At first glance, it may seem that a patient has a gummy smile because of small teeth, but this normally is not the case. Most gummy smiles are a result of gums covering up too much of the upper tooth. Smiles that have a disproportionate balance between teeth and gums can detract from a person’s appearance or make someone feel embarrassed to show their teeth. Fortunately, there are multiple procedures for eliminating that extra gum tissue.
Causes of a gummy smile
In a regular dental checkup, a dentist can identify the specific reason for a patient’s gummy smile. From there, the dentist can offer treatments that will work well for that patient. The ability to receive gum treatment may depend on oral health, including the stability of teeth in the mouth and the structure of the jawbone.
Overgrown gums
Gums that are overgrown are the most common cause of a gummy smile. Excessive gums can grow lower than the normal gumline on crowns, creating the false impression of small teeth. Several medications can cause gum tissue to grow more, but often people suffer from too much gum tissue because of genetics. In some cases, the gums may be inflamed, which indicates the onset of gum disease. Since this disease can be disastrous to oral health over time, a dentist may recommend gum treatment to eliminate hidden plaque causing the problem.
Lip muscles
Occasionally, the problem is not in the gums but in the lip muscles. When these muscles are hyperactive, they can pull the lips up too far when a person smiles. This reveals an unusual amount of gum tissue to create that unwanted smile. Treatments for this focus on controlling the lip muscles rather than doing anything to the gums.
Dental misalignments
If any bones or muscles relating to the mouth are misaligned, the impacts may show in the smile. Gums may be more visible if someone suffers from an extreme overbite, in which the teeth naturally protrude and pull the lips back during a grin or laugh.
Treatments
Understanding how each treatment works to fix individual problems can help patients make informed decisions on the right one. Not all treatments benefit each problem, and some patients may require more than one treatment to ensure the desired result.
Gum reshaping and crown lengthening
By scraping away the excess gum on each tooth, a dentist can remove the gummy part of a smile and form an entirely new gumline that is even and balanced. This also reveals more of each crown, making them appear longer.
Lip modifications
Injections into the lip muscles can help relax and control them to prevent an overly-large smile. Muscles may continue to be injected until they only reveal the proper amount of teeth and gums.
Braces
If a jutting jawbone is the problem, braces can work to rework a person’s bite. This straightens misaligned teeth, corrects overbites or underbites, and removes the look of excess gums.
Conclusion
Consulting with a dentist is a good way to discover options for any problems leading to a problem smile. From there, patients can decide what treatment route to take.
Like tooth decay, gum disease is preventable. You can avoid serious oral health problems by improving a few habits and being more diligent about your dental care. Gum disease can affect people of all ages. It can also contribute to infections, tooth loss, and other concerns. Your dentist can help you avoid this condition and…
Gum disease is usually fairly painless and it progresses slowly. That means it can easily become advanced before you even realize what is happening. The result is that your gums will begin to deteriorate and your teeth may become loose in the sockets. The good news is that you can follow some easy hygiene tips…
Many oral health problems may cause long-lasting damage, and one of the most troublesome issues is gum disease. This condition, which is typically caused by infrequent or incorrect brushing and flossing, chronic illnesses and certain lifestyle choices, can cause pain, swelling and eventual tooth loss. Inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis, can strike almost anyone,…
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums and the tissues surrounding it, which is caused primarily by poor oral hygiene. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 80 percent of adults have some form of gum disease, and over 90 percent of those who have it do not know they…
A trip to the dentist shouldn't be a source of dread for children. However, dental anxiety is a common concern among young patients. The unfamiliar sounds, sights, and procedures can be overwhelming, leading to fear and tears. The good news is that there are steps you, as a parent or caregiver, can take to prevent…
While brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining a healthy smile, some people seem to be more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease than others. This can lead to the question: do genes play a role in tooth disorders? The answer is yes, genetics do influence our oral health, but it's…