If your teeth show more than half our your gum when you smile, then you have what is known as a gummy smile. While this isn't always a serious dental issue, it can cause some people to feel self conscious of their smile. In this blog we will discuss the causes of gummy smile and the treatments that are available.
Causes of a Gummy Smile
There are a few different causes of gummy smile. This issue can be caused by issues with your teeth, lips, gums, jaw, or a combination of these. Before considering treatments, it's important to find out what's causing the problem.
Teeth
The shape of your teeth can play a role in how much gum is visible when you smile. For example if you have short teeth, your gums will appear larger. If the upper teeth erupt too far past the lower teeth, this can also elongate the gum tissue. This can be caused by genetics or thumb-sucking habits during childhood.
Lips
The size of your lips can show how much gum shows when you smile. The muscles that control the lips are also responsible for the smile line. If you have overactive muscles, your lips will curl back too far, revealing more gum tissue.
Jaw
One of the most common causes of a gummy smile is when the upper jaw protrudes too far. This is also called a bad bite and can be due to genetics, trauma or certain medical conditions.
There are a few causes of Gummy Smile
Treatments for Gummy Smile
The treatment for a gummy smile will depend on the underlying cause. It's best to book a consultation with a dentist to determine the best treatment for you.
Laser Gum Lift
To address excess gum tissue, we use a laser and perform what is called gingivoplasty, or a laser gum lift. Reasons people may want this include:
- Their gums haven’t receded properly.
- They have an asymmetrical lifting of their gums.
- Gums can overgrow.
- Veneers have caused an overgrowth.
This is an easy treatment to have done. At Sleep Dentistry Melbourne, we’re committed to it being 100 percent comfortable for you. A diode laser is used to easily remove excess tissue.
Relaxing Lip Muscles
Another reason people struggle with a gummy smile is simply that their lips go up too high, exposing a large area above their teeth. Innovation now allows us to use specific wrinkle relaxers to temporarily improve the appearance of a gummy smile because, when injected, they interfere with the signal telling the muscle to move.
If you’re struggling with a strong lip pull that exposes more of your mouth than you’re happy with, one quick treatment can resolve it. The wrinkle relaxer will be injected into the muscle surrounding your mouth in small amounts. This manipulates your smile so it shows only your beautiful teeth and not a lot of pink gums.
The results are transformative but temporary, lasting three to four months. Follow-up sessions can ensure you enjoy seamless results.
Botox
If your gummy smile is caused by overactive muscles, then your dentist may recommend a treatment called "Botox". This is the same treatment that is used for wrinkles and involves injections into the muscles that control the lips. This can help to relax the muscles so that less of your gum shows when you smile.
Make an Appointment to Sort Out Your Gummy Smile Today
If you are unhappy with your gummy smile, then get in touch to book an appointment. The team at our dental clinic can help to determine the cause of your problem and recommend the best treatment for you. Call the team at Sleep Dentistry Melbourne on 1300 255 600 or fill out our contact form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
