TL;DR:
- What is a gummy smile? A condition where gums are overexposed (more than 3 mm) when smiling; affects more women and creates a disproportion between gums and teeth.
- Causes: Includes excessive upper lip activity, genetics, malocclusion, small teeth, short crowns, delayed tooth eruption, thin upper lip, and excessive jawbone growth.
- Treatment options:
- Orthodontics: Braces used for malocclusion to shift teeth; best results in children/teenagers (long-term).
- Botox: Temporarily reduces excessive lip lifting; quick procedure with effects lasting ~6 months.
- Gingivectomy: Laser surgery to eliminate excess gums and lengthen tooth crowns; requires X-rays and pre-procedure prep.
- Importance of treatment: Improves aesthetics, prevents gum dryness, and reduces inflammation risk, benefiting appearance and health.
Everyone dreams of a healthy and beautiful smile, which is influenced by many factors. A smile not only boosts self-confidence, but also makes it easier to make friends and show joy. Sometimes it happens that the smile is too wide, making the gums clearly visible. Such an affliction is sometimes a complex for many people and effectively discourages a sincere smile. Fortunately, people struggling with gummy smile, or gummy smile, can take the help of medicine to get rid of this problem.
What exactly is a gummy smile?
A smile during which the gums are overexposed is referred to as gummy smile. A gummy smile is stated when the upper lip exposes the gums by more than 3 mm when smiling. Gummy smile affects many people, but it is more commonly diagnosed in women. If the gums are visible too much, there is a disproportion between the teeth, which appear too small in relation to the pink gums. Because of this, many people feel uncomfortable and embarrassed from smiling honestly and broadly.
What is the cause of gummy smile formation?
A gummy smile can be caused by many factors. It is important to correctly diagnose the cause of its formation. Among the most common are excessive upper lip activity and genetic conditions. In addition, it happens that malocclusion, as well as small teeth and short clinical crowns of teeth promote the formation of a gummy smile. If the teeth erupt too late or the upper lip is too small in volume, then a conch smile is also accentuated In addition, excessive growth of the jawbone makes the jaw too vertical in dimension, so that the gums are also overexposed.
How to treat a gummy smile?
Modern medicine and dentistry can effectively reduce the visibility of the gums when smiling. However, the key element when treating gummy smile is to determine the cause of its formation. Only after a correct diagnosis will it be possible to begin effective treatment. If the cause of gummy smile is malocclusion, then orthodontic treatment is used. Properly selected at an early age, orthodontic braces allow intrusion, i.e. shifting of the front teeth, which allows correction of overly visible gums. However, it is important to remember that this is a long-term process, and visible results are usually possible in children and teenagers.
Botox as an aid in the fight against gummy smile
Aesthetic medicine also allows for effective reduction of horse smile, all thanks to the well-known botox – butolinium toxin. It is injected within the wings of the nose. Its purpose is to inhibit the muscle contraction that causes excessive lifting of the upper lip and exposure of the gums. The first effects are visible practically immediately after the procedure, which takes several minutes. Treatment of gummy smile with Botox usually lasts up to 6 months. After this time, the treatment should be repeated.
Gingivectomy
Another method to get rid of a gummy smile is gingiwectomy, or gum plication. The procedure mainly consists of lengthening the crowns and eliminating overextended sections of gums. The procedure is carried out under local or general anesthesia. Before it begins, it is necessary to remove excess tartar, as well as an extensive history and preliminary examination. Above all, before the gingivectomy, each patient must have current X-rays of the jaw. The procedure itself is performed with the help of a laser, so it is quick and precise.
Why opt for gummy smile treatment?
It is also worth bearing in mind that over-exposed gums are not only an aesthetic issue, but also a health issue. In the case of a gummy smile, the mucous membrane often dries out. This, in turn, can affect the formation and recurrence of inflammation. Therefore, regardless of age, it is worth taking the help of specialists to not only get rid of complexes, but also to take care of your own health.
Conclusion
A gummy smile doesn't have to hold you back. Understanding its causes, from genetics to dental issues, is the first step. Modern treatments like orthodontics, Botox, or gingivectomy offer effective solutions tailored to your needs. Beyond aesthetics, addressing a gummy smile can improve your oral health and confidence. Consult a specialist to choose the best approach for your situation. A confident, healthy smile is worth pursuing—don’t let gums overshadow your happiness.
