The gummy smile?
A gummy smile is a fairly common imperfection of the mouth, characterized by excessive exposure of the gums of the upper dental arch.
People with a gummy smile have a high smile line that inevitably exposes the gums too much.
What are the causes of a gingival smile?
Among the main causes of this disorder are
- Lack of complete eruption or impaired passive eruption
- The short upper lip
- Excessive prominence of the jawbone
- Hyperactivity of the upper lip elevator muscles
Why is a gummy smile a problem?
Especially in adults, the gummy smile is a problem that should not be neglected if it becomes a cause of anxiety and discomfort in the relationship with oneself and with others: those who are afraid to smile do not live serenely.
In general, people with gummy smiles tend not to smile because they are unsure of their appearance, even though they often have perfectly white teeth. In fact, a gummy smile has nothing to do with the health of the teeth and mouth; it is an aesthetic problem.
Gummy smile sufferers may feel uncomfortable because they know they don't have an ideal smile.
Correction of gingival smile: How is it done?
To correct a gummy smile, it is advisable to consult a specialist, whose task is to restore the balance and proportion of the visible parts of the teeth and gums.
The effective solution can be surgical or non-surgical.
Non-surgical solution
There are some non-surgical treatment options to correct a gummy smile. Here are some of the most common non-surgical options:
- Botulinum toxin injection: Injecting botulinum toxin into the muscles responsible for raising the upper lip can help reduce the amount of gum tissue exposed during the smile. This option is usually temporary and requires follow-up injections to maintain results.
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Orthodontics: If the cause of the gummy smile is related to misaligned teeth, orthodontic correction may be recommended. Orthodontic devices, such as aligners, can help move teeth into the proper position and improve the gum line.
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Clear aligner orthodontics: Treatments such as Invisalign, which use clear aligners, can help move teeth into a more appropriate position, which can reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
It is important to consult with a qualified dentist or orthodontist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your particular case. They will be able to assess the cause of your gummy smile and recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and aesthetic goals.
Surgical Solution
Gingival smile correction can be achieved with a surgical procedure called gingivoplasty or gingivectomy. During this procedure, a portion of the gum tissue covering the teeth is removed to reduce the appearance of the gums in the smile.
The procedure usually involves the use of a local anesthetic to numb the area of the mouth, and then a small scalpel or laser is used to remove the excess gum tissue. Depending on the amount of correction needed, the procedure may be performed on one or more teeth.
It is important to consult with a qualified dentist or dental surgeon to determine if gingivectomy is appropriate for your particular situation. They will be able to assess the amount of gum tissue to be removed and discuss the potential risks associated with the surgical procedure.
