Gummy Smile

Many people are self-conscious about their smile, and even people with excellent teeth can have the same apprehension. For many, it is a condition most people refer to as a gummy smile. They are indeed very common, and many of those who have them do not know that the condition can be treated for better balanced exposure of the teeth and gums. Some people think too much gum is not as attractive as they would like, and it can impact how they interact with others in a variety of ways. The dentist in Encinitas at Solana Beach Dentistry understands how this affects those who have the condition and they can provide an effective plan of action.

Causes of Gummy Smile

A gummy smile condition is not necessarily bad from a health standpoint, it is mostly cosmeticIt is simply more tissue showing than teeth.  This condition is more common in females than males, and can even be associated with a shorter upper lip. More often than not, it is due to a condition called altered passive eruption. As the teeth are emerging into the mouth, the gum fails to recede to its proper position at the base of the crown leaving hidden enamel under the gum line.

Another possibility may be just a malposition of the upper jaw bone (maxilla). This may be due to genetics and there are a few syndromes associated with this as well.

Basic Treatment Options

One of the first non-invasive treatment options is braces. Braces can allow the teeth to continue to erupt and position themselves properly. This is also a gradual process that works best when addressed early in tissue exposure development. Another treatment option when too much gum is the issue is a gingivectomy, which is the removal of the excess gum covering the teeth that also reshapes the gum tissue around the tooth.. If teeth remain short looking, porcelain veneers can be placed to improve the overall proportions of an esthetic smile.

Complicated Cases

There are cases of gummy smile that require serious medical attention, including the repositioning of the lip or jaw Laser contouring of the tissue  can be used as a less invasive cosmetic approach, but serious and advanced cases will most likely result in a surgical procedure. Botox injections have been used on occasion in the upper lip to relax and restrain hyperactivity in the upper lip so it is able to rest lower on the teeth and gums.

Contact a La Costa Dental Professional

Your Carlsbad dentist at La Costa Dental can evaluate your gummy smile case and recommend a course of treatment that can result in more confidence and better overall oral health. Call or click today for an appointment.