Due to gummy smiles being caused by one or more factors relating to the gums, teeth, jaw, or lips, each of these areas will require a different treatment. Treatment options for a gummy smile include, but are not limited to:
Lip Repositioning – This procedure permanently corrects a gummy smile caused by a hyperactive upper lip and natural upper lip positioning. A section of connective tissue is removed from inside the upper lip, limiting the movement of the hyperactive elevator muscles. The upper lip is fixed in a new, lower position, resulting in limited movement and a reduced display of the gums.
Crown Lengthening – When there is damage or caries below the gum line, the gum line is surgically repositioned to reveal more tooth structure. By lengthening the portion of the tooth that is visible in the mouth, shorter teeth appear longer, while damage beneath the gum line is repaired.
Botox – Botox treatments temporarily paralyze the elevator muscles in the lip, preventing the lip from moving too far over the gumline. Treatments are recommended every three to four months to maintain the gum-to-tooth ratio appearance.
Jaw Surgery – If the jaw is the cause of excessive gingival display, orthognathic surgery may be recommended. Jaw surgery can be used to balance the length of the upper and lower jaws or to reposition the jaw up and back to reduce the amount of gum visible when smiling.
Oral Surgery – This procedure, also known as gum contouring or gingivectomy, may be recommended by your preferred dentist if the gums cover too much of the tooth surface. The periodontist or surgeon will use a scalpel or laser to trim or reshape the gums, removing excess gum tissue and exposing more of the tooth’s surface.
