Gummy Smile | Best Dental Clinics in Bellandur, Bangalore | Nelivigi Dental Clinic

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. A good set of teeth gives a confident smile. A smile looks most attractive if the complete length of the teeth is seen with 1-2mm of gum display. But when an excessive amount of gum is displayed on talking or smiling it may look unaesthetic. This excessive gingival display on smiling is called a Gummy Smile.

Causes:

1. Short upper lip
2. Vertical maxillary excess
3. Hyperfunction of Upper lip musculature
4. Small teeth

Treatment:

Treatment of Gummy Smile depends on the cause for the same.

1. Cosmetic surgery:

Some people have an upturned nose or a short upper lip exposing a lot of gums on smiling. In these patients, a surgical technique called "lip lengthening procedure" can be undertaken. It is a safe and minor surgical procedure. However, the results may not be long-lasting and there are high chances of relapse. That’s the reason why it is not a commonly accepted procedure.

1. Orthodontics:

If a patient has dental vertical excess orthodontic treatment can be done where the intrusion of the upper teeth can be achieved to reduce the amount of gingival display. However, there is a limit to the amount of intrusion that can be achieved. If a patient has vertical maxillary excess (bony excess) orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery can be undertaken to reduce the gummy smile. In this process, the maxilla is cut and repositioned at a higher level. This is a more stable surgical procedure and gives good results.

1. Botox Injections:

If a patient has hyperactive muscles then some stripping of the muscles can be done where they can reduce the elevation of the lip as a surgical procedure.

The same effect can be got by injecting Botox into the upper lip. Hence this is more commonly accepted treatment modality. The procedure takes only about 15-20 mins and no surgery is involved. It includes injecting Botox to specific areas of the lip. It is low cost as compared to surgery however the results may last up to 4-6 months and requires to be redone depending on the need. Botox helps reduce the muscle hyperactivity and hence the amount of gingival display.

1. Crown Lengthening Procedures:

If the patient has a clinical small crown height, then the height of the crown can be surgically increased so that the gum length exposure can be reduced.

Clinically small crown height can be an issue in a delayed eruption of teeth and reduced passive eruption. In these situations, the gum tissue covering the neck of the tooth will be excised with some gingival bone contouring if required.

Hence there various ways by which we can reduce the gummy smile.

Please consult your dentist to know what treatment plan would be suggested for your problem. A gummy smile is correctable to give you a confident promising smile.

1. Crown Lengthening Procedures:

If the patient has a clinical small crown height, then the height of the crown can be surgically increased so that the gum length exposure can be reduced.

Clinically small crown height can be an issue in a delayed eruption of teeth and reduced passive eruption. In these situations, the gum tissue covering the neck of the tooth will be excised with some gingival bone contouring if required.

Hence there various ways by which we can reduce the gummy smile.

Please consult your dentist to know what treatment plan would be suggested for your problem. A gummy smile is correctable to give you a confident promising smile.

To know more, visit: www.nelivigidentalclinic.com

Dr. Nandini Nelivigi completed her Bds in the year 1997 and Mds in the year 2002 securing the Second rank at the University during Graduation and Topping Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences during Post Graduation.