We’re pretty used to seeing the normal, average smile in our daily lives. 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 a gummy smile. This condition causes an excess of gum tissue noticeable when you smile, also known clinically as a gingival display.

Quite honestly, 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 giving it a go 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 out to understand 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 take a look at 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. A poor bite occurs when your top jaw does not fit properly with your bottom jaw.

A poor bite can lead to various issues, including jaw pain, misaligned teeth, and a gummy smile. A gummy appearance is most 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. The top lip can lift and expose gum tissue as a result of repeated misuse of those muscles.

Overgrowth of gum tissue

Having 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, infection of the gums can make it appear as if there is too much gum tissue when the infection has created inflammation, and the swelling has covered too much 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:

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, causing the quantity of gum tissue visible when smiling to be reduced. Wear and even genetics can contribute to this. Veneers, also known as dental crowns, are simple dental restorations that lengthen your teeth. This will help balance your teeth and gums, resulting in a less gummy grin.
Crown-lengthening surgery: You can get surgery to lengthen your teeth if your teeth 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.

If you have a gummy smile and want to know more about your options to address it, talk to a dentist. Trust Dental Care will recommend the best treatment option for you based on your specific case.

Our facilities, technology, and dental specialists are ready to help you achieve the smile you have in mind. Call us today to schedule your first appointment.