What Causes a Gummy Smile?
We’re used to seeing the usual, average smile daily. In fact, as a society, we find Hollywood or influencer types of smiles more beautiful and desirable.
This beauty standard might be very tough on those with gummy smiles. Is a condition that causes an excess of gum tissue to be noticeable when you smile, also known clinically as a gingival display.
Your opinion matters the most when determining if a gummy smile is an issue.
If it’s affecting your self-confidence or you think fixing it will make you feel better, then it’s worth trying and exploring your alternatives.
To know how to fix a gummy smile, you must understand why it happens in the first place. That’s why, in this article, I’ll help you know where your gummy smile might come from and give you a hand to decide whether you want to roll with it or fix it.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile originates from a variety of factors. Some result from how we care for our teeth, and there isn’t much we can do to prevent them from damaging our smiles. Let’s examine the top three reasons behind a gummy smile.
Unaligned bite
A poor bite is one of those bothersome hereditary things that might produce a gummy smile. Occurs when your top jaw does not fit properly with your bottom jaw.
Also can lead to various issues, including jaw pain, misaligned teeth, and a gummy smile. A gummy appearance is typically caused by a poor bite that causes the upper jaw to stick out further than it should.
Hyperactive upper lip
Another genetic factor contributing to gummy grins is a condition known as a hyperactive upper lip.
The muscles in your upper lip and under the nose become hyperactive, resulting in a hyperactive lip. Repeated misuse of those muscles can lift the top lip and expose gum tissue.
Overgrowth of gum tissue
Too much gum tissue is probably the most common cause of a gummy smile. Occasionally, with the eruption of permanent teeth, gum tissue overgrowth covers too much of the teeth.
The effect will be a gummy look. On the other hand, gum infection can make it appear as if there is too much gum tissue when the infection has created inflammation, and the swelling has covered too many of the teeth.
How to Fix a Gummy Smile
You can fix your gummy smile in different ways. However, the best treatment option for you will depend on the fundamental source of the cause. The following are six therapy options:
Unaligned bite
- Orthodontics: If your gummy grin is modest and comes from orthodontic disorders like a poor bite or minor jaw abnormalities, orthodontic appliances may be what you need.
- Dental veneers: Some patients believe their top teeth are too short, reducing the quantity of gum tissue visible when smiling. Wear and even genetics can contribute to this. Veneers, also known as dental crowns, are simple dental restorations that lengthen teeth. This will help balance teeth and gums, resulting in a less gummy grin.
- Crown-lengthening surgery: You can get surgery to lengthen your teeth if they haven’t fully erupted (causing them to appear short). Gum tissue and bone are removed to expose more of the tooth and allow the gums to retreat to their proper place.
- Lip augmentation: When you smile, more of your gum will be exposed if you have a short or hyperactive top lip. Lip repositioning surgery is a viable alternative to more sophisticated jaw surgery for making your smile less gummy.
- Gingivectomy: Some people have an overabundance of gum tissue. If this is the case, you can get a gingivectomy, which involves the removal of extra gum tissue and reshaping the remaining tissue to reveal more of your teeth.
Contact Us
Talk to a dentist if you have a gummy smile and want to know more about your options to address it. Trust Dental Care will recommend the best treatment option for your specific case.
Our facilities, technology, and dental specialists are ready to help you achieve the smile you want. Call us today to schedule your first appointment.