Treatment Options for Fixing a Gummy Smile

When your smile shows way too much of your gum line, it’s only natural to feel self-conscious or embarrassed. Whether your gummy smile is caused by an incorrect bite, jaw development issue, or a hyperactive or overly short upper lip, your dentist can help you fix it. Depending on your circumstance, they may recommend gum surgery in Solana or other non-surgical options.

Methods for Fixing a Gummy Smile 

There isn’t a set definition for a gummy smile because you’d know it when you see it. However, most people think that the most attractive smiles have two millimeters or less of gum tissue showing. If you’re worried about your gummy smile, your dentist can evaluate your teeth, gums, and lips before presenting you with these surgical and non-surgical options for correcting it.  

Root Planing and Scaling 

Also known as deep cleaning, scaling and root planing refers to a non-surgical periodontal treatment that aims to restore gum health and eliminate tooth surface elements that can cause gum inflammation.  

During the process, your dental care provider removes built-up plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line. Since this procedure allows your dentist to reach down deep into your gum pockets, it changes the gum line and helps reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.   

Orthodontic Treatment

Your dentist might suggest orthodontic treatment if an improper bite or jaw issue led to your gummy smile. Besides addressing these underlying causes, correcting a misaligned smile will cause your gums to appear flat, more even, and less pronounced. 

Dental Veneers or Crowns

If your gummy smile isn’t caused by significant underlying issues, your dental care provider may recommend dental veneers or crowns. Veneers are custom-made, ultra-thin porcelain or resin-based composite shells your dentist places on the front parts of teeth.  

Alternatively, crowns are “caps” placed over teeth to completely cover their visible portion above the gum line. Once attached to your teeth, both cosmetic dental treatments that involve relatively non-invasive procedures can lessen the appearance of your gummy smile by making your teeth look longer, larger, and more proportionate to your gums. 

Botox®

If your hyperactive upper lip is the underlying cause of your gummy smile, your dental care provider may recommend injecting Botox® into your upper lip. Since this treatment limits your upper lip’s range of movement, it will fix your gummy smile issue. 

Crown Lengthening Procedure

If you prefer a surgical procedure, your dentist may also suggest gum surgery to enhance your gum line cosmetically. Also known as gingivectomy, this crown-lengthening treatment exposes more of your natural teeth by removing gum tissue from them. Unlike veneers or crowns that make your natural teeth appear proportionate to your gums, a gingivectomy reduces the gum tissue you have to make your teeth appear longer and more proportional. 

Laser Gum Contouring

Although laser gum contouring is similar to a gingivectomy, it uses dental diode lasers or soft-tissue lasers to move back your gum line and reshape your gum line for cosmetic and aesthetic purposes. However, it’s important to note that your mouth and gum shape determine the amount of gum tissue that your dentist removes.

Considering Gum Surgery in Solana?

At Inspire Smiles, we’re an elite multi-specialty dental practice in Solana Beach that has been transforming the experience of dentistry since 2000. Contact us today to make an appointment.