects are excellent, with most people enjoying a “gummy” smile-free smile for life.
Risks: While braces are extremely effective for correcting a “gummy” smile, there are some drawbacks. They must be worn for two years or longer, and are visible to everyone around you. They can also cause some discomfort, and are likely to interfere with certain activities.
Laser Gum reshaping
Benefits: Laser gum reshaping is an efficient and convenient treatment for correcting a “gummy” smile. It is also cost-effective, and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Laser gum reshaping is one of the mildest treatments for correcting a “gummy” smile, and generally causes little to no downtime.
Risks: While laser gum reshaping is one of the mildest and most effective treatments for correcting a “gummy” smile, it does come with some risks and side effects. They are as follows: May cause some discomfort in the days following the procedure. May cause slight gum bleeding and swelling. There is a small risk of infection.
Crown Lengthening
Benefits – Crown lengthening is a treatment that is generally used with braces, but can be used alone as well. It is one of the most affordable and cost-effective treatments for correcting a “gummy” smile. Crown lengthening is a non-invasive treatment that generally causes very few side effects.
Risks – Crown lengthening is one of the most effective treatments for correcting a “gummy” smile, but it does come with a few side effects and risks. They are as follows: May cause some discomfort in the days following the procedure. May cause slight gum bleeding and swelling. There is a small risk of infection.
Botox injections
Benefits – Botox injections are a non-invasive, easy-to-do procedure that is generally very effective in correcting a “gummy” smile. They are generally very cost-effective, and are a great option for patients who want a quick and easy treatment.
Risks- While Botox injections are generally safe and effective, they do come with a few side effects. They are as follows: May cause some discomfort in the days following the procedure. May cause slight gum bleeding and swelling. There is a small risk of infection.
Finding the Right Solution
Choosing a treatment for correcting a “gummy” smile is a big decision. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment, and decide which one is right for you. If you select orthodontic braces, you will have to wear them for at least two years, so it is important to keep that in mind. Laser gum reshaping is probably the most efficient treatment, but is also the most expensive. Crown lengthening is also very efficient, but is also the most expensive. And finally, Botox injections are the most affordable option, but are also the least efficient. It is important to keep all of this in mind when choosing a treatment for correcting a “gummy” smile.
Here find your solution that is ROYAL DENTAL CLINICS, then make an appointment with our expert Dentist at Royal Dental Clinics. We have highly experienced dentists who treat your dental issues and provide perfect smiles that last forever.
Conclusion
A ‘gummy’ smile is an orthodontic condition that can be corrected with braces, laser gum reshaping, crown lengthening, or Botox injections. It can be caused by genetics, teeth misalignment, or excessive gum growth. The best ways to minimize a ‘gummy’ smile are through orthodontic braces, laser gum reshaping, or Botox injections. It’s important to understand the risks and benefits of each treatment before deciding on a solution. With the help of a qualified dental professional, you can find the best solution to minimize a ‘gummy’ smile and get the smile you deserve.
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