Gummy smile treatment is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to enhance the alignment of the gums, teeth, and lips when excessive gum tissue is visible when smiling. Whitening will lighten the colour of teeth, but will not change the shape of the gums, tooth proportions, lip movement, or address the underlying cause of a gummy smile.
Key Takeaways:
- Gummy smile treatment involves balancing the gum-to-tooth ratio rather than the colour of the teeth.
- Excess gum tissue, short-looking teeth, lip movement, bite position, jaw growth, or even gum overgrowth are all reasons why a gummy smile may occur.
- When teeth appear shorter due to excess gum tissue, gum contouring, including laser gum contouring, may be helpful.
- If the positioning of the jaw, the motion of the lips and complex anatomy are present, gummy smile surgery or specialist referral might be required.
- The most effective gummy smile treatment will vary depending on the dental exam, smile assessment, and cosmetic goals.
What Is Gummy Smile Treatment?
Cosmetic dentistry, which focuses on reducing the appearance of excess gum tissue or enhancing the aesthetics of the gums, teeth, and lips, is known as gummy smile treatment. This may include gum contouring, laser gum contouring, crown lengthening, veneers, orthodontics, or referral for more complex treatment.
A gummy smile doesn’t always translate to unhealthy teeth. Many people just feel that their smile exposes more gum than they would like. Others see their teeth appear shorter, even if they are of normal length.
The first step to cosmetic dentistry for a gummy smile is to know why the gums are showing. That is important because the proper treatment for excess gum tissue is not the same as the proper treatment for lip motion, tooth positioning, or jaw-related problems.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Excess gum tissue, short-looking teeth, changes in tooth eruption, a high-moving upper lip, bite problems, growth of the upper jaw, and overgrown gums are some of the causes of a gummy smile. A simple gum reshaping or a more detailed plan will be necessary, depending on the cause.
In some patients, part of the teeth is hidden under the gum tissue, making the teeth appear smaller than they really are. Others have an upper lip that lifts higher than average when smiling. In some cases, the way the upper jaw developed can make more gum tissue visible.
Gummy smiles are not unusual. One peer-reviewed study notes that excessive gum display has been reported in 10.5%–29% of young adults, with a higher frequency in women.
Common causes include:
- Extra gum tissue covering part of the teeth
- Teeth that look short because of gum coverage
- A high smile line
- A very active upper lip
- Bite or tooth position issues
- Gum swelling or overgrowth
- Jaw shape or skeletal factors
That’s why your dentist should check your smile line, bite, gums, and teeth before recommending treatment.
How Do Dentists Fix a Gummy Smile?
A dentist corrects a gummy smile by first identifying the cause and then determining the most suitable treatment. They will check your gum line, tooth length, bite, lip mobility, bone support, and the general proportions of your smile.
If gum tissue is predominantly in excess, gum contouring can be performed to refine the gum line and expose more of the natural tooth. If further tooth structure must be exposed, crown lengthening might be an option. If tooth position is part of the issue, orthodontic care such as Invisalign or braces may be discussed.
At You Make Me Smile, patients can begin with a cosmetic dental consultation through our clinic’s cosmetic dentistry services. The goal is not to choose the most aggressive treatment first; it is to choose the option that fits the cause.
Teeth Whitening vs Gummy Smile Treatment: What’s the Difference?
Teeth whitening changes the colour of your teeth, while gummy smile treatment changes the appearance of the gum-to-tooth balance. If your main concern is too much gum showing, whitening alone will not correct the proportion of your smile.
Whitening can be a great choice when teeth are stained or dull. However, if your teeth look short because of gum coverage, the issue is shape and proportion, not colour. In that case, gum reshaping, veneers, orthodontics, or another gummy smile correction option may be more appropriate.
Simple Comparison
| Concern | Whitening Helps? | Gummy Smile Treatment Helps? |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow or stained teeth | Yes | Not directly |
| Teeth look short | No | Often |
| Uneven gumline | No | Often |
| Too much gum shows | No | Often |
| Smile lacks balance | Sometimes | Often |
For patients who are unsure, it is best to begin with a full dental examination and then ask whether they would prefer teeth whitening or another cosmetic treatment that better aligns with their smile goals.
What Are the Best Gummy Smile Treatment Options?
Treatment options for the best gummy smile vary depending on the cause of the gummy smile. In more complex cases, a dentist may recommend a simple cosmetic procedure, orthodontic treatment, restorative dentistry, or a referral for gummy smile surgery.
Gum Contouring
The gum line is recontoured by removing or reshaping excess gum tissue. This can be appropriate when excessive gum tissue obscures the teeth or when the gum line appears irregular.
Laser Gum Contouring
In certain cases, laser gum contouring can be performed using dental laser technology to contour gum tissue. While it can help reduce bleeding and improve accuracy, not all gummy smiles can be treated with laser therapy.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening uncovers more tooth structure and may require the reshaping of gum tissue and sometimes bone. This can be beneficial if you have too much of the natural tooth covered up.
Veneers or Cosmetic Bonding
If there is a need to improve the shape, size, and/or proportion of the tooth as well, then veneers or bonding is an option. While they may not solve all gummy smile problems, they can be used as a comprehensive cosmetic strategy.
Orthodontics or Surgical Referral
If the gummy smile is caused by factors such as tooth position, bite, lip movement, or jaw structure, orthodontic treatment or gummy smile surgery may be discussed. You Make Me Smile offers a variety of dental treatments in Belleville and Trenton, and in some cases, it may be necessary to refer cases to specialty services.
How Much Does Gum Reshaping Cost?
The price for gum reshaping will depend on the number of teeth that need reshaping, the treatment technique, the complexity of the case, and any additional cosmetic or restorative procedures that may be required. A fixed price is difficult to give without an exam.
A small gum contouring treatment may cost less than crown lengthening or a multi-step plan involving veneers, orthodontics, or surgery. Laser gum contouring cost may also vary depending on the clinic, equipment, and extent of treatment.
When comparing “gummy smile treatment near me,” ask what the estimate includes. Statistics Canada found that 24% of Canadians aged 12 and older avoided visiting an oral health professional in the past year because of cost. Treatment goals should include informing the patient of the diagnosis, the procedure, what to expect during the healing process, follow-up treatment, and whether any other dental work is recommended.
Where Can You Get Gummy Smile Correction in Trenton?
Patients looking for gummy smile correction in Trenton can start with a cosmetic dental consultation at You Make Me Smile. We offer patient-focused dental services in Trenton, Belleville, Quinte West, and surrounding areas.
The first step if you’re considering gum contouring, gummy smile treatment, or cosmetic dentistry for gummy smile concerns is a smile assessment. The Trenton and Belleville dental offices can help you understand what’s feasible for your smile.
Conclusion
The treatment for a gummy smile is more than just teeth whitening; it involves the shape, balance, and proportions of your smile. However, the best approach depends on the cause of your gummy smile, your gum health, and whether the problem is with the tissue, teeth, lips, bite, or jaw position. At Trenton and Belleville, you Make Me Smile will help you navigate cosmetic dentistry options carefully and clearly. To learn which gummy smile treatment options are right for you, contact us today to book a consultation.
FAQs:
Can a dentist fix my gummy smile?
Yes, a dentist can often help improve a gummy smile, depending on the cause. Treatment may include gum contouring, laser gum contouring, crown lengthening, veneers, orthodontics, or a referral for further treatment. The appropriate option will depend on the condition of your gums, teeth, bite, lip mobility, and aesthetic goals.
Is gum contouring painful?
Local anaesthesia or comfort measures are typically used during gum contouring to reduce discomfort. There can be some tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity afterwards. Your dental staff will let you know what to expect, how to care for the area, and when to come back for follow-up.
How long does gum contouring take to heal?
The healing process after gum contouring varies depending on the amount of tissue reshaped and the extent of the treatment, whether minor or more extensive. Some patients notice improvement after a few days, though the gum line may take longer to settle. Your dentist will give you post-procedure guidelines tailored to the procedure you’ve had.
Is gummy smile treatment worth it?
If you feel that too much gum showing affects your smile balance, confidence, or cosmetic goals, gummy smile treatment may be beneficial. When the treatment and cause are the same, it is most worthwhile. The consultation will help you determine whether gum contouring, orthodontics, veneers, or another option is the best fit.
How much does gum reshaping cost?
The cost of gum reshaping varies depending on the unique characteristics of each smile. The cost may vary based on the number of teeth involved, whether laser gum contouring is appropriate, whether a crown lengthening procedure is required, and whether other cosmetic dentistry procedures are planned as part of the treatment.
