A perfect smile means not just straight, white teeth, but also a proper ratio between the teeth and the visible gums. A “gummy smile” shows more gum than is considered attractive. If your gummy smile bothers you, gum treatment can restore a more aesthetically pleasing ratio between teeth and gums to your smile.
Causes of a Gummy Smile
A gummy smile doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with your teeth or gums. The ratio between the gums and the teeth is a cosmetic issue, and isn’t a problem unless you feel self-conscious about it. However, it can occur because the teeth did not emerge properly from the gums, a condition called delayed passive eruption. It can also happen if your upper lip draws back farther than normal when you smile.
Your smile can also look gummy if your teeth are proportionally small or have been severely worn down. Regardless of the reason why your smile doesn’t look the way you want it to, gum treatment from a periodontist can help by modifying your gum-line.
Treatment for a Gummy Smile
Treatment for a gummy smile can involve gum treatment, treatment to make the teeth look longer, or a combination of the two. A periodontist can use gum contouring to change the gum-line, removing small amounts of tissue so more of the tooth is visible. Crown lengthening is another technique, often used when teeth did not emerge properly and gum tissue is left protruding too far down the front tooth surfaces. Gum tissue is removed to expose the tooth, then the teeth are fitted with cosmetic veneers.
If your teeth are naturally small, veneers can help make them look larger so your gum tissue looks proportionally smaller, giving your smile a more balanced look. If your upper lip naturally draws back too far, a minor surgical technique can reposition the lip so it covers more of your upper gums. Your periodontist will evaluate your teeth and gums to determine the most effective treatment.
Contact the office of Brad Crump today to schedule a consultation!
