A gummy smile, where too much gum shows when smiling, can affect self-esteem, hindering your ability to smile freely. Fortunately, there are several treatments for this problem.

Gummy Smile Treatment Options

The type of treatment depends on the underlying cause of the gummy smile, which could be due to excess gum tissue, short teeth, jaw protrusion, or issues with lip muscles. 

A consultation with a dental expert will help determine the most suitable procedure for your specific case. The available treatments include:

1- Crown Lengthening

If your teeth appear short because they are covered by excess gum tissue, "crown lengthening" may be the ideal solution. In this procedure, excess gum and sometimes bone are removed and reshaped to expose more of the teeth natural structure. This can be performed on one or multiple teeth along the gum line for a uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile. (1)(2)

The steps involved in the crown lengthening procedure include the following: (2)

• Small incisions are made in the gum and lifted aside.
• The underlying bone is reshaped so that the gum tissue can be maintained in its new place.
• The new gum line is reshaped and secured with stitches.
• The surgical site is then sutured.

2- Gingivectomy

For cases involving gum overgrowth, a gingivectomy may be recommended. This is a simple and quick surgery that could be done in one session, taking about an hour or more, depending on the number of teeth that are involved.

Traditional methods of gingivectomy involve using a surgical scalpel to remove the excess gum tissue and sometimes a small amount of bone, before stitching the wound closed. Today, laser techniques are more frequently used to reshape the gum while simultaneously closing the wound without stitches.

Healing usually takes about a week, during which the gums start to recover, and the final results begin to appear. (3)

3- Botox Injections

If a gummy smile is due to overactive upper lip muscles, Botox injections may be an effective option. A small dose of Botox is injected into the muscles to limit their movement, reducing the gum’s exposure when smiling.

Results typically last 3–6 months, and further treatment every 6-12 months may be required for consistent results. (4)

4- Lip Fillers

In certain cases, lip fillers can be used to add volume to the upper lip, effectively reducing the appearance of the gums when smiling.

Depending on the severity of the condition, a specific amount of filler is injected to enhance the lip's fullness and cover the gums. (5)

5- Braces

Braces can be a solution for mild to moderate cases of gummy smiles caused by misalignment of the teeth or jaw. Correcting the positioning of the teeth can reduce gum prominence when smiling. (4)

6- Other Solutions

• Veneers: These can be used to lengthen the appearance of the teeth, covering more of the gum when smiling.
• Lip Surgery: Surgical procedures can adjust the movement or shape of the upper lip to limit gum exposure during a smile.
• Jaw Surgery: In complex cases, where the upper jaw is excessively large, jaw surgery may be necessary to reduce the jaw’s prominence and improve the smile. (6)

Say goodbye to gummy smiles and hello to a confident, charming smile! Our advanced dental procedures at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital deliver long-lasting, natural results. Schedule your appointment today.

Summary

The appropriate treatment for a gummy smile depends on the underlying cause. Common treatment methods include:

References

1. American Academy of Periodontology - Surgical Periodontal Procedures
2. Colgate - What Is Crown Lengthening?
3. Cleveland Clinic - Gingivectomy
4. Colgate - 3 Treatment Options For A Gummy Smile
5.  Dr Kathryn Aesthetics & Skincare - Will Lip Fillers Help a Gummy Smile
6. Oasis Dental Studio - How to Fix a Gummy Smile: Causes and Treatment