What is a Gummy Smile?

It is an excessive gingival display in which the individual shows an abnormal amount of gums while smiling, usually more than 4 mm.

What causes a Gummy Smile?

One or multiple factors can contribute to this effect:

⦁ Teeth that appear short because they erupted improperly and remain partially covered by gum tissue;

⦁ Teeth that are small in comparison to the gums due to genetics or wear;

⦁ An upper lip that is too short;

⦁ A hyperactive upper lip that is normal in length when the face is resting but lifts too high when smiling exposing a lot of gum tissue;

⦁ Gums that are long or enlarged, known as gingival hypertrophy;

⦁ An overgrowth of the upper jaw, called vertical maxillary excess.

How can a Gummy Smile be corrected?

The procedure involves different approaches depending on the method. Some cases need more than one option at the same time.

Conservative Methods:

Releveling of the gum/ lengthening of the teeth by Laser

If the gums are too long or thick they may cover the teeth making them appear short. The solution can be either a “Gingivoplasty” or a “Re-leveling” procedure, both performed with the use of Laser to remove the excess gum, or even a “Teeth Lenghtening” procedure which involves capping the teeth with porcelain crowns or laminate lenses. All procedures are quick and painless.

Injections of Botox/Fillers

Whether it is too short or hypermobile, the upper lip can unattractively expose gums creating a Gummy Smile. This unaesthetism can be easily eliminated by Botox injections in selected areas to temporarily restrict the upper lip’s muscles movement (lasts about 6 months) and/or Filler injections to slightly increase the lip’s volume.

SURGICAL METHODS:

Upper lip Repositioning Surgery:

This procedure permanently stabilizes the movement of the upper lip, preventing it from moving too high and the procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

Orthognatic Surgery:

In some cases, the upper jaw (maxilla) is too protruding. The best approach to resolve it is to perform an Osteotomy or “Orthognatic Surgery”, i.e. a reposition of the upper jaw in its normal place, in order to restore functionality of the bite and attractiveness of the face as a whole. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.

How long will Gummy Smile correction last?

Depends on the method chosen by you and your doctor. It can be either a temporary or a permanent solution. Discuss all your concerns with your caregiver to fully understand all the possible procedures and their outcome