Too Much Gum Tissue Showing?
Rebalance And Restore Gummy Smiles
A great smile has many elements. It’s noticeably healthy and attractive. The teeth are all aligned, shiny, and whole. But there’s another aspect to a smile that many people don’t think of besides the teeth: the surrounding gum tissue. Gums don’t just provide a protective barrier for your teeth; they contribute to your smile. Ideally, they feel comfortable, maintain a healthy shade of pink, and are in good proportion to the teeth they protect. If they dominate your smile or make you feel self-conscious, you may need treatment for a gummy smile in Miami, FL.
As the acknowledged experts in gum health, periodontists are your specialists of choice for gummy smile treatment. They’re trained to address a variety of health, functional and esthetic issues related to the soft tissues and beyond. This training includes three years of advanced, post-dental school education in the form of a residency. Using that background, a periodontist helps create more balanced smiles every day with a gummy smile reversal procedure known as “gum recontouring.”
Gummy Smile – Before & After Results
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Before
After
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The Perfect Teeth-To-Gum Ratio In One Day
Highly effective cosmetic dentistry treatments, gum contouring, and crown lengthening make your teeth appear longer and your gums appear shorter, though your teeth will stay the same size. What’s more, we can typically complete your gummy smile treatment in just one office visit! For the procedure, we carefully remove the necessary amount of gum tissue from the base of your teeth. During this process, we take special care to maintain the natural curved shape of your gums around the teeth, removing the minimum amount of tissue possible to achieve the more pleasing teeth-to-gum ratio you desire.
We may remove excess gum tissue for other non-cosmetic reasons, such as creating room for dental crown placement or orthodontia or for deep cleaning. Removing this excess gum tissue can actually help you maintain proper oral health and limit your risk of oral decay. Whether your motivation is how you look or something else, we know how to fix your gummy smile!
Ready for a healthier smile? Get started today.
Schedule a personalized consultation with our periodontal and implant specialists in Miami.
Life With A New Gumline
Gum recontouring provides immediately visible results and many other benefits, including:
A harmonious, balanced smile
A flattering tooth-to-gum ratio
Greater self-confidence
Decreased risk of developing tooth decay
Gummy Smile FAQs
What causes a gummy smile?
When smiling, a gummy smile occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth. Common causes include abnormal tooth eruption, excessive gum tissue growth, hyperactive upper lip muscles, or a jawbone positioned too high. Sometimes, genetics plays a role; other times, it may be linked to gum disease or certain medications that cause gum overgrowth. Lifestyle factors such as poor oral hygiene can also contribute to unhealthy gums, which might exaggerate the appearance of a gummy smile.
What is considered a normal gum-to-tooth ratio?
A normal smile typically shows about 1 to 2 millimeters of gum above the upper teeth. The teeth should be the main focus, with just a small amount of gum visible. If more than 3 millimeters of gum tissue is exposed, it is often considered a gummy smile. This ratio can vary slightly between individuals, but maintaining a balanced gum-to-tooth ratio is important for an aesthetically pleasing smile.
Is a gummy smile harmful to dental health?
A gummy smile is a cosmetic concern rather than a dental health issue. However, in some cases, excessive gum tissue can make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene, potentially increasing the risk of gum disease. If the gummy smile is caused by gum overgrowth due to medication or inflammation, it’s important to address the underlying issue to protect oral health.
What treatments are available to fix a gummy smile?
Treatment depends on the cause of the gummy smile. Options include gum contouring or gingivectomy to remove excess gum tissue, orthodontic treatment to adjust tooth positioning, Botox injections to reduce upper lip movement, or orthognathic surgery to correct jawbone alignment. Your dentist or periodontist will recommend the best approach based on your situation. Sometimes, a combination of treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
Are there non-invasive options to reduce gum visibility when smiling?
Yes, some non-invasive treatments can help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. Botox injections are commonly used to relax the muscles that elevate the upper lip too much. This treatment temporarily reduces gum exposure when smiling and typically lasts several months. However, Botox does not address structural causes and may need to be repeated. Other options like dental veneers or crowns can help improve tooth appearance, indirectly drawing attention away from the gums.
Is recovery from gummy smile surgery quick?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure. Minor gum contouring usually involves minimal discomfort and heals within one to two weeks. More invasive procedures, such as jaw surgery, may require several weeks to months for full recovery.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for gummy smile treatment?
A good candidate for treatment is someone concerned about excessive gum visibility when smiling and who has good oral and general health overall. Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination, including evaluating your gum tissue, teeth, jaw alignment, and muscle function. This assessment helps determine the cause of your gummy smile and the most effective treatment options.
