A gummy smile is an aesthetic condition where an individual shows excessive gum tissue when smiling. While it’s not a medical issue, it can affect a person's confidence and aesthetic appearance.
Several factors can cause a gummy smile, including:
- Delayed Gum Recession: Sometimes the gums fail to move to their proper position during development, remaining lower and covering part of the tooth, making the teeth appear shorter.
- Hyperactive Upper Lip Muscle: Overactivity of the muscle that raises the upper lip can reveal more gum tissue when smiling.
- Jaw and Teeth Alignment: Misalignment of the upper jaw may contribute to a gummy smile.
Treatment options for a gummy smile depend on its cause and severity. They include:
- Gingivectomy: Surgical removal of excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth.
- Crowns or Veneers: If teeth are small, crowns or veneers can be used to elongate their appearance.
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Botox can relax the upper lip muscle, reducing gum exposure.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontics can help reposition the jaw or teeth to improve smile aesthetics.
- Lip Repositioning: This aesthetic surgery aims to reduce excessive gum exposure during a smile by repositioning the upper lip. The procedure is increasingly popular as it offers a permanent solution for individuals seeking to improve their smile’s appearance.
Lip repositioning involves adjusting the upper lip to cover more of the gums when smiling. During the procedure, the surgeon removes a small section of mucosal tissue from the inner upper lip near the teeth, then sutures the lip into a lower position. This reduces upper lip movement when smiling, thereby limiting gum visibility.
The procedure is typically simple, performed under local anesthesia, and requires minimal recovery time. Patients may experience mild discomfort for a few days, but most can resume their usual activities quickly. Results are generally permanent, though additional treatment may sometimes be needed.
Lip repositioning is ideal for individuals whose gummy smile is due to an overactive upper lip or low lip positioning relative to the gums. However, it’s not suitable for all cases, such as when the gummy smile stems from other anatomical or orthodontic factors.
A detailed evaluation by a specialized dentist or oral surgeon is crucial before the procedure to ensure it is the appropriate solution for the specific issue.
The goal is to achieve a balanced, attractive smile that meets the patient's expectations.