Although not considered a medical condition requiring
treatment, gummy smile is a cosmetic issue with psychological implications for
the patient. This condition occurs when
an individual has an excess amount of gum tissue, causing their teeth to appear
unusually short because they are eclipsed by large, red gums. Because the smile does not appear “normal,”
the patient may become extremely self-conscious and even embarrassed by their
appearance.
Your best options for treatment of gummy smile can be found
at a visit to a periodontist.
This gum expert has the ability to evaluate the severity of your condition and
determine the optimum course of treatment to correct it.
Crown Lengthening: In
a crown-lengthening procedure, the periodontist will perform
plastic surgery to reshape excess gum and bone tissue. The gums are peeled back
and a small amount of bone surrounding the teeth is removed. The bone is shaped
to follow its natural outline and then stitches are used to put the gums back
in place. It takes about four to six weeks for the gums to heal from this step.
Once the gums are healed, the patient will return to the office to have the
lengthening crowns fitted and will be ready to show off their beautiful new
smile.
Laser Sculpting:
Laser sculpting offers a less invasive, one-day treatment for gummy
smile. As the name implies, a laser is used to gently cut away and cauterize
the excess gum tissue, revealing more of the surface of the teeth. Unlike crown
lengthening, this relatively painless procedure requires little to no recovery
time.
If your gummy smile is actually a result of having very thin
lips rather than excess gum tissue, your periodontist has treatment options
available for that too. You may achieve the smile you are seeking through the
use of Botox injections to add plumpness to the upper lip, or you may be a
candidate for lip lift reduction surgery—a procedure that attaches the inside
of the upper lip to a point on the gums that is closer to their upper teeth.
Your great smile is waiting to come out, schedule an
appointment with your periodontist today!
